[Festivals of Japan Season 1] The Hachinohe Enburi is a traditional festival that takes place in the southern region of Aomori Prefecture. It's held to bring forth good harvests and to welcome the coming of spring. Dancers called tayu wear headdresses made in the shape of horse heads and shake...

[Festivals of Japan Season 2] Jizo-bon is a festival that celebrates the Jizo Bosatsu, or "Kshitigarbha," and takes place in the Kinki Region of Japan. The Jizo-bon culture of Choraku Temple in Kakogawa City, Hyogo Prefecture, has been passed down from the Edo Period. In the evening, men carrying large...

[Colors in Japan] “Kawatsuralacquerware” is a traditional Japanese craft with a history dating back about 800 years. Against the background of that long tradition, four lacquer artisans are now trying to create new types of lacquerware with features based on their original ideas. Please click here to preview the program!...

[Festivals of Japan Season 2] The stage is set in hell. Demons curse and berate the sinner who has committed a terrible crime. The only play in Japan ever to be set in hell, the "Kiraigo" of Yokoshibahikari Town, Chiba Prefecture, has had a history of 800 years. Yet despite...