NHK World Special: Can You See Our Lights - First Festival After The Tsunami

Airs Wednesday, January 4, 2012 at 11 p.m. on KPBS TV

Festival committee members busily repairing damaged floats and drums and encouraging the participation of dispersed former residents.

Credit: Courtesy of American Public Television

Above: Festival committee members busily repairing damaged floats and drums and encouraging the participation of dispersed former residents.

Tuesday, January 3, 2012

Japanese summer festivals serve as a time to hold memorial services for the souls of the departed. Although some of the places devastated by the March 2011 tsunami/earthquake disaster were unable to hold their colorful and passionate centuries-old festivals, the people of Rikuzen-Takada, Soma, Minami-Soma and other cities decided to proceed as usual.

"Can You See Our Lights - First Festival After The Tsunami" includes interviews with festival committee members busily repairing damaged floats and drums and encouraging the participation of dispersed former residents. They explain what they hope to accomplish by continuing the tradition.

Forgot your password?

Become a member and save

© 2013 KPBS