Explore Japan

tv show

poster for Explore Japan

21 total episodes

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1 seasons

First Aired November 25, 2016

Overview

Japan continues to thrive as it incorporates cultural elements of music, fashion, cuisine, sports, arts and science from around the world. People’s encounters trigger the fusion of Japan’s and the world’s diverse culture, unceasingly producing a myriad of new phenomena and events. This series will feature how various culture in modern Japan and overseas blend together and influence each other.

tv poster

MUSIC TRUNK: Journey to Discover the Roots of Japanese Sound

Season 1 - Episode 13 - 0h 28m

Air Date

September 17, 2021

Overview

Musician, Yoshii Shogo. A master of Taiko drums and flutes, Yoshii shows the world the many wonders of traditional Japanese music. We document his journey to find the origins of music within the roots of the local arts, following along to see what emotional souvenirs he can find to pack inside his Music Trunk. The journey takes us to Shimane Prefecture for an inside look at the traditional art of this region: Iwami Kagura. Flutes and drums play the rhythmic Ohayashi. Gods and demons dance the Mai. It is said that a Kagura performed for the Gods at the festival brings a plentiful harvest. He meets the locals and learns what the Ohayashi means to them. Passed down and felt innately within, it is the sound of their spirit. As Yoshii performs with the group, he gets in touch with their Kagura spirit and uncovers the essence of traditional music.