[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...

[Craft Masters of Japan] Kunimasa Matsuba is a Japanese swordsmith who has received the prestigious excellence award ten times at the exhibition of newly made swords in Japan. His strong, muscular body has undergone years of training in the smothering heat which enables him to create beautiful swords that gleam...

[Beauty of Japan Season 2] Barry Grossman, originally from the United States, has lived in Japan for 27 years. He is a professor at the University of Hachinohe, and is also a yoga instructor. What is the ultimate relaxation experience that Barry talks about? Through following him on his yoga...

[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”....