
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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Castle in the Sky and Granddad's Cherry Tree
2021 60 minutesThe Takeda Castle ruins in Asago City are known as the “Castle in the Sky” as they are located on a mountain top and look to be floating in the sky. Wild cherry trees growing on the mountain slope are another symbol of the city. The trees, preserved over generations,...more details -
NEXT5: the future of Sake makers Akita city, Akita Pref.
2014 30mins'NEXT5' is a team of 5 young Sake brewers from Akita city who stood up against the decrease of national Sake consumption. They are not only entrepreneurs but also physically use their own hands to brew their Sakes, while Sake makers generally rely on the 'Touji' (Sake artisans). The camera...more details -
Nippon-ga -Taro Yamamoto x Akita Maiko-
2015 30 mins[Craft Masters of Japan] Taro Yamamoto is a professor at the Akita University of Art, but also a young painter who uses traditional Japanese techniques to create paintings with a ‘modern’ and humorous twist to them. This new art style is called ‘Nippon-ga’, and has currently been attracting a lot...more details -
Toyohama Sea Bream Festival -Japan's Bizarre Festival-
2017 30 mins[Festivals of Japan Season 1] With energetic chants, a giant sea bream is towed by the excited townspeople of Toyohama, Aichi Prefecture. Originally a festival held to bless maritime safety and an abundant catch, it provides a unique spectacle for onlookers to enjoy. Five in total, the gigantic seabreams are...more details