Funekkonagashi, the traditional event of Nambu Morioka, has three hundred years history and it announces the summer is coming to an end in Morioka. (Funekko means a boat in Morioka dialect.)

Funekkonagashi is held in the river around the time of sunset in the middle of August. The boat shaped as a dragon and decorated with lanterns and offerings is carried into the river and set on fire.

As the boat burns and flows, it reflects beautifully on the surface of the river until it burns down.

Funekkonagashi is held near Meiji Bridge in Morioka annually to inherit the tradition.

People give their prayers for the soul of ancestors as well as peace and good health for their loved ones as the boat and lanterns drift down with the current of the river.