猛暑で“夏祭り”にも異変…祇園祭“山鉾巡行”直前に熱中症の疑いか　京都で38度【報道ステーション】(2026年7月17日)

One of the causes of thunderstorms is the heat, but this heat is also causing unusual changes to summer festivals. On the 17th, Kyoto recorded a temperature of 38 degrees Celsius, and the highlight of the Gion Festival's pre-festival, the Yamahoko procession, took place. Behind the glamorous festival, there were efforts to cope with the intense heat. ■Suspected heatstroke just before the Yamahoko procession Such a sight can only be seen on the main streets of Kyoto on festival days. Announcer Risako Arai "Before the Yamahoko procession, the highlight of the Gion Festival's pre-festival, the traffic lights are being folded up." The Naginata Hoko float, leading the procession, is about the height of an eight-story building. Just as the procession was about to begin... Announcer Risako Arai: "It's just past 9:00 AM, and the Naginata Hoko float has just begun to move, but police have already arrived because someone has collapsed, possibly due to heatstroke." Police: "Suspected heatstroke. A man has collapsed in front of Shijo Daimaru." By 8:30 AM, the temperature had already reached 30 degrees Celsius. And then, finally... Announcer Risako Arai: "The sacred rope has been cut by the child attendant. The Yamahoko procession of the Saki Matsuri (first half of the festival) has begun. A huge cheer erupted from the crowd at that moment." The dazzlingly decorated floats and portable shrines proceed down Kyoto's main street. The highlight is the Tsuji-mawashi (turning at the intersection). Water is sprinkled on split bamboo placed under the wheels. With shouts and synchronized movements, the floats rotate 90 degrees. The Yamahoko procession is the highlight of the Saki Matsuri of the Gion Festival. The Gion Festival is said to have begun in the Heian period as a prayer for the eradication of disease. For the people of Kyoto, this is not just a tourist event, but a sacred ritual that embodies the continuation of tradition and the pride of the city. ■ Measures Implemented for the First Time to Ensure the "Preservation of Tradition" Frequent hydration is encouraged. Four water stations were set up along the approximately 3-kilometer route. Announcer Risako Arai: "At the water stations, children are resting, being fanned by adults." Emergency medical technicians also patrol the area, maintaining vigilance. The highest temperature on the 17th was 38.0 degrees Celsius. It was the most dangerously hot day of the summer. This was also true for the spectators. Spectator: "I brought a lot of frozen water. I'm pouring it on the children to cool them down." Announcer Risako Arai: "On the rooftop of Kyoto City Hall, people have gathered to avoid the crowds and are watching. Because it's a rooftop, it feels cool when the wind blows." Mist spraying and sprinkling water were also being used. However, even with these measures, it's still not enough to combat this level of heat. Man: "It's not very effective. I can see very well, but it's hot." Finally, at the hottest part of the day. Announcer Risako Arai: "The Kikusui Hoko float has just returned after completing its approximately 5-hour procession. Looking at the faces of the people pulling it, they all look filled with a sense of accomplishment." A circulating fan was carried out from inside the float. This was introduced this year. This summer was also the first time they pulled the float while wearing the straw hats. Ryusuke Yokoyama, Chairman of the Kikusui Hoko Preservation Society: "I think managing one's physical condition is the most important thing. We want to pass on what we've inherited from our predecessors in a good form to future generations." According to the Kyoto City Fire Department, 12 people, including spectators of the float procession, were transported to the hospital suspected of suffering from heatstroke. [TV Asahi NEWS] https://news.tv-asahi.co.jp