
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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Onyudo -Japan's Largest Mechanical Doll-
2017 30 mins[Festivals of Japan Season 1] The "Onyudo", the largest mechanical doll in Japan, is the symbol of Yokkaichi City in Mie Prefecture. Every year at the Yokkaichi Festival in August, the Onyudo entertains many people with its humorous and silly movements. Placed on a large float, its gigantic body sways...more details -
Kintaikyo Bridge Festival -A Step Back in Time-
2018 30 mins[Festivals of Japan Season 2] Kintaikyo is one of the three most famous bridges in Japan. Located in Iwakuni City, Yamaguchi Prefecture, the bridge provides the stage for the annual Kintaikyo Bridge Festival in spring. Welcoming its 40th time, the festival showcases a colorful reenactment of feudal lords returning from...more details -
In Their Own Words
2025 98 minutesIn 1932, Japan established the puppet state of Manchukuo in northeastern China, where 270,000 Japanese farmers settled. Yet, as Japan's defeat in WW2 neared, the Japanese army retreated, leaving the settlers to be attacked. The Kurokawa settlers turned to the Russian army ーtheir enemy ー for help, offering 15 young,...more details -
On Stage
2022 2024 World Media Festivals Gold The public theater dance company “Noism Company Niigata,” the only of its kind in Japan, calls the city of Niigata home. The director of “Noism,” Jo Kanamori, is a performer and choreographer with global acclaim. With a career spanning 16 years, for the first time,...more details