Added to inquiry!
DOCUMENTARY

Zuigan-ji (2016)

DOCUMENTARY 2016 48 minutes Episode(s): 1 english English

Majestic Zuigan-ji Temple in northeast Japan is a national cultural treasure. Completed 400 years ago by the feudal lord of the region, Date Masamune, it’s famous as a lavish and glorious example of the culture of the Azuchi-Momoyama period (mid-1500s to 1600). The main hall is decorated with beautiful period-style art created by painters and master craftsmen summoned from Kyoto. With ground subsidence now causing its pillars to tilt, Zuigan-ji has been undergoing comprehensive repairs and restorations since 2009, called "the great Heisei restoration." An essential consideration when repairing Japanese cultural properties is that old and weathered parts must not be replaced and existing original materials must be reused to the greatest possible extent. The restoration's greatest challenge was to reinforce the structure to protect against earthquakes. This program follows the Japanese engineers and craftsmen, striving to clear the hurdle with their conviction and ideas, to preserve the national treasure.

Click here to preview this program!

  •  

    Aigi Tunnels: The restoration of an industrial treasure Kasugai city, Aichi Pref.
    2014 30mins

    [Beauty of Japan Season 1] The Aigi Tunnels were constructed for the national railway between Aichi prefecture and Gifu prefecture back in the Meiji period (early 19th Century) and had been abandoned for many years. Those forgotten tunnels have been beautifully restored by supporters and are now designated as part...
    more details
  •  

    The Secrets of the Village with Japan's longest living population Takayama city, Nagano Pref.
    2014 30mins

    [Beauty of Japan Season 1] Nagano prefecture has the longest living population in Japan. Particularly this little village of Takayama is known as “the anti-aging village”. The village, with merely 8000 residents, is blessed with beautiful nature and climate. Preserving the healthy life and culture, it has been recognised as...
    more details
  •  

    Ubasute
    2014

    Best Local Production at the 2015 Tokyo Drama Awards. The "yutori" generation of Japan is said to be one of the laziest in society. Being raised in a pressure-free education system, they are often criticized for poor results and lack of drive in the workplace. Touma (Kensuke Owada), at age...
    more details
  •  

    Father and Son -Buddhist Statue Carving-
    2015 30 mins

    [Craft Masters of Japan] The Buddhist statue carvings of Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture, are elaborately decorative and have been passed down for many generations. The Eba Buddha Wooden Sculpture Studio practices this crafting tradition and is owned by a father and son sculpting duo. Under the same roof, father Rinzou Eba,...
    more details