[Festivals of Japan Season 2] Kintaikyo is one of the three most famous bridges in Japan. Located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, the bridge provides the stage for the annual Kintaikyo Bridge Festival in spring. Welcoming its 40th time, the festival showcases a colorful reenactment of feudal lords returning from...

[Festivals of Japan Season 2] The stage is set in hell. Demons curse and berate the sinner who has committed a terrible crime. The only play in Japan ever to be set in hell, the "Kiraigo" of Yokoshibahikari Town, Chiba Prefecture, has had a history of 800 years. Yet despite...

[Festivals of Japan Season 2] A grand scene ensues as mikoshi portable shrines batter each other in a display of strength and pride. The Nada Fighting Festival is held annually in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, and is the largest festival among numerous "fight festivals" in Japan. Every year on October...

[Colors in Japan] Tochigi City has a long history of producing wooden barrels for fermenting food. Despite the rise of plastic containers, one dedicated craftsman continues to make barrels using traditional techniques. The barrels are crafted from cedar heartwood and tied with local timber bamboo. Click here to preview this...