
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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Pyrotechnicians: Laying All on the Line for a Flash of Light
2012 30 minsYamazaki is a pyrotechnician who has won numerous accolades for his fireworks skills. All his time and effort goes into creating a flash in the sky that lasts just an instant. We introduce his intricate designs at the Tsuchiura All-Japan Fireworks Competition, one of the three biggest in Japan.more details -
Golden Field in China
2009 Sichuan TV Festival Golden Panda Award. China has achieved remarkable development. One driving force behind its growing prosperity is a Japanese man who devoted his life to passing on his rice farming expertise bringing about an agricultural revolution in China. That man is Shoichi Hara, an agricultural engineer from Hokkaido....more details -
On-Chan Season 2
2010 Shanghai TV Festival International Animation Nominated, 2008 New York Festival Finalist, 2009 Banff World TV Festival Nominated, 2009 On-chan is an educational animation program for young children. The episodes are filled with laughter and lessons for young viewers as well as a variety of very loveable characters. See how On-chan...more details -
Traditional Festivals of Japan
2009 55 minsShrines and temples like Ise Jingu Shrine with a history of 2000 years are carefully preserved all over Japan. Traditional cultural festivals are held all over the country that take place in these very special shrines and temples. Five of these famous festivals have been captured on camera and each...more details