Yamanashi, one of Japan’s most famous wine producing regions, is home to Grace Winery, winner of a gold medal at a major international wine competition, three years running. It makes a white wine using Koshu grapes, a variety unique to…
Japanese anime and manga have countless fans overseas. Many of them are teenagers. Some of them have been inspired to become high school exchange students. On this program, we meet three such exchange students who are attending Meiji…
Aikido is a Japanese martial art in which the opponent’s attack is redirected to avoid damage, rather than opposing it head-on. Currently, it is said that there are around one million practitioners of Aikido in 130 regions and countries…
Japanese technology plays a pivotal role in global space development. This role is symbolized by the unmanned cargo transporter HTV “Kounotori”, the subject of this documentary. In recent years, U.S. and Russian supply ships have suffered…
Tokyo is a city where you can find cuisine from all over the world. Recently, Peruvian cuisine is becoming more and more popular. In fact, it actually has a deeply intertwined connection with Japanese culinary culture that stretches back…
The Somin Naked Festival has been passed down for more than one thousand years at a mountain temple, deep in snowy Northern Japan. This physically demanding, purification rite is held annually in the coldest month of the year—February.…
The world of miniatures is a surprisingly whimsical one, and among it Japanese miniatures have gained a worldwide reputation for being exceptionally unique. In 2020, one of the world’s largest indoor miniature theme parks opened in Tokyo.…
Ginza, Tokyo. Japan's traditional culture is protected within this modern district. Here, artisans work unseen to preserve time-honored crafts. We visit a small workshop that's been producing tabi, or Japanese-style socks, since the 18th…
Japanese gardens play a very special cultural role, bringing nature into everyday life. They charmed a young Swede so much that he moved to Japan, changing his nationality. Now known as Murasame Tatsumasa he works as a gardener. He visits…
"GO ON" is a group of young masters of traditional crafts who continue to take on new challenges in the ancient capital of Kyoto. They are creating new crafts using their unique techniques and advanced technology as a way of passing on…
Bread is enjoyed by people around the world, and while it seems like a Western staple, Japan too has a long bread history that goes back to the late 19th century. An essential part of Japanese food culture, the country is currently seeing…
In Nara’s Asuka district, where Japan’s capital was located during the 7th century, you’ll find Horyuji Temple, home to the oldest wooden buildings on earth, still standing after 1,300 years. During extensive repairs in the Showa period,…
Musician, Yoshii Shogo. A master of Taiko drums and flutes, Yoshii shows the world the many wonders of traditional Japanese music. We document his journey to find the origins of music within the roots of the local arts, following along to…
Anime Dramatic Tours (ADT) is a fictional travel agency that provides guided tours of famous locales featured in Japanese anime films and television series. Join ADT travel guide Sascha as he navigates the exciting world of anime,…
The Japanese are captivated by a game with one simple rule: Solve the puzzle and escape the room. What began as an online escape game has evolved into the “real-life” escape game, an in-person experience filled with adventure and…
Frenchman Emmanuel Marès meets experts at famous gardens in Kyoto, to explore the unique aesthetic of Japanese gardens. First, he visits Saiho-ji Temple, nicknamed "moss temple" because its garden features over 120 types of moss. He…
Japan is a highly forested nation, with forests occupying nearly 70% of its land. The varied altitude of the Japanese archipelago stretching east to west gives rise to regionally and seasonally biodiverse trees. From housing to daily…
The delectable Japanese confectionary tradition of wagashi dates back to ancient times, featuring shapes and flavors that change with the seasons. Sanno Hiroyuki, 39 years old, is a freelance artisan who is revolutionizing the world of…
There are as many dietary lifestyles as there are cultures in the world. Is it possible to follow religious or moral dietary restrictions in Japan? Harry Sugiyama will answer that question by exploring Japan’s growth of vegan, vegetarian,…
Kyoto has a history of 1200 years. Its numerous shrines and temples make it one of Japan’s leading tourist destinations. Hidden in this ancient city are alleys called “Roji.” Many of them can’t be reach by car, yet they are just a step…
Let JAPANorama Rumble take you on a journey to both West and East Japan and highlight the amazing landscapes and ‘panoramas’ to be found there. Using a combination of visuals and the power of the spoken word, this is a unique comedy panel…