Journeys in Japan
Season 5 Episode 26 - Tomioka: Cradle of Japan's Modernization
The Tomioka Silk Mill was the first modern factory ever built in Japan. Completed in 1872, it marked a major step for the country in its transformation from a traditional society to a high-tech industrialized nation. The mill was built by Japanese under the guidance of a young French engineer called Paul Brunat. He chose the location in Tomioka, at the foot of Mt. Myogi, because there was a long tradition of skilled artisan silk production and he found the local people took great care of their silkworms. The architecture of the mill combines both Japanese and western elements. Because the mill has been preserved so well, almost in the same condition as when it was built, it (together with related sites) was designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site in June this year. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, the Tomioka Silk Mill is introduced by Damien Robuchon who works for the Tomioka City Government.
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
