Hometown Stories
Stories about people, stories about life. Intimate portraits of people from around Japan, each leading diverse lives while enriching lives of others.


In summer 2022, the renowned Kanto Festival in Akita Prefecture was back after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The traditional lantern festival is a key part of life for Kishi Toshiki, who leads a local kanto association and has taken part in the festival since he was 2 years old. Guided by the example of his late mentor, he is devoted to ensuring that children are part of this ancient event. This is a story of people struggling to carry on a tradition in the face of formidable obstacles.