Next Episode of Journeys in Japan is
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English-speaking visitors travel the length of Japan, exploring the local culture, meeting the people and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks.
For centuries, Daruma dolls have been popular in Japan as talismans to bring good fortune. The largest producer of Daruma dolls in Japan is Takasaki City, Gunma Prefecture, where there are about 40 workshops.
The nearby city of Kiryu has a different good-luck charm: decorated rakes that are sold at fairs. A famous local specialty is Himokawa udon: the noodles are cut extra-long and wide as a wish for longevity.
Euan Craig is an Australian potter and longtime Gunma resident. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, he digs deep into the history and culture of these talismans and meets some of the people who produce them.
We visit Furukawa, an old district of Hida City in Gifu Prefecture, which is surrounded by mountains and stunning scenery. Furukawa flourished as a castle town 400 years ago, and traces of that time remain. Step out of its streets and an undeveloped woodland, called satoyama, spreads out. An old way of life and unique food culture have been passed down to today. Canadian Kyle Card discovers the gems of this area.
Sapporo is known for its rich architectural heritage, a symbol of its place as Hokkaido's hub of politics, economy, and culture from the 19th century.
Architect James Liambasi visits a dairy farming research site with American design influences, a red-brick beer brewery, and Hokkaido's first TV tower. This time on Journeys in Japan, we glimpse this fascinating city through its architecture.
Niigata is renowned for its heavy snowfall. Each winter it is transformed into a wonderland where the snow covers the landscape for nearly half the year. Despite these harsh conditions, this environment offers breathtaking views and unique traditions. In this episode, American illustrator Kailene Falls explores the prefecture, meeting the residents and sketching her experiences in Niigata's snow country.
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