About the Council

the Akita Prefecture Processed Food Export Expansion Council

the Akita Prefecture Processed Food Export Expansion Council is an organization working to expand exports of processed foods manufactured and sold by member businesses in Akita Prefecture.
The main objectives of the Council include the expansion of export avenues through international exhibitions and tasting events that welcome potential buyers. By standardizing export procedures, the Council seeks to reduce costs while heightening the visibility of Akita on the global stage. Through the export of each company’s unique offerings, the Council strives to convey the allure of Akita’s culinary treasures and natural beauty to audiences around the world.

Visit Akita

Situated about 450 kilometers north of Tokyo and around 390 kilometers south of Hokkaido, Akita Prefecture occupies a central spot in Japan’s geography. The Shinkansen bullet train journey from Tokyo Station to Akita Station lasts approximately 3 hours and 50 minutes, offering a convenient and scenic route. Alternatively, direct flights from Tokyo Haneda Airport to Akita Airport provide a swift option, taking approximately 1 hour and 5 minutes.

Discover the Charms of Akita

Akita Prefecture is home to two UNESCO World Heritage Sites: the Shirakami Mountain Range (World Natural Heritage Site) and the Jomon Artifacts of Hokkaido – Northern Tohoku (World Cultural Heritage Site). Additionally, Akita holds the largest number of intangible folk cultural properties in Japan and is a treasure trove of nature, culture, and culinary delights. Here are six attractions in Akita Prefecture that are also popular in Japan and abroad.

Adorable Akita Dogs

The Akita dog, hailing from Akita Prefecture, holds a distinct place in Japanese canine heritage. Among the six breeds of Japanese dogs officially recognized as natural monuments, the Akita is the only one in the larger size category. This loyal breed gained international attention through the heartfelt story of a real Akita dog, inspiring the movie “Hachiko Monogatari” (The Tale of Hachiko). This touching narrative was later adapted by Hollywood in 2009, featuring Richard Gere in the lead role. The Akita dog’s significance goes beyond its physical traits, embodying a rich and enduring legacy.

Witness the Spectacular
Akita Kanto Festival

The Akita Kanto Festival is held in Akita City, Akita Prefecture to pray for a good harvest and to ward off illness and evil spirits in midsummer. The main attraction is a spectacular display of traditional skills as individual performers balance a 12-meter-long pole weighing 50 kilograms with 46 lanterns hanging from it that is said to resemble ears of rice swaing in the wind.

Intriguing Namahage Culture

This is a folk event that takes place on New Year’s Eve across most of the Oga Peninsula. People wearing masks and straw costumes, acting as messengers of the gods, visit each household. In 1978, it was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan, and in 2018, it was registered as one of the elements of the UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage ‘Raiho-shin: gods of masks and costumes’.

The Omagari
Fireworks competition

The Omagari Fireworks competition boasts more than 100 years of history and is one of the most technically advanced and traditional in Japan. About 30 first-rate pyrotechnicians selected from all over Japan participate in the event, showcasing their secret techniques and attracting a huge crowd of 800,000 spectators along the riverside.

Winter in Akita Prefecture:
Kamakura Snow Festival

The Kamakura festival has a history of about 450 years and is a famous winter tradition in Japan. In the city, around 80 snow huts, called ‘kamakura,’ are built. Children enter these huts and offer sweet rice drink (‘amazake’) and rice cakes to visitors as part of a New Year ritual to honor the water deity.

Join the Exciting
Nishimonai Bon Odori

Nishimonai Bon Odori is a traditional dance festival with a history of about 700 years and is one of the three major Bon Odori in Japan. In 1981 it was designated as an Important Intangible Cultural Property of Japan for its high artistic quality.