[Festivals of Japan Season 1] The Hitachi Furyumono is an important tangible and intangible folk cultural property of Japan, recognized as one of UNESCO's Intangible Cultural Assets in 2009. Originating from the Edo Period when the parishioners of Kamine Shrine dedicated floats, the colorful float carrying dancing mechanical dolls are...

[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”....

[Festivals of Japan Season 2] Jizo-bon is a festival that celebrates the Jizo Bosatsu, or "Kshitigarbha," and takes place in the Kinki Region of Japan. The Jizo-bon culture of Choraku Temple in Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture, has been passed down from the Edo Period. In the evening, men carrying large...

[Beauty of Japan Season 1] Tenshudo (House of the Lord) is the oldest Roman Catholic church in Japan. Its picturesque location surrounded by beautiful nature is known as a tourist spot in Nagasaki city. The church has been a witness of cultural exchanges with western countries and religious history for...