Gary Tegler
Self - Narrator (voice)
Core Kyoto (2013)
Season 13
The timeless heart of Japan's ancient capital. Against its rich backdrop of culture and tradition, today's Kyoto continues to innovate and inspire.
Released Feb. 28, 2013
Episode 28 min
None+
Genres: Documentary
Keywords: tmdb.tradition, tmdb.culture, tmdb.kyoto-japan, tmdb.arts-and-crafts, tmdb.history-of-japan, tmdb.food-culture, tmdb.craftsmanship + 5 more, tmdb.arts-and-culture, tmdb.japanese-folklore, tmdb.japanese-cuisine, tmdb.japanese-culture, tmdb.way-of-life
Production Companies: NHK, NHK Enterprises
Network: NHK WORLD-JAPAN
S13E1 - Alleyways: The Age-Old Wisdom of Town Planning
Kyoto has about 13,000 alleys with a total distance of 940km, and an increasing number of their houses are unoccupied. People are working on projects and tours to preserve and revitalize these areas.
Jan. 16, 2025, midnight
S13E2 - Fall in Saga-Arashiyama: The Beauty and Colors of Change
This iconic Kyoto destination, popular for a millennium, has the perfect climate and topography for fall foliage. Some people create new ways to enjoy autumn, while others uphold fall traditions.
Jan. 23, 2025, midnight
S13E3 - Bows and Arrows: Averting Trouble and Drawing Happiness
Several annual rituals performed at Shinto shrines involve bows and arrows that are believed to hold divine power and dispel evil. These weapons also hone the spirit through the practice of archery.
Feb. 27, 2025, midnight
S13E4 - Shamisen: The Reverberating Tones of Passion and Tradition
Shamisen tones, filled with emotion, harmonize with the culture of traditional entertainment districts. The dwindling number of musicians has aroused the effort to keep the instrument and music alive.
March 20, 2025, midnight
S13E5 - Raden: The Iridescent Beauty of Mother-of-Pearl Inlay
Raden, a decorative lacquerware technique, uses the glimmering inner layer of shells. The inlay appears to float resplendently on the black lacquer, inspiring artisans to take the art into the future.
April 10, 2025, midnight
S13E6 - Shotengai: Bustling Shopping Streets Reflect Their Neighborhood
The city's around 150 shopping areas manifest the diversity of the local culture. Some are reinventing themselves to, once again, become the focus of the community as well as handle overtourism.
May 15, 2025, midnight
S13E7 - Traditional Roofing: Glittering Tiles Catch the Eyes
The dark-grey, clay roofing on shrines, temples, and Machiya townhouses is buffed and smoked to boost durability, water resistance, and luster. Craftsmen and roofers uphold the traditional techniques.
May 29, 2025, midnight
S13E8 - Matsunoo Taisha Festival: Local Residents' Prayers Bind the Community
Matsunoo Taisha is the guardian Shinto shrine to Kyoto's west. In April and May, the deities are carried through the community in prayer for local prosperity, upholding a 1000-year-old tradition.
June 15, 2025, midnight
S13E9 - Proprietresses: Keeping Heritage Businesses Alive and Inspired
Women born or married into heritage businesses keep generations of wisdom alive in novel ways. Kyoto's time-honored image and brand would not be what it is without their exemplary conduct and kindness.
June 26, 2025, midnight
S13E10 - Handcrafted Bags: Embodiment of the Artisans' Passion and Attention to Detail
Traditional Kyoto-style bags are made from Nishijin brocade, Yuzen-dyed fabric, and other locally made premium textiles. Artisans also continue to create practical and durable bags from sailcloth.
July 10, 2025, midnight
S13E11 - Tea Kettles: A Universe Within the Iron
Iron kettles rust and corrode over time. For centuries metal casters specializing in kettles have cast diverse kettles for tea gatherings, creating a universe of infinite beauty within that corrosion.
Aug. 14, 2025, midnight
S13E12 - Ethereal Lanterns: Lighting the Cityscape of the Ancient Capital
Lanterns still bring charm to traditional settings at night. Kyoto artisans uphold their skills despite decreasing demand, producing lanterns for use across Japan, while embracing new initiatives.
Aug. 28, 2025, midnight
S13E13 - Trends in Footwear: Health, Beauty and Functionality Born from Tradition
New footwear styles are gaining traction in Kyoto, home of the kimono. Age-old techniques are used to create geta sandals for healthy feet and leather shoes that suit Japanese and Western attire.
Sept. 11, 2025, midnight
S13E14 - Natto: The Authentic Umami of Fermented Soybeans
Kyoto has a rich fermentation tradition, from soy sauce to sake. Recently, natto has been gaining global attention as a superfood, with new efforts underway to boost its appeal and appreciation.
Sept. 25, 2025, midnight
S13E15 - Handcrafted Accessories: Refined Beauty Adds Life to Any Outfit
Kyoto artisans feel a sense of crisis about the future of their distinctive crafts. To keep traditional skills alive, they are adding chic accessories to their product lines to create new demand.
Oct. 9, 2025, midnight
S13E16 - Fish Paste Foods: Tradition Shapes the Bounty of the Sea
Fresh fish was a luxury for people in landlocked Kyoto, so they incorporated dishes made from ground fish into their cuisine with Kyoto flair, allowing everyone to savor the rich essence of seafood.
Oct. 23, 2025, midnight
S13E17 - The Autumn Moon: Gratitude and Prayers for Bountiful Harvests
Ancient nobles admired the full moon in autumn with elegant parties. Those pastimes evolved into local temple and shrine festivals now held to celebrate nature's bounty and pray for next year's crops.
Nov. 13, 2025, midnight
S13E18 - Repair & Restoration: A Respect for Objects and Memories
Kyoto is a trove of historical and cultural assets. Architecture and artworks are being restored daily. The custom and wisdom of cherishing everyday objects too is an ingrained part of Kyoto culture.
Nov. 27, 2025, midnight
NHK WORLD-JAPAN
28 min/ep
6692 min
Feb. 28, 2013
Dec. 25, 2025, midnight
Returning Series
NR
Action
Action
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