Episodes
Cooking Utensils: Craftwork Ensures the Future of Traditional Cuisine
January 25, 2024
Cooking utensils influence Kyoto cuisine, helping to bring out the inherent flavor of local ingredients. Artisans and chefs believe that upholding the handicrafts sustains the taste of Kyoto.
Ramen Culture: The Continuous Evolution of Diverse Taste
February 15, 2024
Kyoto is not all traditional cuisine. It has become one of Japan's leading ramen hubs thanks to being a student town. Tastes evolve and flavors change as restaurants strive to satisfy clientele.
Mounting Techniques: The Masters of Refined Presentation and Rejuvenation
March 7, 2024
Paintings and calligraphy are often mounted on sliding doors and scrolls. Artisans consider the story behind each piece and the client's wishes to best showcase the artwork.
Joinery: Wood Comes Alive in the Finer Details
April 11, 2024
Traditional carpentry employs wooden joinery in furnishings to fit pieces of wood together without use of metal nails. Artisans breathe new life into the wood, imbuing a Kyoto aesthetic as they work.
Ceramic Painters: A New Perspective to Mastering the Art
April 25, 2024
Kyoto potters refine their skills in a division of labor. Two painters wield their brushes to create delicate designs in majestic strokes and colors, gaining much attention in the industry and beyond.
The Tale of Genji: Elegance That Transcends the Ages
May 9, 2024
This 11th-century novel is set in the imperial court. As a work of literature and paintings, it captured people's hearts, profoundly influencing the culture of the ancient capital for a millennium.
Versatile Oil: Smoothing the Way in Everyday Life
May 30, 2024
Kyoto dominated the oil market 1,000 years ago. Various oils fueled votive lamps, flavored food, preserved wood, and were used in pomade and cosmetics. Oil still plays a key role in the culture today.
Essayist Omura Shige: The Life and Compassion of a Quintessential Kyotoite
June 13, 2024
Omura Shige (1918-1999) wrote about daily life and the treasured customs of Kyoto, and introduced the Kyoto style of home cooking, called Obanzai, to people throughout Japan in her writings.
Festival Horses: Galloping for the Deities in Shinto Rituals
June 27, 2024
Horses take center stage in the ancient capital's events, such as two May festivals—Aoi Matsuri boasting ornate historical attire and the 1,200-year-old Fujinomori-sai.
Modern Fashion: A New Wave of Style Born from Tradition
July 11, 2024
For centuries, Kyoto has been the hub of kimono fashion, spawning the weaving and dyeing industries. Today, designers take inspiration from traditional styles and techniques to create everyday attire.
Kemari: An Ancient Football Game Played for Eternity
August 15, 2024
In Kemari, players kick a ball into the air and strive to keep it off the ground. They master the mentality, skill, and conduct of the game, now played as a wish for peace throughout the nation.
Lake Biwa Canal: A Nearby Lake Boosts Life in the Ancient Capital
August 29, 2024
In 1869, the emperor's move to Tokyo led Kyoto's economy and population into decline. A canal was dug as a last resort to revive the city. It still supplies water, generates power and boosts tourism.
The Central Wholesale Market: Discerning Eyes Keep Food Culture Alive
October 10, 2024
Japan's first central wholesale market, goes beyond mere distribution. With strong ties to local chefs and producers, it plays a major role in training professional connoisseurs.
Ancient Daigo-ji: A Temple Takes its Treasures and Lore into the Future
October 24, 2024
This UNESCO-registered Buddhist temple houses many precious items. Its buildings and statues are National Treasures, but its paper records attract domestic specialists for evaluation and designation.
Traditional Books: Age-old Wisdom Conveyed in Print
November 14, 2024
The desire to pass on knowledge spurred the evolution of books made of washi paper. Artisans carry on the trade of binding with thread, repairing damaged books, and creating facsimiles of old books.
Diversity in Plants: The Radiance of Life in Daily Life
November 28, 2024
Flora is integral to traditional and modern Kyoto life. Japan's oldest public botanical garden which celebrates its centennial and a medicinal plant garden preserve rare plants for posterity.
Tayama Hana Odori: Deities Nurture Community Ties
December 12, 2024
The Tayama Hana Odori is held to pray for rain in Minamiyamashiro, a major Uji tea producer. The village is facing depopulation, and this festival brings long-time locals and newcomers together.
