Seasoning the Seasons · SEASON 4
Owara Kaze no Bon: A Festival to Calm the Wind Gods
Episode 13 · 2015-08-03

- Documentary
Episode overview
On the north side of Japan's main island, in the foothills of the Hida Mountains, lies Yatsuo Town, Toyama Prefecture. Every year, the 'Owara Kaze no Bon' Festival begins on September 1 and lasts for 3 days. During Owara Kaze no Bon, the people dance day and night, and the whole town livens up. The festival has a 300-year history here. It is thought to have begun with people seeking to appease the wind gods. The festival dances are sensual, graceful, yet proud and the dancers are boys, girls and young people under 30. Adults play traditional musical instruments such as the 'kokyu' and 'shamisen'. Owara Kaze no Bon, signifies summer's end. This is the story of the people behind Japan's most tranquil festival.
Season 4 episodes
1. Tsugaru: Enduring Winter for the Hot Festival2015-01-07
2. Tosa: Land of Passionate People2015-01-14
3. The Gods of Japan: An Infinite World of Spirits2015-02-04
4. Aizu: Land of the Last Samurai2015-02-11
5. Yakushima: Island of Primeval Forests2015-03-04
6. Sanriku Railway: Back from the Brink2015-03-11
7. Nihonbashi: The Bridge at the Center of Japanese Commerce2015-04-05
8. The Shikoku Pilgrimage2015-04-12
9. Dewa Sanzan: Mystic Mountains of Prayers2015-05-03
10. Hakata Yamakasa: A Festival to Live For2015-06-01
11. A Sushi Tour Around Japan2015-06-06
12. Osaka: City of Waterways2015-06-13
13. Owara Kaze no Bon: A Festival to Calm the Wind Gods2015-08-03
14. The Kunisaki Peninsula: Mystical Festivals in a Spiritual Land2015-09-28
15. Tsukemono: Japan's Pickled Soul Food2015-10-05
16. Kanazawa: An Eternal Love of Beauty and Culture2015-10-12
17. Notsuke Peninsula: Harsh Winters and Rich Seas2015-11-23
18. Kinosaki Onsen: A Town of Hot Springs2015-12-07