｜Length : 25min ｜Year : 2024 ｜

Hakata dolls, a traditional craft of Fukuoka, are facing a decline, with the number of doll makers halved since the 1950s.
However, Shinkyo and his son Hiromine Nakamura, from the century-old ‘Nakamura Ningyo’ family, continue to receive orders. Shinkyo (67), a leading figure in the industry, has won many awards, while Hiromine (38) is known for his innovative approach to Hakata doll-making.
The doll makers in Hakata are most honored to make the ‘Kaki Yama,’ the ‘running Yamakasa’ at the Hakata Gion Yamakasa Festival. It is highly competitive, with no guarantee of future commissions.
In 2023, Hiromine created dolls of Nagamasa Kuroda, the first lord of Fukuoka more than 400 years ago, and his famous father, Kanbee, for the festival. Nakamura’s family motto is ‘Never create the same thing as the previous generation’; Hiromine follows this by producing unique dolls each year. For the unveiling, he displayed the same-sized dolls of Nagamasa and Kanbee back to back. The people of Doi Nagare, who ordered the dolls, were deeply moved and amazed, saying, ‘The dolls are father and son, just like the doll makers.’

｜Length : 46min ｜Year : 2024 ｜

Shuriken is the symbolic Ninja tool that comes to everyone's mind at first. In historical dramas, Ninjas are often depicted as holding both hands horizontally in front of their bodies and firing a series of shuriken. However, this method of striking is said to be a misrepresentation.
In addition to shuriken, Ninjas also used a variety of tools in various situations. Some were used to defend themselves, some to attack, some to climb walls, some to make fire, some to pry open doors, some to cross water, and some to disguise themselves. Ninjas, who had to survive and bring back information at all costs, used their tools in a variety of ingenious ways in their tools.
In this program, navigator Tsuruno Takeshi will experience the original use of shuriken and learn the types and uses of the Ninja's “six ninjutsu tools.”

｜Length : 46min ｜Year : 2024 ｜

Many of the Ninjutsu techniques that enhance the mystique of the Ninja are not only mysterious, but also make sense from the perspective of modern science. Ninjutsu, which has been studied and refined over many years in the course of reconnaissance missions, include not only physical techniques, but also many mental and psychological ones. It requires the ultimate in mental strength, as one must be prepared to die in the line of duty.
The studies covered by the ninja were also numerous, including medicine, pharmacology, food, astronomy, weather, and gunpowder, and it is surprising to see how highly skilled the Ninja were required to be.
In this program, navigator Tsuruno Takeshi experiences some of the Ninjutsu and Ninja lore at the Koka Ninja Village in Koka City, Shiga Prefecture.

｜Length : 46min ｜Year : 2024 ｜

“Ninja” and “Ninjutsu” fascinate many people. This program shows their real appearance and charms from various angles.
During the tumultuous periods of history, ninjas served various daimyo and feudal lords, playing active roles across Japan. Their exploits have been portrayed in novels, anime, and movies, contributing to their ever-growing popularity. This program explores various ninja-related stories and uncovers the true nature of ninjas, shedding light on aspects that have remained unclear until now.
To uncover the identity of “The Secret Missions and History of Ninjas”, Tsuruno Takeshi, a multi-talented celebrity, visits Iga-Ueno, the birthplace of ninjas. At the Iga Ninja Museum, which boasts an extensive collection of ninja-related artifacts, Tsuruno delves into the history of ninjas. The deeper he explores; the more intriguing questions arise: Where did ninjas originate?? What missions did they undertake? What truly defines a “ninja”? Although ninjas are often associated with a shadowy reputation, historical records have uncovered surprising truths that challenge this perception.

｜Length : 52min ｜Year : 2023 ｜

Gion Festival, one of the most famous festivals in Japan, includes many rituals and events during the month of July every year. The most famous of these are the float processions held on the 17th and again on the 24th. All the floats are festooned with gorgeous ornaments and are pulled and pushed through the main streets of Kyoto.
On July 24, 2022 the Takayama Float which had not been seen for 196 years, was seen once again in the second parade.
Over the years there had been many failed attempts to revive the Takayama Float. But it wasn’t until 2022 that this fabled float would once again proudly join the parade again. It wasn’t easy, but thanks to many people’s efforts, the Takayama Float enjoyed a rebirth after nearly 200 years, marking the beginning of a new chapter in the history of the festival.