Lighting the Way for Tradition

Hometown Stories

27m 15s
Broadcast on December 4, 2022 Available until December 4, 2024

In summer 2022, the renowned Kanto Festival in Akita Prefecture was back after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The traditional lantern festival is a key part of life for Kishi Toshiki, who leads a local kanto association and has taken part in the festival since he was 2 years old. Guided by the example of his late mentor, he is devoted to ensuring that children are part of this ancient event. This is a story of people struggling to carry on a tradition in the face of formidable obstacles.

Program Outline