
Zuigan-ji (2016)
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.
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Superfood: Black Rice of Kawachino(Saga Prefecture)
2021 25 minutes[Colors in Japan] Originating in Imari, Saga Prefecture, black rice has been cultivated for centuries. Renowned for its nutritional value and potential beauty benefits, this ancient grain continues to inspire culinary innovation. Click here to preview the program! Part of the "Colors in Japan" series!more details -
Toriou Festival -Fierce and Fiery Festival Fight-
2018 30 mins[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...more details -
Tokoname Pottery, hoping to re-establish a long lost relationship- Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture
30 mins[Beauty of Japan Season 2] Tokoname pottery is one of Japan's six oldest stonewares. Chang from Shanghai settled in Tokoname after he was captivated by the beauty of Tokoname teapots. Now he runs a shop for Chinese tourists and he visits China for various exhibitions to promote the pottery. This...more details -
PEACE NIPPON
2018 111 minutesThere are moments of breathtaking beauty that can only be seen once in a lifetime. Providing footage from 47 Prefectures (over 200 locations) in Japan and filmed over eight years, this film captures such moments in 4K. The hope is that this movie will inspire "people to know more about...more details