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Japan’s Unsung Masters – Live! -The 48th All-Japan Plasterwork Competition

DC292245Documentary

ニッポン知らなかった選手権 第48回 全国左官技能競技大会 [NHK]

|Length : 59min |Year : 2022

We film unusual technical competitions held internally by industries and associations to help workers improve their skills! Follow along with our commentators and watch some incredible workmanship.

The 48th All-Japan Plasterwork Competition
This long-running national competition is held to help plasterers advance their technique – 7 contenders from all over the country compete fiercely for the title of Japan's Top Plasterer. Competitors must plaster a prepared wall to strict specifications using a variety of materials. It's a grueling 19-hour marathon that demands technique, stamina, and concentration, in the pursuit of beauty and accuracy. Whose trowel-work will reign supreme? Join us as we venture into the world of top-level workmanship!

Tech Innovators in Japan ① The Endless Potential of Pulsed Power ② Modern Decor with an Ancient Story

DC292244Documentary

世界一の九州が始まる! ①一瞬で未来を変える!?驚異の稲妻パルスパワー ②里山発!進撃のインテリアブランド [RKK]

|Length : 21min |Year : 2022

①The Endless Potential of Pulsed Power
A new insecticidal device that uses an enormously powerful, lightning-fast pulse of electricity to kill off Anisakis, a parasite that causes food poisoning, is garnering attention around the world. The device wields an incredible kind of energy called pulsed power. A variety of industries can already see its promise, and pulsed power is being hailed as a savior of the next generation. Associate Professor Takao Namihira of Kumamoto University is persevering in his research in hopes of finding everyday applications for this energy, which was originally developed for military use.

②Modern Décor with an Ancient Story
Furniture made from Oguni cedar, a special type of Japanese cedar found in Minamioguni Town in the Aso region of Kumamoto Prefecture, has become a hit not only in Japan, but across the globe. The company responsible is Foreque, a local brand with only five employees. When their sleek designs grabbed the attention of international media outlets, they were flooded with orders from Japanese and foreign customers alike. Company president Syunsuke Anai recalls that when he first started the company, every furniture maker he spoke to wrote off Oguni cedar as an unsuitable material for furniture. Despite their pessimism, Anai held onto his strong desire to create one-of-a-kind products and protect the forest he loves.

Tech Innovators in Japan~①Magic Paint that Shields the Streets ②Keeping Tradition Alive with Kaya from Aso

DC292143Documentary

世界一の九州が始まる!①道を守る水性ペイント②伝統文化つなぐ阿蘇のカヤ [RKK]

|Length : 24min |Year : 2021

1. Japan's transport infrastructure, in particular roads and bridges, was mainly built in the country's rapid economic growth decades. However, problems of infrastructure aging and scenery maintenance are causes of concern for citizens and civil authorities. Kumamoto construction company Amaken Tech has stepped up to help resolve these problems with a revolutionary new paint. This water-based paint is non-toxic and scentless, yet is strong against abrasion. It’s a revolutionary new option for the road construction industry, which still uses enormous amounts of long-lasting oil-based paint. In this half of the program, we investigate the traits and technology of this paint, which is finding its way onto roads all through the country.

2. Constructors of traditional Japanese buildings have a big problem: where do they get the kaya grass to replace kayabuki thatched rooves? Kaya growers are decreasing in number, as are the grasslands where one can harvest kaya. Meanwhile, in Aso, volunteers are gathered each year to burn down kaya grass to maintain farmland.
Yasutaka Yamamoto from the Aso-based GS Corporation has started a new business, purchasing kaya grass harvested before burns, to be sold to kayabuki craftsmen in Kyoto. It’s helping to provide income to farmers in the off-season, and motivation to protect Aso’s grassland. In this half of the program, we talk with Yamamoto about his work to protect traditional architecture, and meet the people of Aso helping to gather and maintain kaya grass.

Science Zero The Underground Secrets of Oze

DC292042Documentary

サイエンスゼロ  大調査!尾瀬 知られざる地下世界 [NHK]

|Length : 30min |Year : 2020

Science ZERO utilizes cutting edge knowledge and technology to thoroughly investigate various phenomena from a scientific perspective. In this episode, we focus on Oze, Japan’s largest mountain wetlands, where a comprehensive scientific survey was conducted after a hiatus of 20 years. Documenting the survey team for one year, this program joins them in revealing the secrets that have made Oze a paradise for rare flora and fauna. Even the experts are surprised by what they find in a pond called Ryugu Pond. How can this small pool possibly keep absorbing a stream of water that continually eddies in? Using the latest underwater drone technology, the survey team discovers a complex tunnel structure beneath the pond. It turns out that the key to Oze’s unique ecosystem can be found in an unknown subterranean world!

Tech Innovators in Japan~ ①Visualizing Heart Disease ②Miracle Meat to Save the World~

DC292041Documentary

世界一の九州が始まる! ①心音が“見える”!超聴診器 ②地球を救うミラクルミート [RKK]

|Length : 24min |Year : 2020

① President of the medical startup AMI Co., Ltd., cardiovascular disease specialist Shinpei Ogawa has developed a stethoscope that allows doctors to see heartbeats.
Until now, stethoscopes have only provided the sound of heartbeats; by turning them into graphic data, it allows for early detection of heart disease and assists doctors with diagnoses. There are even plans to use it in telemedicine, as performing stethoscopies via the internet can benefit areas with a shortage of doctors. Could this device be a breakthrough for the countries’ ageing population, as well as areas short on doctors?


② As the world’s population increases, so do fears of a future protein shortage. For that reason, DAIZ, a company located in Kumamoto City, Japan, has developed a “miracle meat” made solely from soy beans. Koji Ochiai, DAIZ’s Head of Research and Development, was interested in the fact that germinating soy beans share similar properties with animal meat. And by altering their sprouting conditions, he was able to produce “meat” that closely resembled the taste of beef, pork, chicken, and more. Since then, he has continued to develop this miracle meat in the hopes that it may one day save the world.

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