
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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Amezaiku (sugar sculpture) -A young artist blowing new life into tradition-
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Live! Just Live!
2025 2025 World Media Festivals: Silver Thirteen years after the Great East Japan Earthquake and the nuclear power plant accident, mental health issues such as delayed-onset PTSD have been on the rise in Fukushima. Dr. Aritsuka spends his days listening to the voices of many patients. Mr. Yonekura, from the NPO...more details -
Beauty of Japan Series- Season 2
2018 30 minsThere are 2.5 million people from all over the world currently living in Japan. How did they end up there? What drew them to come to Japan in the first place? Or more importantly, what made them want to stay? In this series, we take a look at various non-Japanese...more details -
Takaoka Mikuruma-yama Festival -Turning the Wheels of Tradition-
2018 30 mins[Festivals of Japan Season 2] The Takaoka Mikuruma-yama Festival in Toyama Prefecture was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Asset in December 2016. With the creaking sounds of the turning wheels, the seven lavish floats make their way along the same route they have gone since ancient times, pushed onwards...more details