
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.
Click here to preview this program!-
Finding Dad
Award of Excellence at the Media Arts Festival. Jiro, a chef, is engaged to Satoko, a kindergarten teacher. Jiro has not seen his father for 11 years, since his parents got a divorce. Jiro decides to send a wedding invitation to his father, but when his mother finds out, she...more details -
Manga Food Restaurant
2018 55 minThis series follows two fictional characters, Kenjiro Tabe, an office worker with a passion for food found in manga, and Chinatsu Yamamoto, his subordinate. Together, the pair visit real-life restaurants challenging chefs to recreate various meals featured in legendary gourmet mangas. From a monster-sized 20 cm x 20 cm steak...more details -
Tracking the Snipe God -Two Stories of the Latham's Snipe-
2017 55 mins“Ojishigi” (the Latham Snipe) is a small bird that travels between Hokkaido and Australia. Through many years of study, it was discovered that they mate in Hokkaido during summer in the northern hemisphere and travel all the way to Australia to spend the summer in the southern hemisphere. But their...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