
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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Traditional Paper "Senkashi" -The 400-year-old custom-
2015 30 mins[Craft Masters of Japan] The "Senkashi" washi paper is one of Japan's Intangible Cultural Treasures. Dating back to the Edo Period, its technique has been passed down for over 400 years. We take a look at Takashi Kikuchi, who is a washi maker specializing in this unique and historically rich...more details -
Yoshida Fire Festival -Japan's 3 Major Unusual Festivals-
2018 30 mins[Festivals of Japan Season 2] Bright flames rise from giant torches, staining the city and skies with their bright red color... The Yoshida Fire Festival is an Important Intangible Folk Cultural Property of Japan that signals the end of summer at Mount Fuji (a World Cultural Heritage.) This episode focuses...more details -
Life in the World Heritage site Gokayamaduring the Winter (Toyama Prefecture)
2021 25 minutes[Colors in Japan] Ainokura Gassho-zukuri is a World Heritage site in Toyama Prefecture's Gokayama region, known for its heavy snowfall. To endure these harsh winters, the village's people have preserved traditional wisdom and techniques, reflected in their unique thatched-roof houses. Click here to preview the program! Part of the "Colors...more details -
Castle in the Sky and Granddaddy's Cherry Tree
2021 60 minutesThe 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