Added to inquiry!
DOCUMENTARY

Zuigan-ji (2016)

DOCUMENTARY 2016 48 minutes Episode(s): 1 english English

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!

  •  

    Arita Ware Reborn -Beyond the Tradition of 400 years -
    2018 25 minutes

    The first porcelain in Japan was made in Arita-cho 400 years ago. The porcelain was named "Aritayaki". In the late 17th century Arita ware was exported to Europe, and its technicality and beauty were appreciated. The process goes through different phases such as molding the clay and coloring it. the...
    more details
  •  

    Yokohama Scarves- Harmony of Beauty and Skill-
    2015 30 mins

    [Craft Masters of Japan] Since the opening of its port, the silk industry has developed drastically within Yokohama City. Silk is a soft and delicate fabric, which requires special techniques for dyeing and drawing motifs. This documentary will focus on the traditional "Yokohama scarfs", which have a history of over...
    more details
  •  

    Castle in the Sky and Granddad's Cherry Tree
    2021 60 minutes

    The Takeda Castle ruins in Asago City are known as the “Castle in the Sky” as they are located on a mountain top and look to be floating in the sky.  Wild cherry trees growing on the mountain slope are another symbol of the city. The trees, preserved over generations,...
    more details
  •  

    The Sake that Bonds - "Unite 311" A Sake of Gratitude
    2021 46 minutes

    Niizawa Sake Brewery and its long history were on the verge of ending after its facilities were destroyed in the Great Tohoku Earthquake of March 2011. At that time, though, workers from other breweries across Japan rushed to their aid. This documentary follows the owner and workers of Niizawa Sake...
    more details