｜Length : 43min. ｜Year : 2009 ｜

The attraction of Japanese period films lies in the elegance and dynamism of its sword fighting scenes. From the realistic bits that make people look as though they're actually being cut, to the breathtaking beauty and intensity seen in the split-second execution of skills...
How do these scenes -- that continue to intrigue us -- come to life?
The stage combat master is the choreographer and director of sword fighting scenes. By utilizing a state-of-the-art camera, we close in on the ultimate skills that the stage combat master brings to life through his infinite wisdom and discipline.

｜Length : 44min. ｜Year : 2009 ｜

Hot seasons bring about spates of food poisoning incidents. Bacteria invisible to the naked eye attach and multiply on foods; when consumed in the human body, these bacteria cause serious symptoms such as diarrhea and vomiting. In this program, the multiplying process of such bacteria is caught on footage utilizing a state-of-the-art camera which is able to capture even the slightest amount of colors. The workings of bacteria such as o-157, which has the ability to withstand gastric acid, and the heat-resistant bacillus cereus, are also investigated.

｜Length : 20min ｜Year : 2023 ｜

①While the use of environmentally friendly paper straws has increased, the straws produced by UPay Co., Ltd. president, Yui Jokan (41) are made of 70% rice and 30% cornstarch. After use, they can be boiled and eaten like pasta, but they will also break down completely in soil. They are unaffected by long immersion in water and with their smooth texture, they are popular with eateries that serve customers with little children.

A new recycling law amendment aimed at reducing the use of plastics has plastic straws in its sights. Their small size makes them prone to escaping the confines of trash bags or disposal facilities and ending up in the ocean. Ms. Jokan decided to challenge this environmental problem. She uses broken rice grains that would otherwise have no value. Using such rice would lead to more profitability for rice farmers and be a solution for the problem of food loss.

②The go-kart-like riding mower built by OREC CO., LTD. in Fukuoka City was developed by current president Takeji Imamura (70), who came up with the idea 35 years ago to help farmers weed under trees. Although his idea was dismissed by management, his stick-to-itiveness finally bore fruit.

On farms, teens who had been avoiding grass cutting were suddenly volunteering to jump on the fun go-kart mowers. Pres. Imamura is proud of what his customers call a “godsend.” OREC has top share of the self-propelled mower market in Japan, with additional machines designed especially for hilly fields or radio-controlled ones that can maneuver under low solar panels. Tires with special blades keep mowers from sliding down steep slopes. Beyond mowers, OREC has also developed a device that makes it possible to erase smells and bacteria from livestock barns.

By solving difficulties farmers face, OREC is helping to make farm work easier, more fun, and more attractive to young people.

｜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!

｜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.