Japan's Omotenashi culture is renowned as "the world’s best hospitality”. In 2020, the number of traditional inns (ryokan) and hotels in Japan exceeded 52,000. Of all the accommodations in Japan, there is one long-established ryokan in Ishikawa Prefecture that stands apart from the others, voted Japan’s number 1 for 36 consecutive years.
KAGAYA. Kagaya has attracted guests from all over Japan and the world for over 110 years, to enjoy the best Omotenashi hospitality in the world.

A project has been launched to have six foreign residents living in Japan, undergo the top class Nakai (staff at ryokan who welcome, serve and attend to the needs of their guests) training at Kagaya. Over 100 women applied and six women were chosen. They are from the United States, Mexico, Spain, Uzbekistan, the Philippines, and Taiwan. How will the Japanese spirit of hospitality, Omotenashi be understood by these women?

The ten days of Nakai training at Kagaya is challenging to say the least. Wearing a heavy kimono is a struggle in itself. The spirit of Omotenashi dwells in everything, not only in etiquette, but even in a single greeting. We journey with these women from six different cultures and value systems and witness the empathy and conflicts that arise. While learning about traditional Japanese culture through Nakai training the six women realize that Omotenashi holds a different meaning for each person.

"Good memories are treasures of the heart, and creating treasures of the heart for our guests is the heart of hospitality.” - Bride & Pride

The genesis of this project is the daytime drama series "Bride & Pride," broadcast nationwide by Tokai Television via Fuji Television Network and distributed in more than 20 countries and regions around the world. Set in a long-established ryokan in Ishikawa Prefecture, the series depicts Japan's world-class hospitality, and the famous line from the show "good memories are treasures of the heart" is now recognized globally. What these six women have in common is the desire to create "treasures of the heart," just like the spirit that inhabits this drama series. Six women take on the challenge of training as Nakai at Japan's oldest ryokan. Through laughter and tears what do they discover in their search for the essence of hospitality?


“世界最高のホスピタリティ”として名高い、日本の「おもてなし」文化。2020年、日本全国にある「旅館・ホテル」軒数は、5万2千軒を超えた。その全ての宿泊施設の中で、「プロが選ぶ36年連続日本一」に輝いた老舗旅館が、石川県にある。その名も、「加賀屋」。創業110年以上の歴史を誇るその旅館には、日本一の「おもてなし」を堪能しようと、国内のみならず、世界中から多くの宿泊客が訪れる。
この日本一の旅館「加賀屋」で、6人の在留外国人が仲居修行に挑むプロジェクトがスタートした。100名を超える応募者から選ばれたのは、アメリカ、メキシコ、スペイン、ウズベキスタン、フィリピン、台湾で生まれ、現在は日本で暮らしている6人の女性たち。彼女たちにとって、日本のスピリットである「おもてなし」はどのように映るのか。
10日間にも及ぶ「加賀屋」での仲居修行は、簡単な道のりではない。重たい着物を着付けるのも一苦労。礼儀作法だけでなく、挨拶一つにしても、全てに「おもてなし」の精神は宿っている。6つの文化、6つの価値観。その中で芽生える、共感や衝突…。日本の伝統文化を学びながら、仲居修行を通して6人は気づく。それぞれにとって「おもてなし」は違うということに。
「良き思い出は心の宝　心の宝を作っていただくことこそ、おもてなしの心」
この企画の発端となったのは、昼ドラ「花嫁のれん」。東海テレビ・フジテレビ系全国ネットで放送し、世界20以上の国と地域で放送・配信されている。石川県の老舗旅館を舞台に、日本が世界に誇る「おもてなしの心」を描き、「良き思い出は心の宝」という言葉が世界中で話題となった。それぞれ文化も性格も異なる6人に共通していたのは、このドラマに宿るスピリットのように、“心の宝”を作りたいという思いである。日本一の老舗旅館で仲居修行に挑戦した６人の女性たち。時には笑い、時には涙し、「おもてなし」の真髄を探し求めた先で得たものとは。

Japanese swords have been held by the great military leaders of Japan. It was a symbol of power.
It is said that Japanese swords with beautiful curves were born in Hoki country (currently Tottori prefecture) during the Heian Period (794-1185). At the time, a swordsmith named "Yasutsuna" was said to have worked on many famous swords. Yasutsuna's swords have been loved by many rulers, including "Nobunaga Oda" who is one of the most famous warriors in the Warring States Period.

In this program, we explore the roots of "Yasutsuna" and introduce the appeals of Japanese swords, and also how Japanese swords refining technology is inherited in modern Japan. You will see why Japanese swords attract many people even today.

*** available in English subtitles

Kyoto was the Imperial capital of Japan for over 1000 years until the mid 19th century. Because this was the Imperial center of Japan for that period, most of Japan's great traditions and culture grew and were nurtured here by dedicated artisans. Today those traditions and culture are still thriving in this ancient city, thanks to the presence of artists and craftmen. In this program we will introduce some of the city's finest crafts people who have perfected the techniques handed down by their forebears for centuries in Kyoto.

Japan’s culture lies in Sake production. Blessed with quality water and a climate that is very suitable for rice growing, Japan has been producing Sake from rice since for more than a millennium. In this series, we visit sake brewries (Shuzo) around Japan that continues to carry traditional methods and cultivate honest local sake community. Getting to know the stories and thought process of sake creators behind famous sake brewries. A rare choise of local specialty appetizer recommended by Toji, a brew master, him/herself. A local's sercret gourmet is revealed in this sereis.

#1 Akita / Asamai Shuzo "Amanoto"
#2 Kyoto / Matsumoto Shuzo "Matsumoto"
#3 Ishikawa / Sogen Shuzo "Sogen"
#4 Gifu / Sugihara Shuzo "Ibi"
#5 Nara / Imanishi Shuzo "Mimurosugi"
#6 Mie / Ohta Shuzo

Mr. Takeki Fujito is the Ainu people in Japan. He lives in Lake Akan in Hokkaido.
He learned the professional skill of woodcarving from his father. He confronts the tree without drafting any drawings, and drilling at a stroke. "There are already the work in the trees, I only carve it out," he says.
The works are represented by bears, wolves, and the Ainu’s view of the world.
Ainu culture is now focused on from all over the world. For example, the demonstration of ethnic dance in the opening ceremony of Tokyo Olympic in 2020.
This is a documentary program in which the depth of the Ainu culture, the beauty of the local Akan forest, the wonderfulness of woodcarving sculpture expressed by 4K camera.
Spanish and English dubbing are available.

Nishi Awakura Village is a small village north of Okayama Prefecture with a population of
about 1,500 people.
The forest occupies 96% of the village’s area, and half of it is made up of HINOKI (cypress).
This village once thrived on forestry, but recently it has been losing it’s vibrancy due to
depopulation and aging.
But recently, a lot of young people have been moving to the village.
One of them is Mr. Masayuki Oshima, who also founded the carpentry workshop
''Mokkoubo-youbi''.
The stylish furniture they produce, made from HINOKI (cypress), is valued both in Japan and
abroad, and the sales keep increasing.
The forests are reborn through forestry, creating richer scenery.
Mr. Oshima calls it "a craft that eventually shapes the landscape".
But suddenly, tragedy struck and the workshop was burnt to the ground during a fire.
How will Mr. Oshima and his team overcome these difficulties?
To find out, we followed the young, passionate carpenter and his team for ten years.

Nishi Awakura Village is a small village north of Okayama Prefecture with a population of
about 1,500 people.
The forest occupies 96% of the village’s area, and half of it is made up of HINOKI (cypress).
This village once thrived on forestry, but recently it has been losing it’s vibrancy due to
depopulation and aging.
But recently, a lot of young people have been moving to the village.
One of them is Mr. Masayuki Oshima, who also founded the carpentry workshop
''Mokkoubo-youbi''.
The stylish furniture they produce, made from HINOKI (cypress), is valued both in Japan and
abroad, and the sales keep increasing.
The forests are reborn through forestry, creating richer scenery.
Mr. Oshima calls it "a craft that eventually shapes the landscape".
But suddenly, tragedy struck and the workshop was burnt to the ground during a fire.
How will Mr. Oshima and his team overcome these difficulties?
To find out, we followed the young, passionate carpenter and his team for ten years.

When we clean, we polish the heart and polish the smile.
At one time or another, everyone has probably felt the urge to clean because “tidying up makes you feel good and refreshed.”
Have you ever thought that people who clean, polish their own hearts as well?
And in so doing, they clean the grime from their hearts.
And what emerges after polishing are...things that shine, and, a smile that sparkles.
Through sound and images, this program shows how “sparkling smiles” are born after polishing.

越打磨自己，越可以精神焕发，阳光笑容。
每个人都实际有过的感受就是，【打扫过卫生后会精神气爽，心情舒畅】。
那些研磨器具的人，难道不是在研磨自己的心灵么？
不是在抹掉心灵的污垢么？
只有研磨后器具诞生的光辉，才会和研磨人的笑容互相辉映。
这是通过影像和声音来传递研磨人生后诞生【阳光笑容】的节目。

Chapter One : Washoku Origins
Chapter Two : Wanmono (Bowl Dish)
In 794, Japan’s capital was moved to Kyoto.
It remained the capital for more than a millennium.
The diverse food culture of the Imperial family and nobility is still in evidence today.
The origins of washoku are honzen, shojin and kaiseki cuisines.
At the very root of washoku is a heartfelt appreciation of life and the blessings of nature.

第1章 日本料理的原点
第2章 碗物（汤）
794年，平安京的首都。
从那时起，京都一直扮演着1000多年的首都角色，
拥有多元化的饮食文化，现在仍然继承着皇宫和贵族的菜肴。
日本料理（和食）的起源是本膳料理，精进料理和怀石料理。
所有的根本，都包含着接受生命，接受自然的恩惠的感谢之心。

Tofukuji Temple, the head temple of the Rinzai sect of Buddhism, was built in 1236.
At the main entrance is Sanmon Gate, designated a National Treasure. It is the largest one of its kind among Zen temples of Japan. The site is imbued with the solemnity of Buddhism. Nineteen statues of the Buddha grace the hall and the ceiling is adorned with the Kalavinka and Gumyo Bird, mythical creatures said to dwell in Buddhist paradise. The nearly 2000 maples trees along the temple grounds attest to the beauty of nature with its fresh green foliage in spring that eventually burst into the resplendent colors of fall. Three wooden bridges, Tsutenkyo, Gaunkyo, Engetsukyo span a stream surrounded by maple trees.
In all four directions of the Hojo or abbot’s quarters, the beautifully kept modern gardens convey expressions of contemporary art. Named collectively as Hasso-no-niwa (Garden of Eight Views), it was designed by Mirei Shigemori, the quintessential gardener of the Showa Era. In creating this garden, stones were brought from another location, in keeping with the Zen spirit of not letting anything go to waste. In autumn, the temple is dyed in the radiant hues of autumn. We are proud to present the breathtaking beauty of Tofukuji Temple in 4K super high-definition, the only way to do justice to the magical changing of the seasons woven by man and nature.

东福寺是佛教临济宗之总院，于1236年建造。主入口处是被指定为国宝的三门。它是日本禅寺同类中最大的一个。此处充溢着佛教庄严。十九尊佛像置于大堂，天花板饰有据说是安居于佛教极乐世界的神话动物——迦陵频伽及共命鸟。近两千棵枫树沿着寺庙庭院而立，春季新绿树叶尔后漫润秋季璀璨色彩，彰显自然之美。三座木桥——通天桥、卧云桥及偃月桥横跨枫树环绕的溪流。
方丈庭院的东西南北方向为秀丽的现代庭院，总称为八相之庭，展现当代艺术风韵。创建此庭院时，石料来自于此区其他场地，以契合勿要浪费的禅之精神。在秋季，明媚秋色尽染寺庙。我们荣幸地呈现东福寺令人心折的美丽，而这人与自然共同织就的季节的奇妙变化仅能通过4K超高清晰度得以尽致体现。

Corporate and organization leaders are said to be loners.
They also seem to be unapproachable.
However, we want to know more about them, about goals they set, and how they tackle difficult decisions.
“The Leader” features a leader each time, and the documentary reveals a side of them never seen in public. Topics are not limited to their confidence and pride. They talk about skills needed in leading an organization, how they maintain their health, their hobbies, what they read, their thoughts on child rearing, nostalgic locations, turning points in their lives, the follies of youth, and things they love with all their heart.

人们都说，企业和组织的社长永远都是孤独的。
每位社长都有难以接近的氛围。
但是，我们希望可以听到一直追寻新目标和作出重要决断的社长心声。
记录片【领导人】是一个每次以一位社长为中心，介绍社长日常生活真面孔的节目。
此节目是以一位代表节目【脸面】的高井美纪播音员，直接和社长见面一起去倍受关注的店，一起边吃饭边聊，或者在倍受关注的地方，悄悄地体验社长的兴趣爱好和聊天。主要交流听取各种各样的趣闻，比如以前作为公司员工时的秘密，人生的梦想，对公司和组织的思绪------，介绍不为人知的社长形象，描写企业和组织的魅力和未来。

At the age of seven, Sakubei Yamamoto entered a coal mine with his parents; this was the beginning of his 50 year career at the Chikuho mines in Fukuoka prefecture. The mines were pitch black and humid, and the threat of collapse or flooding was never far from the miner’s minds.
After retiring, Sakubei found work as a night guard. From the age of 66, he first began documenting his life and times working at the coal mines in essays and paintings. He left behind a legacy of over a thousand paintings, as well as 70 notebooks and diaries. Of this collection, 697 pieces were chosen for inscription on the ‘Memory of the World’ register. This program examines the life of Sakubei, and the incredibly detailed documents he left behind of the Chikuhocoal mines. What sort of figure was he, and what message does he convey to us through his artwork? Sakubei’s life and art is revealed through the stories told by those connected to him.
It got Certificate of Creative Excellence award at US International Film & Video Festival in 2014


日本一だった石炭生産地、福岡県・筑豊に生まれた作兵衛（1892-1984）は、およそ50年間炭坑夫として働き、その記憶を1000枚以上の絵に残しました。
暑く暗い地の底で石炭を掘る男と女の姿、道具、共同風呂やこどもたちの遊び、縁起や迷信。作兵衛が描いたのは、炭鉱で働く人たちとその家族が暮らす共同社会のすべてです。
ユネスコ（国連教育科学文化機関）は2011年、作兵衛の絵と日記など697点を「世界記憶遺産(※1)」に登録しました。日本での登録第１号です。日本でもまだ北海道釧路で、海底のさらに下から石炭を掘り出しています。
そしてほとんどを輸入に頼っていますが、日本の電気エネルギーの四分の一は石炭による火力発電が担っています。 国民一人あたりにすると、1年間に１トン以上の石炭を今も使っているのです。
番組では、かつて炭鉱で働いていた女性たちの証言、釧路やベトナムの炭鉱の迫力ある採掘現場の映像もまじえ、なぜ名もない山本作兵衛の絵が世界に認められたのか、また作兵衛は未来に何を伝えたかったのかを解き明かしていきます。


在七歲的時候，山本作兵衛在七歲的時候就與他的父母一起進入礦坑，這是他50年礦工生涯的開端。礦坑的生活十分黑暗與潮濕，擔心崩塌的恐懼一直存於礦工的心中。山本作兵衛結束礦工的工作後，繼續工作，擔任夜間的警衛。直到66歲時，他才開始使用煤炭來作畫。作兵衛的一生創作了近千幅的煤炭畫作，其中的667幅畫作會在節目中播放。除此之外，節目中還會介紹山本作兵衛的生平事蹟，以及他在筑豐碳坑的生活。透過本節目，觀眾將能瞭解碳坑畫師－山本作兵衛畫作中的故事。

Facing Sea of Japan to the north and having Chugoku Mountains to the south, San-in region is located in the western part of Japan. People have been living here and creating events, entertainment and a wisdom of everyday life that are very distinctive of San-in region for many generations since the ancient time. These are valuable assets, which are inherited by our Japanese ancestors.

“100 Sights of Ancient Cities” is a TV series handing down to next generation the inheritance of our ancestors such as precious traditional events, entertainment, crafts and wisdom of everyday life.
You can enjoy traditional Japanese culture and life in Japan.

*** 43 episodes are available in English subtitles as of October, 2020.

A contemporary artist Miwa Komatsu who is active overseas and her drawings are receiving a lot of attention.

One of the most famous museums in the world, the British Museum has selected her painted Arita porcelain guardian dogs as a part of its permanent collection. She is now one of the hottest contemporary artists in the world.

It is her unique style that attracts people. She delivers prayers to people by drawing sacred beasts such as mountain dogs, dragons, and phoenixes that only she can see.

Miwa Komatsu visits the A-bombed area of Hiroshima. What does she feel with her unique sensitivity and her view of life and death, facing the A-bomb survivors and relics?