Core Kyoto - Season 6 - Eps 15: The Matsuage Festival: Keeping the Fire Tradition Alive
The biggest event in the mountain village of Hirogawara in northern Kyoto is held in late August. Men hurl flaming bundles into the air to light a torch towering 20m high in prayer for good health and harvests. Originating from a fire prevention ritual held when the main local industry was charcoal making, villagers still start preparing months in advance. Discover the efforts being made to maintain this 300-year-old summer festival despite concerns for the future of this depopulating village.
About Core Kyoto

Title: Core Kyoto
First Air Date: 2013-02-28
Last Air Date: 2025-01-23
Status: Returning Series
Rating: 5/10 (from 1 votes)
Language: EN
Seasons: 14
Total Episodes: 223
Network: NHK WORLD-JAPAN
Genres: Documentary
Production Companies: NHK, NHK Enterprises
Synopsis
The timeless heart of Japan's ancient capital. Against its rich backdrop of culture and tradition, today's Kyoto continues to innovate and inspire.
Cast

Gary Tegler
Self - Narrator (voice)