
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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Nada Fighting Festival
2018 30 mins[Festivals of Japan Season 2] A grand scene ensues as mikoshi portable shrines batter each other in a display of strength and pride. The Nada Fighting Festival is held annually in Himeji City, Hyogo Prefecture, and is the largest festival among numerous "fight festivals" in Japan. Every year on October...more details -
Meoto Iwa-Enchanted by the Rising Sun Miracle (Mie Prefecture)
2021 25 minutes[Colors in Japan] MeotoIwa (The Married Couple Rocks), a famous rock formation in Ise City, Mie Prefecture, offers a unique natural spectacle during the summer solstice. We follow photographers who flock to the site to capture the awe-inspiring phenomenon of the sun rising over Mt. Fuji between the rocks. Click...more details -
Daidai Kagura -The Ritual Dance of Iki, the Island of the Gods-
2017 30 mins[Festivals of Japan Season 1] Iki Island, in Nagasaki Prefecture, has about 1,000 shrines. The Iki Kagura is an ancient and sacred dance practiced only by Shinto priests and is an Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan. The sacred ceremony is carried out with the playing of flute and drum...more details -
Tokoname Pottery, hoping to re-establish a long lost relationship- Tokoname City, Aichi Prefecture
30 mins[Beauty of Japan Season 2] Tokoname pottery is one of Japan's six oldest stonewares. Chang from Shanghai settled in Tokoname after he was captivated by the beauty of Tokoname teapots. Now he runs a shop for Chinese tourists and he visits China for various exhibitions to promote the pottery. This...more details