Customer Reviews

National Geographic's Living Treasures of Japan [VHS]

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I saw this beatifully filmed piece on PBS. It selects several artists, ranging from weavers to dancers to sword makers, who have been designated by the Japanese government as "Living Treasures." This documentary describes the artistic tradition each Treasure practices, showing the traditions of some of Japan's near-lost arts. The information presented includes how the art is practiced, the traditions behind it, and some minutes of comment or interview from the Treasurers themselves. I would recommend this video to anyone who is interested in arts, history and tradition, or Japanese culture. There is actually a lot of information and insipration in this program. This video has an overall quiet, peaceful and relaxed feel, gently walking us through the lives and traditions of the Treasurers. I think it would be a wonderful generation-bridge for parents and children to watch together.

Recently, I showed this video to my 6th grade world cultures students and they were really captivated by it. I wasn't sure how they would like it, but they loved seeing the crafts and various artists of Japan. The video is great, because it gives you short pictures of different important people and a real overview of all of Japan's amazing talent. My students particularly liked the fighting puppets.

It was a BIG hit. I would definitely recommend it. We are watching it again next year without a doubt.

An excellent introduction to the Japanese system of learning, and having reverence for, specific crafts and the people who make them. Bought the DVD; highly recommend.

having had an interest in Japanese art since childhood, this tape is a true treasure. It depicts several "living treasures" of Japan, artists and craftsmen/women. From making a chawan (vessel for Chado- tea ceremony) to the fabrication of Indigo fabric colour, every picture is informative and breath taking. The scenes are rare and give a glimpse into a world very few have seen and even fever understand.

This is a documentary with an unexpectedly strong emotional impact as you meet each of these wonderful artisans in the joys of their craft. One feels that, to begin to know the true Japan, one must begin to know each of these individuals and their work.