Season 14
11 episodes · 2026
1Bonsai: Harmonious Beauty and Eternal Life
Bonsai came from China over 1000 years ago, evolving into a unique artform. In Kyoto, the emphasis is on beauty and harmony in space, the same aesthetic that flows through ikebana and the Way of Tea.
2Taitan Cooking: Steeped in the Full Flavor of Dashi Stock
Taitan is Kyoto-style cuisine in which seasonal heritage vegetables are simmered until they are infused with dashi stock. The method evolved from vegetarian dishes made at Kyoto's Buddhist temples.
3Tsukemono: Vegetable Pickles Embody Wisdom and Expertise
Traditional Tsukemono, or pickles, preserve centuries of wisdom, allowing the vegetables' inherent flavors to shine. Picklers uphold tradition while embracing new challenges for modern tastes.
4Plasterers: Artisanal Beauty in Traditional Earthen Walls
Specialists rebuild a sturdy, mud-walled storehouse to safeguard cultural assets, scientifically examine plastering techniques, and strive to incorporate wattle and daub walls into modern structures.
5Morning Tourism: Leisurely Activities to Clear the Mind
Kyoto is implementing measures to ease congestion at peak hours and combat over-tourism. One way encourages visitors to discover the city's true charm in the early morning, before the crowds arrive.
6Tales of Sakura: Radiant Pink Blooms Reflect the Heart
Tales of Kyoto's cherry blossoms have survived centuries. These stories are reframed by every generation. Through them, people appreciate the importance of living with nature and the joy of spring.
7The Art World's Genealogy: Respect for Creative Predecessors
A lineage of modern artists preserves and evolves Nihonga traditions, using the techniques as the foundation of their work. Convention and avant-garde, past and present resonate throughout their art.
8Spirit Worship: Prayers to Dispel Curses and Bring Peace
The spirits of people who died in anger, disgrace, or battle were long ago believed to cast curses. This gave rise to rituals that honored and appeased them, in hopes of bringing peace to the nation.
9Artisan Wisdom: A Bridge between Tradition and Science
The Kyoto Municipal Institute of Industrial Technology and Culture helps traditional industries overcome challenges by applying advanced technology and making their businesses more sustainable.
10The Kamo Shrines and Aoi Matsuri: Prayers to Nature from Time Immemorial
This festival, held by World Heritage Kamigamo and Shimogamo Shrines, ties the community together through the Shinto faith that venerates the deities residing in the mountains, rivers, and forests.
11The Rain: Wisdom for Living with Nature's Blessing
To Japanese, rain is rarely a nuisance but a blessing that sustains life. From this notion emerged rituals; traditions in umbrellas, kimono, and confectionary; and the wisdom to prevent flooding.
