[Craft Masters of Japan] Hikone Butsudan, or Buddhist altar, is traditional craftwork from the castle town of Hikone City, Shiga Prefecture. Its origins can be dated back to the Edo Period. There are seven steps in the creation process of the altars, which are conducted by the ‘Seven Masters’. Each...

List of programs in the 'Beauty of Japan' series: The Castle town where Kingyo Goldfish swim (Yamatokoriyama city, Nara Pref.) Art and excellence of Craftsmanships (Katsushika, Tokyo) Okada village's proud pure Cotton (Chita city, Aichi Pref.) The Secrets of the Village with Japan's longest living population (Takayama city, Nagano Pref.)...

The Himeji Castle is regarded as one of the finest castles in Japan thanks to its preserved monumental white tower. Since the ancient times, many mysteries have been secretly passed on over generations. Why has it never been burned down? Why was it never used in a war? What are...