June Events
June is full of excitement from rituals to protect the rice from bugs to a celebration of America. There is really a lot happening this month so have a lot of fun and don’t forget Father’s Day on the 17th!
First Weekend
American Day (アメリカンデー)
What: An event in Misawa celebrating international exchange and the world’s biggest super-power.
Why: There will be American food, a motorcycle parade, a hot dog eating contest, a fitness contest, an America Vs. Japan basketball game and much more.
When: Sunday June 3rd The parade starts at 10:00 and events run until 4:00
Where: All over Misawa City
Cost: Free
Websites: Air Base site: http://www.misawa.af.mil/library/americanday2012.asp
Sports flyer: http://www.misawa.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-120523-043.jpg
Tourism site(Japanese): http://www.misawasi.com/modules/information/index.php?lid=128
Second Weekend
Auichi’s Bug Sending Festival (相内の虫送り)
What: A festival to protect the rice from bugs.
Why: There will be a parade and a fake sword dance(fight?) and it’s near lake jusan.
When: Saturday June 9th
Where: 青森県五所川原市相内
Cost: Free
Websites: Details: http://www.aptinet.jp/Detail_display_00002570.html
Third Weekend
Tsugaru-ben Stage Show and Contest (津軽弁大会)
What: A stage show where foreigners perform while speaking the local Tsugaru dialect.
Why: All entrants will receive a prize! Come show off or watch your fellow language learners sing, dance, and speak Tsugaru-ben. There will be a party afterwards, but you must register for it.
When: Saturday June 16th, 3:00pm – 5:00pm
Where: Tsurata Town Hall (鶴田町役場)
Cost: Free
Websites: Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/events/162789547176001/
Bug and Fire Festival (虫と火まつり)
What: A festival and parade to send away the bugs and hope for a good rice harvest.
Why: There will be a parade with dancing and people carrying torches twice the size of humans and in the evening there will be a bonfire/bug removal ritual.
When: Saturday June 16th
Where: The parade will be through downtown Goshogawara and the ritual will be in the dry riverbed.
Cost: Free
Websites: Official(Japanese): http://goshojc.sakura.ne.jp/2012_mushi/index.html
Fourth Weekend
AJET Farewell BBQ
What: Barbeque and Hawaiian Luau Party
Why: Say goodbye to our friends who will be leaving Aomori soon, do the limbo or some other fun games, and eat American burgers and dogs (if you order before June 8th). Open to everyone.
When: Saturday June 23rd
Where: Towada Chuo Park (十和田中央公園)
Cost: Free (500 yen to order hotdogs/hamburgers)
Websites: Official: https://aomoriajet.wordpress.com/2012/05/25/farewell-bbq-luau-style-623/
Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/?ref=logo#!/events/102434109896668/
The 15th Annual Hirosaki Yosakoi Parade (第15回 YOSAKOIさんさ)
What: Like, crazy awesome dancing.
Why: Colorful costumes, amazing dancing, and beautiful people.
When: Sunday June 24th (Schedule: http://www.odori.or.jp/yosakoi/pdf/schedule.pdf)
Where: Various stages and streets around Hirosaki
Cost: Free
Websites: Official(Japanese): http://www.odori.or.jp/yosakoi/
Aomori AJET 
