1,000-year-old samurai festival confronts modern foe: Extreme heat

Japan's historic Soma Noma samurai horse festival, with roots stretching back a millennium, is facing unprecedented challenges from extreme heat linked to climate change. Traditionally held in June, this ancient event now struggles with rising temperatures that threaten both the participants and the local traditions. As global warming impacts weather patterns, the festival highlights broader concerns about cultural heritage preservation amid environmental shifts, raising questions about how to balance tradition with the urgent need for climate adaptation.