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Core Kyoto
Season 7
Episode 13

Awata Matsuri: An Ancient Festival Revived

December 5, 2019

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Core Kyoto - S7 - E13

Giant lantern floats light up the night, and the next day a 1.2-ton portable shrine is carried through the streets by a total of 250 people, preceded by long poles rising into the sky, balanced by people on foot. Dating back 1,000 years, Awata Matsuri is a syncretic festival involving both Buddhism and Shinto. Although portions of it were discontinued over the years, today it has been revived in its entirety. Discover the bonds this festival is creating among parishioners, students and others.

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Core Kyoto: Season 7 - 13 Episode s

7x1 - Sagano: A Sense of Transience in an Age-old Retreat
January 17, 2019
Arashiyama -- one of Japan's most scenic spots -- and famous temples are located in Sagano. Its lush nature and seasonal beauty enchanted the court nobility who made it their retreat a millennium ago, and it is still regarded as a special destination today. Daikaku-ji was once the villa of Emperor Sagano. Many other temples and shrines are the settings for literary and historical tales. Discover the relaxing, peaceful qualities of Sagano through the people dedicated to conserving its picturesque scenery.
7x2 - Modern Civil Architecture: A Strikingly Eclectic Heritage
February 7, 2019
Many modern buildings for use by ordinary citizens, such as homes, schools, and restaurants, sprang up around Kyoto in the early 1900's. Kyotoites desired buildings that blended in with the natural environment and suited the local lifestyle. So they erected impressive structures merging the latest Western technology and design with Japanese flair. Discover Kyoto's modern architecture through the citizens who aimed to revitalize the city through their quest for buildings befitting the new age.
7x3 - Kyoto's Bakery Culture: Testament to the Ancient Capital's Modernity
February 21, 2019
It may come as a surprise that Kyoto -- the capital of Japanese cuisine -- leads the country in the consumption of Western culture's staple food. Bread entered through Yokohama and Kobe during modernization in the mid-1800's and soon took root in Kyoto, leading to a flourishing bakery culture centered around snack buns and sandwiches, as practical, novelty-loving Kyotoites took to the convenience and modernity of baked goods. Discover Kyoto's love of the new through its embrace of bread.
7x4 - The Minamiza Theatre: In the Spiritual Home of Kabuki
March 28, 2019
Kabuki evolved from the unorthodox dances of a female performer in Kyoto in the early 1600's. The Minamiza is the only remaining theatre of the many that operated in its time. The name Kabuki derives from the verb kabuku, which refers to unusual dancing and bold behavior. Festive Kaomise Performances and maneki signboards heighten pre-season anticipation for fans of the genre. Discover Kyoto's swaggering and innovative spirit through the reopening of the Minamiza after a three-year refurbishment.
7x5 - Kyoto Storefronts: Enticements to Enter Within
April 4, 2019
Traditional Kyoto store frontages feature latticework, a "noren" entrance curtain and perhaps a signboard. Confectioner, retailer or restaurant - most trades developed their own distinct style. These were refined over centuries by the local culture, values, love of the changing seasons and aesthetic sensibilities. With pride, owners add their own special touches to enhance the enticement. Discover the spirit of "motenashi" hospitality that awaits you beyond the "noren" of Kyoto's serene storefronts.
7x6 - Amida Buddha: Prayers for Guidance to the Pure Land
May 16, 2019
Buddhists faithful intone "Namu Amida Butsu" in ardent prayer to Amida Buddha for the release from suffering and death in this world into the Pure Land of Ultimate Bliss. "Namu" means to embrace or take refuge in something. In this ideology, believers supplicate for a peaceful death and salvation in the afterlife. Discover the diverse faiths in Amida through Kyoto temples, the majority of which are dedicated to this celestial Buddha.
7x7 - Kyoto-style Sushi: Artful, Beautiful and Delicious
June 20, 2019
The origins of the local sushi, which does not use raw fish and places importance on the rice, lie in mackerel sushi. The fish needed to be salted to prevent spoilage on its journey to landlocked Kyoto. So, to balance its saltiness, the mackerel was paired with sweet vinegared rice. The sushi catered to special occasions and the entertainment districts emphasizes presentation, so it is prepared to sate diners' eyes and palates. Discover the chefs who have elevated Kyoto sushi to an art form.
7x8 - Kyoto Toys: Elegant Amusements That Inspire Delight
July 4, 2019
Many of Japan's traditional toys and playthings originate in the culture of the imperial court 1,000 years ago: a lavish shell game, Fushimi figurines that are thought to have inspired clay figures now made throughout Japan, spinning tops made of cloth and bamboo, and a card game based around classical poems. The expert craftsmanship behind each item makes them veritable works of art. Discover the playful hearts of Kyotoites through the games and toys that have delighted them through the ages.
7x9 - Family Crests: Pedigree in the Ancient Capital
August 1, 2019
The dignified crests adorning various items from Noren curtains to temple roofs are a common sight in Kyoto. These symbols of families and organizations originated over 1,000 years ago. Once the privilege of the imperial household and samurai class, they were adopted by merchants and the populace as marks of status and pride. The refined designs now draw the attention of people abroad. Discover the crests that are emblematic of old Kyoto families preserving their heritage.
7x10 - The Modern Flower: Old Meets New in Arrangement
October 10, 2019
All manner of floral encounters await people around Kyoto. Florists do not just sell flowers but also arrange them on site with designer flair. Ikebana schools collaborate to revive the secret art of wrapping flowers in washi. A future school head seeks new paths by posting his playful arrangements to social media. One artist has created a novel way of arranging flowers directly in the hair. Discover the panache with which modern floral artists and artisans make the utmost of tradition.
7x11 - Randen: The Streetcar Close to Residents' Hearts
October 31, 2019
Randen weaves its way to popular tourist destinations Arashiyama and Kitano, with Ryoan-ji and other UNESCO World Heritage Sites scattered along the tramlines. Founded in 1912, the streetcar remains a leading mode of transport connecting Kyoto's west with the city center. Meet a photographer who has snapped the trolley cars for decades, and a producer who showed his love for them by making a movie. Discover the affection Kyotoites have for Randen through its passengers and gardening volunteers.
7x12 - Kyoto Markets: Places of Worship Bring People Together
November 7, 2019
Kyoto's famous Buddhist temples and Shinto shrines hold markets on their fete days. Toji's bazaar attracts up to 200,000 visitors. Kitano Tenmangu shrine's antiques market features sacred dance and drum performances. Hyakumanben Chion-ji's market offers only handcrafted items, Shimogamo Jinja hosts a huge, used book market boasting 800,000 books, and the flea market in front of Heian Jingu focuses on the younger generation. Discover the draw of Kyoto markets that originated at places of worship.
7x13 - Awata Matsuri: An Ancient Festival Revived
December 5, 2019
Giant lantern floats light up the night, and the next day a 1.2-ton portable shrine is carried through the streets by a total of 250 people, preceded by long poles rising into the sky, balanced by people on foot. Dating back 1,000 years, Awata Matsuri is a syncretic festival involving both Buddhism and Shinto. Although portions of it were discontinued over the years, today it has been revived in its entirety. Discover the bonds this festival is creating among parishioners, students and others.

Core Kyoto: All seasons

S0: Specials
1 Episode
S1: Season 1
17 Episode s
S2: Season 2
20 Episode s
S3: Season 3
20 Episode s
S4: Season 4
20 Episode s
S5: Season 5
20 Episode s
S6: Season 6
20 Episode s
S7: Season 7
13 Episode s
S8: Season 8
16 Episode s
S9: Season 9
17 Episode s
S10: Season 10
23 Episode s
S11: Season 11
18 Episode s
S12: Season 12
10 Episode s

7x1 - Sagano: A Sense of Transience in an Age-old Retreat

7x2 - Modern Civil Architecture: A Strikingly Eclectic Heritage

7x3 - Kyoto's Bakery Culture: Testament to the Ancient Capital's Modernity

7x4 - The Minamiza Theatre: In the Spiritual Home of Kabuki

7x5 - Kyoto Storefronts: Enticements to Enter Within

7x6 - Amida Buddha: Prayers for Guidance to the Pure Land

7x7 - Kyoto-style Sushi: Artful, Beautiful and Delicious

7x8 - Kyoto Toys: Elegant Amusements That Inspire Delight

7x9 - Family Crests: Pedigree in the Ancient Capital

7x10 - The Modern Flower: Old Meets New in Arrangement

7x11 - Randen: The Streetcar Close to Residents' Hearts

7x12 - Kyoto Markets: Places of Worship Bring People Together

7x13 - Awata Matsuri: An Ancient Festival Revived

S0: Specials

S1: Season 1

S2: Season 2

S3: Season 3

S4: Season 4

S5: Season 5

S6: Season 6

S7: Season 7

S8: Season 8

S9: Season 9

S10: Season 10

S11: Season 11

S12: Season 12