
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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Rice Pasta that Makes the World Smile- Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture
2019 30 mins[Beauty of Japan Season 2] Claudia was born in Florence, Italy, and currently runs a restaurant called “Pasta Sorriso” with her husband in Himeji, Hyogo Prefecture. In Italian, sorriso means “smile” and riso means “rice”. So “Pasta Sorriso” can be interpreted to mean “Rice Pasta that Makes the World Smile”....more details -
The Eyes that Survey an Ever-Changing City- Shibuya, Tokyo
2019 30 mins[Beauty of Japan Season 2] When asked where they would like to visit in Japan, the most popular answer that foreign tourists give is “Shibuya.” Yet with major developments planned, the site is about to change drastically. We shift our view to observe “Shibuya” from the perspective of foreigners and...more details -
Hikiyama Children's Kabuki -Cultured Entertainment for Common Folk-
2017 30 mins[Festivals of Japan Season 1] The Hikiyama Children's Kabuki in Komatsu City, Ishikawa Prefecture, has a history of over 250 years. However, with the recent decline in birthrates and an increasing aging population, its survival has been put under threat. Amidst this problem, the children of Komatsu City try their...more details -
Toyohama Sea Bream Festival -Japan's Bizarre Festival-
2017 30 mins[Festivals of Japan Season 1] With energetic chants, a giant sea bream is towed by the excited townspeople of Toyohama, Aichi Prefecture. Originally a festival held to bless maritime safety and an abundant catch, it provides a unique spectacle for onlookers to enjoy. Five in total, the gigantic seabreams are...more details