
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.
Click here to preview this program!-
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 -
Reintroducing Arita Ware to the World
2017 49 minutes‘Aritayaki’ originates from pottery brought back and baked by Toyotomi Hideyoshi from Korea in 1616. This specific style of pottery has been passed down through many generations for over 400 years. This documentary shows the beauty of ‘Aritayaki’ and the history behind it. Check here to preview the program!more details -
Wonderful Dreams in a Monochrome World- Toyama Prefecture
2018 30 mins[Beauty of Japan Season 2] Jack Lee Randall is a shadow artist from the United States. He made the fateful decision to settle down in Toyama Prefecture after visiting there on one of his shows. His shadow performances evoke a sense of nostalgia in his spectators, and are full of...more details -
Handa Floats Festival -The Pride of the People-
2017 30 mins[Festivals of Japan Season 1] In the spring festival of Handa City, Aichi Prefecture, a total of 31 floats are pulled through 10 districts. Once every five years, the Handa Floats Festival sees the gathering of all 31 floats in one place, vastly entertaining its large crowd of onlookers. Following...more details