This is the first season of the Festivals of Japan Series, which introduces various festivals around Japan. In this 12 episode season, we will explore the festivals themselves, their histories, and the people responsible for preserving, cherishing, and passing on their traditions. From giant sea bream floats, children`s kabuki, portable...

[Beauty of Japan Season 1] ‘Tanchozuru’, or red-crowned cranes, are designated as a special national monument which are seen in Kushiro wetland. In the Ainu language, they refer to this elegant and graceful bird as the 'sarurun kamuy' (god of wetland). The camera follows those working to preserve the environment,...

[Festivals of Japan Season 2] The "Toriou Festival" of Imari City, Saga Prefecture dates back to the mid-to-late 14th century. It is said to have originated from the defeat of warrior Kikuchi Takeshige against Ashikaga. Fleeing to the Ozato Region, Takeshige trained to withstand fire, originating this fiery and dangerous...