By James Robert Shaw (The Wind up Geek)
In a land such as Japan where licensed characters are everywhere, from 66 Doraemon figures on display in Roppongi to the 18-metre tall Gundam in front of Diver City Tokyo, there are still places where licensed characters are still forbidden. In a posted YouTube video it was an empire built by a mouse that found its ears ringing after they asked to take part in a long-standing festival.
During last year’s Aomori Nebuta Matsuri, known for its lantern floats, The Walt Disney Company had created three floats, each float represented a Star Wars movie trilogy. According to the YouTube poster Ronin Dave, the Organizers of the Nebuta Matsuri denied Disney parade status because the floats were not traditional. With no privileges to take part in the festivities, Disney was still allowed to display their floats on the grounds of the local museum.
The Aomori Nebuta Festival is held annually in Aomori city, Aomori Prefecture, and is a celebration where enormous lantern floats made with bamboo framework and washi paper are carried through the city. The floats are flanked by large taiko drums, musicians, and dancers. The floats are carried in a procession every night from August 2-6 and on the day of the 7th. On the evening of the 7th a fireworks show is held to end the festival.
Source(s): Japan Specialist Facebook page and Ronin Dave.
Video Source(s): Ronin Dave.
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