Japan: Historic Kishiwada Danjiri Festival Kicks Off in Osaka With Massive Floats

The annual Kishiwada Danjiri Festival began on September 13 in Kishiwada City, Osaka Prefecture, running through September 14. Thirty-four massive wooden floats, each over 4 meters tall and weighing more than 4 tons, raced through the city streets of the Kishiwada and Haruki districts to the spirited chant of “Sorya, Sorya.” Festival participants in matching happi coats pulled the floats with ropes, while “daiku-gata” performers danced atop the roofs with fans. At intersections, the floats performed the festival’s signature “yarimawashi,” a dramatic 90-degree turn executed at high speed, thrilling spectators with cheers. Drums, flutes, and bells added to the festive atmosphere. The festival, held for over 300 years since the Edo period, continues late into the evening on September 13, with a ceremonial shrine visit (“Miyairi”) scheduled on September 14.

Cambodian patients hail traditional Chinese medicine for effective treatment of their illnesses

STORY: Cambodian patients hail traditional Chinese medicine for effective treatment of their illnesses DATELINE: Aug. 19, 2023 LENGTH: 00:03:50 LOCATION: Phnom Penh CATEGORY: HEALTH SHOTLIST: 1. various of patients waiting for treatment at the TCM clinic 2. various of TCM experts consulting with patients 3. SOUNDBITE 1 (Khmer): POR LON, Cambodian patient 4. various of Por Lon getting acupuncture 5. SOUNDBITE 2 (Khmer): KEO SORYA, Cambodian patient 6. various of doctors treating patients 7. SOUNDBITE 3 (Chinese): YUAN GENG, TCM expert team leader STORYLINE: For several years, Cambodian elderly woman Por Lon, who has been paralyzed after a stroke, has not been able to walk, but that changed when she received treatment using traditional Chinese medicine (TCM). The 82-year-old mother of three children said she sought TCM treatments after hearing from other patients that a team of Chinese TCM experts provided TCM treatment to patients at the Cambodia-China Friendship Preah Kossamak Hospital's Chinese Medi