
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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World Heritage OKINOSHIMA
45 minutesThis is a new program about the sacred island of Okinoshima, situated between the Japanese archipelago and the Korean peninsula. It has attracted the devotion of the local population in the Munakata region, who possessed advanced nautical skills. Large-scale rituals utilizing an enormous quantity of precious votive offerings were conducted...more details -
Father and Son -Buddhist Statue Carving-
2015 30 mins[Craft Masters of Japan] The Buddhist statue carvings of Nagakute, Aichi Prefecture, are elaborately decorative and have been passed down for many generations. The Eba Buddha Wooden Sculpture Studio practices this crafting tradition and is owned by a father and son sculpting duo. Under the same roof, father Rinzou Eba,...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 -
The Reason I Work Here- Shinagawa, Tokyo
2018 30 mins[Beauty of Japan Season 2] Yugo Matsumoto is an Englishman who owns a popular café in Shinagawa, Tokyo, where customers of all age groups stop by to spend their time. What are the reasons behind the café’s popularity? In this episode, we observe Japan through the eyes of an Englishman...more details