The large amount of bamboo in the area is believed to have given Taketa its name (Taketa means bamboo field in Japanese). Bamboo is very common in Japan, used as building material for homes and daily commodities since ancient times.
In November of each year, approximately 20,000 bamboo lanterns light up the castle town of Taketa at night. During this event, cultural properties in town are lit up by artists called kewai-shi, to create a deep, quiet atmosphere that evokes black-and-white ink paintings.
Performers have held concerts in many locations throughout Taketa because of the unique atmosphere of the area, where merry rhythms from traditional Japanese instruments become part of the scenery.
