[Beauty of Japan Season 1] “Yuki Tsumugi textile” is designated as one of the Important Intangible Cultural Properties in Japan and is also listed on the Representative List of the Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity by UNESCO. Its origin, the fine 'Ashi Ginu silk' is said to have been offered...

[Craft Masters of Japan] Taro Yamamoto is a professor at the Akita University of Art, but also a young painter who uses traditional Japanese techniques to create paintings with a ‘modern’ and humorous twist to them. This new art style is called  ‘Nippon-ga’, and has currently been attracting a lot...

[Festivals of Japan Season 2] The "Toriou Festival" of Imari City, Saga Prefecture dates back to the mid-to-late 14th century. It is said to have originated from the defeat of warrior Kikuchi Takeshige against Ashikaga. Fleeing to the Ozato Region, Takeshige trained to withstand fire, originating this fiery and dangerous...

[Festivals of Japan Season 2] The Omanto Festival of Aichi Prefecture is a much-loved festival passed down since the Edo period. The highlight of this festival is held at a circular run where young men display their courage by jumping onto horses traveling at 40 km/hour. The locals of this...