Journeys in Japan · SEASON 16
SHAKOTAN: Out of the Blue, Into the Flames
Episode 19 · 2025-08-19
- Documentary
Episode overview
The Shakotan Peninsula in the west of Hokkaido is known for the vivid color of the sea, which has come to be known as "Shakotan Blue." This craggy land is the stage for a mysterious summer festival that has been passed down through numerous generations. From the sacred mikoshi (portable shrines) which are plunged into the sea to the colorful banners of the fishing boats and, finally, the fire-walking ceremony, this festival is a vibrant celebration of faith and life in a proud fishing community. Andrzej Rudz, a cinematographer and filmmaker from Poland, captures the stunning landscapes of Shakotan and the passion of its people with images that are both delicate and dynamic.
28 minutes
Season 16 episodes
1. The Mountain Spirit of Shiiba Village2025-02-04
2. Kyushu: Land of Samurai Swords2025-02-18
3. Enku's 120,000 Smiles Over Gifu2025-02-25
4. Hokuriku 1: Foods and Flavors of the Trading Ships2025-03-04
5. Hokuriku 2: The Golden Age of the Trading Ships and Their Legacy2025-03-11
6. Gunma: Raking in Good Luck2025-03-18
7. Hida: Deep Winter Escape2025-03-25
8. Hokkaido Sapporo: Sensing the City Through Its Architecture2025-04-01
9. NIIGATA: SNOW COUNTRY WONDERLAND2025-04-15
10. Wakayama: The Cradle of Japan's Flavors2025-05-13
11. Kure Port, Kochi — The Lure of Katsuo2025-05-27
12. Izu Peninsula: Volcanic Beauty2025-06-10
13. Nagaoka: Water, the Wellspring of Abundance2025-06-24
14. Matagi: Yamagata’s Spiritual Hunter-Gatherers2025-07-01
15. Nishio: Whisking up the Global Matcha Boom2025-07-08
16. Tochigi: Life Away from the Sea2025-07-22
17. Okinawa: A World in Bloom2025-08-05
18. With Isabella Bird — Part 6: On the Road to Biratori2025-08-12
19. SHAKOTAN: Out of the Blue, Into the Flames2025-08-19
20. The Ontake Kodo Path to Sacred Peak2025-09-16
21. Mishima: Festival Rhythms Run Deep2025-09-30
22. Higashikawa: Picture-Perfect Town2025-10-14
23. Kochi Shimanto River: Pristine Water and Premium Fishing2025-10-28
24. Discovering Japan's Hidden Christians2025-11-18
25. Hiking the San'in Coast: Tottori2025-11-25
26. Unearthing a Love for Seto2025-12-16
27. SHIMANE: In Search of Izumo's Gardens Past and Present2025-12-23
