“Akio” is a charming Akita dog character crafted by the JR Akita Branch Office to promote tourism information. For the very first time, this endearing character was transformed into a neputa float, adding a unique touch to the Hirosaki Neputa Festival, which took place from August 1 – 7, 2024.
Akio is easygoing and has a distinctive relaxing appearance. Together with “Tsuganyan,” a character cat living along the Tsugaru coast, Akio has gained popularity through various promotions on the JR Akita Branch’s social media and platforms.
The JR Akita Branch Office commissioned the production to the Tsugaru-han Neputa Village, a tourist center in Hirosaki City, Aomori Prefecture. While Tsuganyan‘s neputa was created twice before, this was the first time an Akio float was made. At the festival, Akio appeared as an opening character for the large neputa floats of the JR Station Front Area Neputa Enthusiasts Club.
The Akio neputa, adorned in a traditional cotton headband and a blue hanten jacket, was a sight to behold. At his feet were characters of Akita puppy twins who love natto, ‘Iso-kun‘ and ‘Furabon-chan.’ Tsuganyan‘s neputa, also in festival attire, was paraded alongside them.
The Akio neputa, which will be proudly displayed at JR Akita Station in the future, was crafted by Section Chief Takeshi Ishidoya (36) of Neputa Village in about two months. Chief Ishidoya shared, “It was a challenge to shape wire to replicate the roundness typical of an Akita dog. We stayed true to the character’s charm, and I truly hope residents of Akita will come to see it.”
