
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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Arita Ware Reborn -Beyond the Tradition of 400 years -
2018 25 minutesThe first porcelain in Japan was made in Arita-cho 400 years ago. The porcelain was named "Aritayaki". In the late 17th century Arita ware was exported to Europe, and its technicality and beauty were appreciated. The process goes through different phases such as molding the clay and coloring it. the...more details -
Enchanted by the San'in- Daisen, Tottori Prefecture
2019 30 mins[Beauty of Japan Season 2] San’in, considered to be a mythical home of Gods, is a sacred place where the natural landscapes of Japan prevail. Richard Pierce was enthralled by its charms and has been organizing tours and acting as a guide. In 2017, he even cooperated with the locals...more details -
ENGAWA 1 & 2
2010 Grand Prize at NAB Awards 2010. Japan has a large population that is aging rapidly. A Japanese woman's average life span is 86 years old, which has been at the top of the world record for 25 years. This documentary shows the life of four sisters whose average age is...more details -
Nagasaki Kunchi -A Ride on the Nanbansen-
2018 30 mins[Festivals of Japan Season 2] The "Nagasaki Kunchi" is a festival that holds a 380-year history. Dragons coil and children dance to the many performances, giving life and color to the festival stage. One such performance is the dynamic and flamboyant "Dozamachi Nanbansen". It is a reenactment of the heyday...more details