[Festivals of Japan Season 1] Akayu Hot Spring in Yamagata Prefecture lost much of its bustling energy due to large fires that occurred in the late 1800s. Wishing for the recovery of their city, local volunteers created Eboshiyama Park. Later, as vitality slowly began to return to the city through...

[Craft Masters of Japan] Mayumi Takahashi is a doll artist who started making dolls over 30 years ago. Her workshop is located in Iiyama City, Nagano Prefecture, which is known for its charming Japanese countryside. Inspired by the rural and rustic scenery around her,  Takahashi's creations often allow people to...

[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...