The area of present-day Akita was part of ancient Dewa Province, and has been inhabited for thousands of years.

During the Nara period, the imperial court established Akita Castle in 733 AD to bring the local Emishi tribes under its control.

In 1935, Nippon Kogyo (the forerunner of Jomo) began development of the nearby Yabase Oil Fields.

During the Tsuchizaki air raid, over 250 people were killed when 134 USAAF B-29 Superfortress, attacked the city from midnight to the early dawn.

Due to its location near the Sea of Japan coast, it receives heavy snowfall, with just above 377 centimetres (148 in) per season, with accumulation occurring mostly from December to March.

In terms of national politics, the city is part of Akita District 1 of the lower house of the Diet of Japan.

The economy of Akita remains heavily dependent on agriculture (particularly rice cultivation), forestry and mineral extraction.

Oil refining, woodworking, metalworking, and the production of silk textiles are the main industries.

During this festival, participants balance 15 meter poles with 230 lanterns on their chins; the main event is held during the evening and night hours, between the 3rd and 6 August each year.

During the festival, Kanto stunt events are held in Senshu Park during daylight hours involving many amateur participants.

[citation needed] Overseas exhibitions of the festival were performed in Hamburg, Germany, in 1988, Honolulu, Hawaii, in 2002, London, UK, in 2004, and as an opening event at the 2001 World Games.

In the Narayama Otamachi district of central Akita each February 12–15 a Shinto festival honoring both Suijin and Kamakura Daimyojin is held inside a shrine made from walls of snow.

[13] Each neighbourhood in Tsuchizaki Minato contributes a float decorated with giant figures from 20 to 21 July.