Explore Japan — Season 1, Episode 17: Journey Through the Woodland

Episode synopsis

Japan is a highly forested nation, with forests occupying nearly 70% of its land. The varied altitude of the Japanese archipelago stretching east to west gives rise to regionally and seasonally biodiverse trees. From housing to daily essentials, Japanese people have long built wood into every aspect of their lives, developing a unique culture with the material. We seek out that elusive knowledge and mastery of woodworking, visiting Kiso, Hida, and Kishu, 3 regions of Japan that are known for their connection to wood.

About Explore Japan

Japan continues to thrive as it incorporates cultural elements of music, fashion, cuisine, sports, arts and science from around the world. People’s encounters trigger the fusion of Japan’s and the world’s diverse culture, unceasingly producing a myriad of new phenomena and events. This series will feature how various culture in modern Japan and overseas blend together and influence each other.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Koshu: The Miraculous Wine
• E2Japan-discovery, Self-discovery: Exchange Students in Tokyo
• E3My Life with Aikido
• E4Delivering to Space
• E5Peru & Japan Fusion of Cuisine
• E6The Somin Naked Festival
• E7The World of Miniatures
• E8The Manufacturing Spirit and Sustainability
• E9Japanese Gardens, Aesthetic Encounters
• E10Going Beyond Tradition: The Challenge of Craftspeople in Kyoto
• E11Innovative Japanese Bread
• E12Capturing Masters’ Workmanship