The Aomori Nebuta Festival has kicked off in Japan's northeastern prefecture. The annual summer event is famous for its large colorful floats depicting mythical figures and historic warriors.

The procession started moving at 7 p.m. on Friday in the center of Aomori City. The largest float is about five meters tall.

The event also features flutes, drums and dancers called "haneto."

A woman from Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo said she has often come to the festival over the past decade or so, adding that this year's atmosphere is better than the last.

A boy who lives in Aomori City described the festival as very powerful, saying he likes to see how it evolves every year.

The event will be held through Wednesday, when the floats are set to parade along the coast. There will also be fireworks.