Yasushi Kashima
Sacred Flames: The Fire Trial of Toba
The Toba Fire Festival in Aichi, Japan, has endured for over 1,200 years. Each year, men throw themselves into blazing wooden towers, enduring smoke, heat, and falling embers. It is not spectacle but a sacred trial of courage and devotion, believed to bring renewal and protection to the community.
Awards
World Photo Annual
2025Nominee
Event
Professional
Sacred Flames: The Fire Trial of Toba
The Toba Fire Festival in Aichi, Japan, has endured for over 1,200 years. Each year, men throw themselves into blazing wooden towers, enduring smoke, heat, and falling embers. It is not spectacle but a sacred trial of courage and devotion, believed to bring renewal and protection to the community.
About Artist
Yasushi Kashima
I am Yasushi Kashima, a professional photographer based in Osaka, Japan. I capture nature, traditional festivals, and spiritual landscapes across the country. My work won 1st Place in the Nature / Seasons category (Professional Division) at the International Photography Awards (IPA), was selected in the Jury Top 5 (2024), received Gold in the Professional category at the Prix de la Photographie, Paris (PX3), and has been awarded in multiple international competitions. My photography explores the ephemeral beauty of mist, light, and memory.
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