Added to inquiry!
TRAVEL

Partnership of "Seven Craft Masters" -Hikone Buddhist Altar-

TRAVEL 2015 30 mins Episode(s): 1 english Japanese
[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 master is a specialist in one particular skill, and it is only through their combined efforts that they can produce their intricate creations. The camera follows the Seven Craft Masters who create their interpretation of ‘Pure Land’ Buddhist teachings in their altar-making.

Click here to preview this episode!

Part of the "Craft Masters of Japan Series"!

  •  

    Charmed by the Kindness of the Community - Izumo, Shimane Prefecture
    2019 30 mins

    [Beauty of Japan Season 2] Michelle married a Japanese man and moved to a beautiful nature-filled mountain village in Izumo, Shimane Prefecture. She believes that the true “beauty of Japan” lies in the kindness displayed by the people of her local community. We follow Michelle’s life within the village as...
    more details
  •  

    New Life Blossoms in an Old Village: Seven Years of Struggle and Hope
    2013

    The aging of Japan's population is steadily hollowing out the country's agriculture. Realizing the gravity of the situation, a struggling farming community in Ishikawa Prefecture called Sugaike began trying to attract young residents. Hiroyuki Yago is one of the people who came. He moved from Osaka to Sugaike in order...
    more details
  •  

    In Their Own Words
    2025 98 minutes

    In 1932, Japan established the puppet state of Manchukuo in northeastern China, where 270,000 Japanese farmers settled. Yet, as Japan's defeat in WW2 neared, the Japanese army retreated, leaving the settlers to be attacked. The Kurokawa settlers turned to the Russian army ーtheir enemy ー for help, offering 15 young,...
    more details
  •  

    The Traditional Uses of "Red" (Kyoto)
    2021 25 minutes

    [Colors in Japan] “Kyobenirouge”, made from selected safflowers, has been a traditional craft and widely used throughout Kyoto City since ancient times. It is known for being very pleasing to the eye. Click here to preview this episode! Part of the "Colors in Japan" series!
    more details