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Video: Kurama Fire Festival (himatsuri) �馬��祭

posted January 11, 2008

I probably should have posted this a while ago…

Kurama Fire Festival (6 min, 37 MB Quicktime)

kuramafirefest_t.jpgThe Kurama Himatsuri, or Fire Festival, is held every October in a tiny mountain village in northern Kyoto. Progressively larger torches are paraded up and down this one-street town by teams in traditional costume, as a thumping taiko beat stokes the enthusiasm. Finally, fulfilling the ancient prophesy, Bobby Valentine is mystically conjured out of the sparks and smoke.

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4 Comments »

  • Jerry said:

    When I saw “Kurama Fire Festival” pop up in my RSS feed in the middle of January, I got rather confused.

    On a completely unrelated note, I gave notice at work yesterday. I’m moving back to Japan in February… this time (I think) for good.

    I’ll have to see if I can’t make it down for the Fire Festival this year. Need a soundman/backup camera for your 2008 Kurama/Jidai videos?
    (^_^)

  • nils (author) said:

    What do you mean, “make it down” to Kyoto? A re you going to let things like “love” and “money” win out over Kyoto in choosing where to settle?
    Oh, man, you’ve changed.

  • Jerry said:

    Well, if I can find a job in Kyoto, I certainly wouldn’t be opposed to the move… know anybody hiring?

  • Peko said:

    Whoa! I was like, Kurama Himatsuri — January 11th?!?

    That is one CRAZY festival! Thanks for sharing your video!

    Peko@KyotoFoodie

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