A Culture Built with Wood (2022)
Forests cover close to 70 percent of Japan's land area. Japan's climate varies significantly from north to south, making it home to diverse forests. These forests have been an intrinsic part of Japanese culture since time immemorial.
Seasons & Episode
The Hida region in Gifu Prefecture has some of the country's most extensive broadleaf forests. Here, local artisans with sophisticated woodworking techniques are referred to as "Hida's Master Craftsmen," a title that has been respected for 1,300 years. Their skills are showcased in the floats of the Takayama Autumn Festival, ranked among the 3 most beautiful festivals in Japan. These floats are crafted using Japanese wood joinery techniques and do not use a single nail. Join us as we examine the craftsmanship that interlocks with the Hida region.
Kishu, in the southern part of the Kii Peninsula, faces the Pacific Ocean and is famous among chefs worldwide for its charcoal production. The charcoal is known as Kishu Binchotan, and the wood used to make the charcoal is sourced from local mountains. For over 200 years, local charcoal makers have used an eco-friendly technique called selective cutting to cut down suitable trees and simultaneously promote new growth. Join us as we examine what fuels the charcoal culture of Kishu.
The Kiso region in Nagano Prefecture is covered by coniferous forests that have been tended by human hands over generations. The Akasawa Natural Recreation Forest is known as one of Japan's 3 most beautiful forests and is home to 300-year-old hinoki cypress trees. Locally-produced lumber is used to make a wide range of products. One of them is the sushi barrel, which is indispensable for making delicious sushi. Join us as we savor the rich culture shaped by the forests of the Kiso region.
