EcoFlow Supports Hitachi's "Decarbonized Nebuta" at Aomori Nebuta Festival

Large Nebuta float operated by the Hitachi Allied Nebuta Committee in 2025.

EcoFlow Technology Japan Inc. (Chuo-ku, Tokyo, hereinafter referred to as EcoFlow), a technology company that develops cutting-edge portable power stations and clean energy technologies, will provide power support for the large Nebuta float operated by the "Hitachi Allied Nebuta Committee," which includes Hitachi, Ltd. Tohoku Branch, as part of its corporate CSR activities at the Aomori Nebuta Festival.

The "Decarbonized Nebuta," powered by portable power stations, has been in operation since 2022, and this year marks the fourth year of support, with the float being used for nighttime parades during the festival.

The Hitachi Allied Nebuta uses 8 EcoFlow portable power stations mounted on a cart to illuminate approximately 2,000 LED bulbs installed inside the Nebuta. Prior to the transition to the Decarbonized Nebuta, diesel generators were used. By switching to portable power stations, CO2 emissions during operation have been reduced to zero.

Furthermore, in the 2019 operational results, approximately 170kg*1 of CO2 was emitted over 4 days of operation during the 6-day festival. By switching from generators to portable power stations, a weight reduction of approximately 700kg*2 has been achieved for the Nebuta, which weighs approximately 4 tons.

*1 Comparison with the use of conventional diesel generators. Calculated from FY2019 actual results, with a maximum reduction of approximately 170kg.

*2 Weight reduction when the total weight of conventional diesel generators is estimated at approximately 1 ton.

History of Hitachi and the Aomori Nebuta Festival

Hitachi has participated in the Aomori Nebuta Festival since 1965, marking its 59th participation this year. Throughout this long history, the Hitachi Allied Nebuta Committee has continued to take on new challenges, adapting to the changing times and contributing to the development of the Aomori Nebuta Festival, which is designated as an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan.

In addition, they have strived for top rankings every year by incorporating creativity into the design and performance of the Nebuta. One of these initiatives is the realization of reduced environmental impact at the Aomori Nebuta Festival. They launched the operation of the "Decarbonized Nebuta," which utilizes portable power stations, the first of its kind for a large Nebuta float. EcoFlow also endorsed this initiative and has provided power support since 2022. Hitachi has continued to operate Nebuta floats with consideration for the environment, based on the idea that "precisely because it is a locally rooted festival, we want to convey new values that connect to the future."

Furthermore, starting last year, a significant milestone was reached with the succession of Nebuta masters, as Mr. Renmei Kitamura, who had been crafting Hitachi's Nebuta for many years, passed the baton of production to his son, Mr. Shunichi Kitamura. The Hitachi Allied Nebuta, under its new structure, is working to operate Nebuta floats that are loved by local residents and tourists while inheriting tradition.

Theme for the 2026 participation: "Farewell under the Cherry Blossoms at Mt. Yoshino." Draft artist: Shunichi Kitamura.

Changes Brought by the Decarbonized Nebuta to the Festival

The judging of the Aomori Nebuta Festival is largely based on three elements:

"Nebuta Float Body," "Hayashi (Music)," and "Operation/Haneto (Dancers)."

In recent years, Hitachi has focused particularly on the "Operation/Haneto" aspect, aiming to improve the overall unity and quality of the parade.

Previously, diesel generators were mounted inside the Nebuta for lighting power, but this presented challenges such as the characteristic engine noise and exhaust odors.

Since the introduction of EcoFlow's portable power stations, these noises and exhaust fumes have been eliminated, creating a more conducive environment for the musicians and allowing the original sounds of the Hayashi to be heard more clearly, contributing to an improved festival atmosphere.

Furthermore, by switching from generators to portable power stations, a weight reduction of approximately 700kg compared to the previous setup has been achieved for the Nebuta float, which weighs approximately 4 tons.

Interview Opportunities

You can cover the "Daage" (lifting of the Nebuta) event on July 21st, where portable power stations will be loaded onto the Nebuta and preparations for nighttime illumination will be made.

Additionally, interviews with the chairman of the Hitachi Allied Nebuta Committee and the branch manager of Hitachi, Ltd. Aomori Branch are possible during the festival period (schedule requires consultation).

Newly Established EcoFlow Charging Spot

As a new initiative this year, an EcoFlow charging spot will be set up on the 3rd floor of the "Shinmachi Cube" (2-6-25 Shinmachi, Aomori City, 030-0801), which houses the Hitachi, Ltd. Aomori Branch, in a lounge and reception space for related personnel.

In this space, in addition to charging smartphones and cameras, visitors will have the opportunity to experience the use cases of portable power stations.

Future Schedule

・Daage (Lifting of the Nebuta)

July 21 (Tuesday) Nebuta Production Hut, Rasse Land (1-2-1 Yasuragi, Aomori City, 030-0803)

・Participation Dates

August 2 (Sunday), 4 (Tuesday), 5 (Wednesday), 6 (Thursday)

August 7 (Friday) Daytime Parade

Products Used for Decarbonized Nebuta Operation

The total weight of the portable power stations mounted on the Nebuta float is approximately 350 kg.

・DELTA Pro Ultra Inverter (31.7 kg) x 1

・DELTA Pro Ultra Dedicated Battery (50.7 kg) x 3

・DELTA Pro (45 kg) x 2

・DELTA Pro Extra Battery (38 kg) x 2

〈About EcoFlow〉

EcoFlow is an energy solutions company that provides essential power for people's lives and businesses through environmentally conscious technological innovation. Currently, with business headquarters in the United States, Germany, and Japan, EcoFlow operates in over 140 countries and regions worldwide, with products and services used by over 6 million users. The company offers portable power stations that are useful for outdoor activities, car camping, and disaster preparedness, as well as renewable energy solutions, and is promoting the development of clean power technologies for future generations. For more information, please visit the official website (https://www.ecoflow.com/jp/).

・Details on EcoFlow Portable Power Stations: https://jp.ecoflow.com/pages/portable-power-station-solar-panel/

・Details on EcoFlow Solar Panels: https://jp.ecoflow.com/pages/portable-power-station-solar-panel/