
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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Ornamental Silk Apron for Sumo Wrestlers -Oozumo Kensho-Mawashi-
2015 30 mins[Craft Masters of Japan] Hirokuni Ohno is one of the very few Hakata textile weavers left in the world and has a workshop in Kokura Town in Kitakyushu City. He creates ornamental silk aprons for Sumo wrestlers to wear in the ring. The apron is approximately 70 centimeters wide and...more details -
The Life Work of a 92-Year-Old Hibakusha, Setsuko Thurlow
2024 25 minutesAt the age of 13, Setsuko Thurlow experienced the atomic bombing in Hiroshima. Now living in Canada, she has spent more than half a century advocating for nuclear disarmament. At 92 years old, she continues to press forward in her mission. This program closely follows her life in Canada, documenting...more details -
Festivals of Japan Series- Season 2
2018 30 minsThis is the second season of the Festivals of Japan Series, which introduces various festivals around Japan. In this season, we will explore the festivals themselves, their histories, and the people responsible for preserving, cherishing, and passing on their traditions. From ancient processions, giant paper floats, fire festivals, and even...more details -
Traditional Lacquerware - That Which Shines Beyond the Black (Akita Prefecture)
2021 25 minutes[Colors in Japan] “Kawatsuralacquerware” is a traditional Japanese craft with a history dating back about 800 years. Against the background of that long tradition, four lacquer artisans are now trying to create new types of lacquerware with features based on their original ideas. Please click here to preview the program!...more details