Thinking of Loved Ones, Kyoto's Fires to the Future ~Become a Guardian of Gozan Okuribi: A Project to Connect Traditions~ Crowdfunding Launched

THE KYOTO Crowdfunding (operated by The Kyoto Shimbun) is promoting a crowdfunding project by the Kyoto Gozan Okuribi Federation.

The "Kyoto Gozan Okuribi," with its long history, is a traditional event in Kyoto City held every Obon to send off the spirits of ancestors returning to the other world (O-shoryo-san) and to entrust thoughts of loved ones to the flames. This solemn spectacle has been supported by the unceasing efforts of many people across generations. However, in recent years, the burden of continuing the Okuribi has grown heavier each year due to climate change, rising material costs, a shortage of personnel, and safety measures. With the wish that "these fires can be seen next summer, 100 years from now," we hope to broaden the circle of support.

[Donation Type] Thinking of Loved Ones, Kyoto's Fires to the Future ~Become a Guardian of Gozan Okuribi: A Project to Connect Traditions~

THE KYOTO Crowdfunding Site

URL: https://the-kyoto.en-jine.com/projects/gozan-okuribi

[Crowdfunding Overview]

What is Kyoto Gozan Okuribi?

On the night of August 16th, "Kyoto Gozan Okuribi" lights fires on five mountains surrounding the Kyoto Basin: Daimonji (Sakyo Ward), Myoho (same ward), Funagata (Kita Ward), Hidari Daimonji (same ward), and Toriigata (Ukyo Ward). It is a traditional event to send the spirits of ancestors, who were welcomed to this world during Obon, back to the Pure Land. Every year, many citizens and tourists look up at the flickering flames on the mountainside and remember their loved ones.

Records of the Okuribi in Kyoto appear in historical documents from the 15th century onwards, and the current "Gozan Okuribi" is believed to have been established by the mid-Edo period. However, each of the five Okuribi has a different origin story, with purported start dates ranging from the early Heian period, late Kamakura period, mid-Muromachi period, to the early Edo period.

The Daimonji Preservation Society, Matsugasaki Rissho-kai, Funagata Mantoro Preservation Society, Hidari Daimonji Preservation Society, and Toriigata Taisho Preservation Society, all composed of local residents, have protected and passed down the stage for the Okuribi without compromising their unique identities. They are responsible for all the many tasks, including maintaining the firebeds on the mountains, procuring, drying, and storing pine split logs, transporting materials to the firebeds, training personnel, and implementing safety measures for workers and spectators.

Problems Standing in the Way of Future Succession

However, in recent years, the foundation supporting the Okuribi has begun to shake. Various burdens continue to accumulate, such as deteriorating working conditions due to abnormal weather, difficulties in securing firewood, and aging facilities on the mountains. The strength of those who have protected the fires, the vitality of the organizations, and their own funds are quietly diminishing. If this continues, the practice passed down over many years may be interrupted, and a night may come when the lights on those mountains no longer burn.

Unforeseen difficulties are arising one after another on the ground.

<Drastically Changing Environment>

First, the impact of abnormal weather is severe. Firebeds and work paths can be cut off by landslides and mudslides caused by heavy rain, or by fallen trees. However, since heavy machinery cannot access the steep slopes, all repairs must be done manually. Laborious work is repeated, and the burden continues to increase. Furthermore, trees on the mountain have grown excessively, obstructing passage on the work paths and affecting the Okuribi's scenery, requiring significant time and effort for logging.

Damage from deer is also becoming serious. Deer enter the area and eat all the leaves, causing trees to wither and exposing the mountainside. The ground at the foot of the mountain becomes prone to collapse, increasing the risk of workers slipping and falling.

<Difficulties in Securing Materials>

Furthermore, securing "pine firewood," essential for the Okuribi, is becoming difficult. Pine trees grow slowly, taking decades to become good firewood, but due to increased damage from diseases and pests, sufficient firewood cannot be secured. Pine is necessary for the Okuribi not just for tradition. The unique red flame produced only by pine is the "color of prayer" for welcoming and sending off ancestors, and it cannot be replaced by other woods.

<Aging Facilities>

In addition, the facilities on the mountain are aging. The transport winches and rails, essential for carrying firewood and materials up the steep slopes, have deteriorated due to years of wind and rain and ground movement, making repair and replacement urgent. They are being used while extending their lifespan due to cost issues and could stop functioning at any time.

With these compounding issues, the tradition of the Okuribi, which has continued for over a thousand years, now stands at a crossroads.

How the Funds Will Be Used

The funds raised will be carefully used for safety measures related to the Okuribi, maintenance and conservation of the mountains, securing materials such as pine split logs, addressing aging facilities, and for the transmission and training of Obon-related events.

To pass on the fires of prayer, which have continued since time immemorial, to future generations.

Please lend us your strength.

May the circle of connection expand through this crowdfunding initiative.

Period and Goal

Campaign Period: July 1, 2026 (Wed) 00:00 - August 31, 2026 (Mon) 23:59

Target Amount: 4,000,000 yen

Featured Returns

[Limited to 8 groups (2 people per group) Morning of August 16, 2026] On-site viewing of the Okuribi with exclusive gifts.

On the morning of August 16th, you can visit the Okuribi site on one of the mountains: Myoho, Funagata, Hidari Daimonji, or Toriigata (Note: the mountain you visit cannot be chosen). We will also offer prayers and burn goma wood for the mountain you visit. You will also receive exclusive goods such as burnt charcoal, a fan, and a pamphlet distributed only to staff.

Burning of goma wood for all five mountains, presentation of burnt charcoal and limited fan, and your name listed.

We will send you traditional goma wood for the Kyoto Gozan Okuribi. Goma wood returned by August 10th will be burned at each mountain during the Okuribi on the 16th. As a "proof" of your support, we will send you burnt charcoal from the Gozan Okuribi in a special bag, along with a special sticker, a pamphlet distributed only to staff, and a fan for the Federation. Your name will be listed on the Kyoto Gozan Okuribi Federation website (optional).

Original T-shirts and tenugui from each mountain of Gozan Okuribi, and burnt charcoal set.

As a "proof" of your support, we will send you one original item from each mountain of the Kyoto Gozan Okuribi (Myoho and Toriigata T-shirts (L size), Daimonji, Funagata, and Hidari Daimonji tenugui), along with a special bag containing burnt charcoal from the Gozan Okuribi, a special sticker.

For other returns and details, please check the crowdfunding site.

About THE KYOTO Crowdfunding

THE KYOTO Crowdfunding is operated by The Kyoto Shimbun Co., Ltd.

Operating Organization: The Kyoto Shimbun Co., Ltd.

Representative: President and CEO Yosuke Onishi

Location: 634 Nanatsukasa-cho, Rokkaku-sagaru, Karasuma-dori, Nakagyo-ku, Kyoto, ONEST Kyoto Karasuma Square, The Kyoto Shimbun

Phone: 075-241-5831

Email: [email protected]