Hometown Stories
Stories about people, stories about life. Intimate portraits of people from around Japan, each leading diverse lives while enriching lives of others.
19. Building On a Sacred Tradition
0.0Aug 21, 2022 · 25 min
Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Prefecture is a special place for local people. This spring, it held a major celebration, welcoming back the Gokaicho Festival which had been postponed due to COVID-19. Master builder Murai Kazuo has supported this traditional event for nearly 40 years. Due to failing health, he has decided to step down. His successor, Hanaoka Hirotaka, has limited experience. Will he be able to tackle his heavy responsibility and fulfill his key role in this historic festival?