
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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Manga Food Restaurant
2018 55 minThis series follows two fictional characters, Kenjiro Tabe, an office worker with a passion for food found in manga, and Chinatsu Yamamoto, his subordinate. Together, the pair visit real-life restaurants challenging chefs to recreate various meals featured in legendary gourmet mangas. From a monster-sized 20 cm x 20 cm steak...more details -
Tasha Tudor
2017 105 minutesTasha Tudor is one of America’s best author-illustrators of children’s literature. This documentary film features a humorous lifestyle full of flowers, animals, and heart-warming words for the future. The "mother of the slow life" provides you with a key to fully enjoying your life. Click here to preview the program!more details -
Narumi Shibori of Arimatsu-The Town Where Ai Sways in the Breeze (Aichi Prefecture)
2021 25 minutes[Colors in Japan] The town of Arimatsuis renowned for its tie-dyed "noren" store curtains, crafted using traditional shibori techniques. We explore the passion and dedication of local artisans who continue to practice and innovate in the field of shibori. Click here to preview this episode! Part of the "Colors in...more details -
Hungry Hoppers - Pigging out around Japan
2010 24 minsThis crazy and entertaining food show hosted by Yo Oizumi, a Japanese rising actor/star, follows three comedic guys known as the "Piggy Family" as they travel around Japan seeking out the local hidden delicacies that Japan's world-renowned cuisine has to offer. Watch as the guys travel in their minivan, named...more details