｜Length : 49min. ｜Year : 1998 ｜

Kimitake Ueda has been performing Noh for 31 of his 34 years, and passed a milestone with his rendition of the bell sequence in the Dojoji Temple play. This episode follows the demanding life of a Noh actor, focusing on Ueda, the third of four sons born to a Noh master of the Kanze School, as he undertakes a seven-year apprenticeship program. The world of the Noh theater is very disciplined, and an aspiring actor most sharpen all his senses and absorb the techniques that his teacher's body had perfected through the years.

｜Length : 44min. ｜Year : 1998 ｜

The shamisen is a traditional Japanese musical instrument. A unique style of shamisen playing is Tsugaru-jamisen originating from Tsugaru, in the northern prefecture of Aomori. The man said to be the last master of Tsugaru-jamisen, Chikuzan Takahashi, died in February 1998 at the age of 87. Blind since two years old, Chikuzan's livelihood and passion had a single focus - the Tsugaru-jamisen. Nearing the end of his life, Chikuzan courageously began a series of come back performances.

｜Length : 30min. ｜Year : 1997 ｜

The summer Sumida River fireworks festival has a long history. This particular festival was originally intended to prevent fire and disease when it was first established, but today more than 1 million people annually watch as some 20,000 "fire flowers" light up the evening sky. The skill required in the manufacture of fireworks is as important as the care taken when they are released into the sky.

｜Length : 45min. ｜Year : 1997 ｜

A look at the secrets behind traditional arts & crafts

Japanese handicrafts are renowned world wide for their beauty and intricacy. The summer kimono requires not just an eye for color, but also a keen sense of timing. The essence of the folding fans from Kyoto can be found just as much in the split-bamboo frame as in the beautiful paper.

｜Length : 43min. ｜Year : 1997 ｜

Lit figures atop floats spur dancing in the streets

The Aomori Nebuta "fire festival" is famous the world over, but the men who make it possible are still shrouded in secrecy. This documentary focuses on two nebuta masters, Sakuryu Chiba and Takashi Kitamura as they plan, design and build their floats depicting legendary figures and animals. Work starts in the dead of winter for the festival which takes place over six days, from August 2.