By Dean Sensui, Star-Bulletin
Mitsuo Mitsuhashi paints the eye of a the water god Narukami. The giant, glowing figure of the water god will be pushed down Kalakaua Avenue during the Honolulu Festival Sunday.

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Huge Japanese nebuta will light up Honolulu Fest

Artisans from Aomori, Japan, have been working for two weeks on the ultimate paper lantern -- a huge float called a nebuta -- surely to be the highlight of the Honolulu Festival parade on Sunday.

The festival is a two-day affair packed with Japanese arts and entertainment. The ending event is the parade, on Kalakaua Avenue from Saratoga Road to Kapiolani Park. It starts at 4:30 p.m.

Admission is free to all events:

Honolulu Hale grounds: Street performers and artisans; daylong entertainment at Skygate; doll exhibit, tea ceremony and other demonstrations in the Honolulu Hale lobby. 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday.

Hawai'i Theatre: Kimono show, chorus and drum performances, traditional Japanese dance and more. 10 a.m.-5:20 p.m. Saturday, 10 a.m.-4:40 p.m. Sunday.

Ala Moana Centerstage: Harp playing, sword fighting, bon dance, more. 10 a.m.-5 p.m. Saturday; 10 a.m.-3 p.m. Sunday.

Royal Hawaiian Shopping Center stage: Finger puppet show, traditional singing and dance. 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Sunday.

For a more detailed list of events call 544-3055.

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