｜Length : 40min. ｜Year : 2009 ｜

During the 1,200 years since Kyoto became the capital of Japan, many of Japan's greatest gardens have been created there. The images of natural scenery they present are imbued with the traditional Japanese feelings of deep respect and awe for nature. This program introduces the attractions of the gardens at Daigoji, Shisendo and Tofukuji temples, as well as the Urasenke tea garden: moss-covered paths, stones and trees placed seemingly at random... Join us as we visit them and consider their designs that so vividly reflect their creators' intentions and delicate sense of beauty.

｜Length : 45min. ｜Year : 2009 ｜

Bird flu is currently the center of all attention. Forty-one year old Nahoko Shindo is member of a group directly involved in the research for a solution that would put an end to the spread of the virus. She is a World Health Organization (WHO) doctor. Today, the greatest challenge for her and her colleagues is to prevent a global pandemic. To this end, the team takes various measures to contain the infection, such as identifying transmission routes and installing isolation wards. Meanwhile, at home, Shindo is a mother of two. Although she manages to balance work and family life, she flies off to other ends of the world as soon as there is news of a bird flu outbreak.

｜Length : 44min. ｜Year : 2009 ｜

Artificial cedar and cypress forests, which account for 40% of Japan's forests, are on the brink of extinction. They are poorly maintained and neglected due to the import of cheap materials, causing serious environmental damage such as fallen trees and mudslides. In the midst of this ecological crisis, 57-year old Isao Yuasa, who leads the forestry cooperative of Hiyoshi, a small town in Kyoto, is attracting particular attention. He actually recovered 70% of Hiyoshi's abandoned forest, an achievement that impressed many of his peers. This program features Isao Yuasa and his efforts to bring back life to all of Japan's forests.

｜Length : 25min. ｜Year : 2009 ｜

Folding fans have long been used as a tool to keep cool but also as a fine piece of ornament. First introduced around 1,200 years ago in the ancient capital of Kyoto, the original folding fans were said to have been created by binding thin strips of Japanese cypress. The surface, its most important aspect, was embellished with beautiful and elegant paintings produced by artists of the time. These were used by aristocrats in ritual ceremonies and were highly valued ornaments. Japanese folding fans were also extremely popular among European aristocrats in the 18th century.

｜Length : 25min. ｜Year : 2009 ｜

Robots existed since the Edo period (1603-1867), or so to speak. They are clockwork dolls. Displaying sophisticated movements and realistic facial features, they are unique dolls which artisans of the Edo period created using the latest technologies of the time. Some carry tea, while others can skillfully use an ink brush. Based on an elaborate mechanism, these dolls are as real as real can be. This episode introduces clockwork dolls that fully reveal the genius ideas of master artisans.