Core Kyoto
S11E14 Kuta Hanagasa Dance: The Solid Bonds of a Rural Community
In 2022, UNESCO recognized forty-one traditional folk dances from Japan as part of its Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity. Among them is the Kuta Hanagasa Dance, celebrated in a rural area at the northern edge of Kyoto city. Each summer, local men craft flower lanterns by hand, which are used in the ritual. They sing and dance to the beat of drums, expressing gratitude to the deities for a bountiful harvest. Explore the daily lives of the Kuta villagers and observe their preparations for this meaningful ceremony.
Season 11 Episodes
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Rice Straw: Beauty Within the Prayers of Daily Life
Antiques: Beauty Engendered by the Passage of Time
Samurai Armor: The Dignified Aesthetics of the Warrior Class
Miso: Fermentation, the Taste of Kyoto
Minamiyamashiro: The Buddhist Treasures of a Remote Region
Rethinking Buddhism: Uniting Modern Society with Compassion
Phantom Dyeing: Ancient Colors of Prayer Revived
Reusing and Upcycling: Tradition Bolsters the Power of Recreation
Sustainable Initiatives: Nishijin Weavers Embrace the Times
Flower Art: Ephemeral Colors for the Mind and Soul
The Beauty in Boxes: Containers to Hold and Express Sentiments
Seven Lucky Gods: Blessings of Fortune and Happiness for All
Made to Order: A Bespoke Culture Fostered on Customer Bonds
Kuta Hanagasa Dance: The Solid Bonds of a Rural Community
The Power of Cleaning: Daily Habits for the Heart and Soul
Crawling Through Mud: Avant-Garde Ceramicists Break With Tradition
Stonework: Masons Shape a Solid City Presence