Journeys in Japan
Season 5 Episode 19 - Wajima Lacquerware, Layers of Perfection
Wajima, in Ishikawa Prefecture, is located on the northwestern coast of the Noto Peninsula, which juts out into the Sea of Japan. It is known globally for its exquisite Wajima lacquerware. The atmospheric city is blessed with the abundant gifts of nature and rich traditions. Among them, the Shiroyone Senmaida terraced rice fields stand out. Wajima has also passed down an ancient performing art form called "Gojinjo Daiko", which involves drumming and dancing. Our traveler on Journeys in Japan is American poet and photographer, Kit Pancoast Nagamura. She visits venerable Wajima lacquerware workshops and stays at a traditional inn that serves meals on heirloom lacquer tableware. She also experiences how to cultivate young rice plants at the Shiroyone Senmaida terrace and enjoys a spectacular performance of Gojinjo Daiko. Kit gains insight into how the people of Wajima have nurtured, and preserved, deep traditions, including their stunning lacquerware.
Episodes in Season 5
Murakami: City of Salmon and Sake
28 min
Hiroshima: The City of Hope
28 min
A Passion for Mechanical Magic: Aichi
28 min
Kobe: Neighborhoods Reborn
28 min
Tochigi: Secret World of Samurai and Hot Spring
28 min
Sanriku: Lives Intertwined with the Sea
28 min
Nagatoro: Natural Forests and Pure Ice
28 min
Kohoku: Life Close to Buddhist Deities
28 min
Sanjo: Forging Tradition and Craftsmanship
28 min
Kyoto in Spring Part 1: Discovering Dolls' Day Traditions
28 min
Kyoto in Spring Part 2: Discovering the World of Incense
28 min
Kurashiki: Celebrating Heritage
28 min
A Day-Trip From Tokyo Part 1: Kamakura - City of Nature, History and Tradition
28 min
A Day-Trip From Tokyo Part 2: Slow Train in Springtime Chiba
28 min
Takamatsu: Spirit of Craftsmanship
28 min
Yoshino, Nara: Awash in Pink Petals
28 min
Izumo: Land of Living Legends
28 min
Splashing and Chilling in Minakami
28 min
Wajima Lacquerware, Layers of Perfection
28 min
Celebrating the Landscape of Azumino
28 min
Kanazawa: Evolving Tradition
28 min
Outdoor Hokkaido Part 1: Shiretoko Wildlife Paradise
28 min
Outdoor Hokkaido Part 2: Into the Wilds of Kushiro
28 min
Iwate: Road to Recovery
28 min
Okinawa: The Land of Karate
28 min
Tomioka: Cradle of Japan's Modernization
28 min
Niyodo River: Pure Water of the Gods
28 min
Ine, Kyoto: Serenity by the Sea
28 min
Gujo-hachiman: Dancing in the City of Water
28 min
Dewa Sanzan, Yamagata Part 1: Deep Mountain Worship
28 min
Dewa Sanzan, Yamagata Part 2: Yamabushi Training for Death and Rebirth
28 min
Kumamoto Prefecture: Appreciating Abundance
28 min
Into the Heart of Kyoto
28 min
Wakasa Bay, Fukui Prefecture: Following the Old Mackerel Road
28 min
Savoring Fall on Shodoshima
28 min
Tomonoura: The Old Folks and the Sea
28 min
Izumo: Land of Legend and Folk Craft
28 min
Yokohama Stories
28 min
Echizen: The World of Washi
28 min
