Japan Video Topics 2008/04
Walking the Old Tokaido Highway (4'42")
The Tokaido was the main highway of old Japan, linking Tokyo (then called Edo) in the east to the old capital of Kyoto in the west, and it played a vital role in the development of modern Japan’s commerce, industry and culture. The Tokaido was also where Japanese tourism began, as travelers walking this 500-kilometer highway started to make detours to view famous shrines and temples, to admire the scenery and to sample famous regional delicacies. Today, hikers still enjoy walking the Tokaido, parts of which remain almost unchanged since 400 years ago.
Compact Houses for Spacious Living (3'58")
In 1952, architect Makoto Masuzawa started a boom in Japan for what he called the “minimum house” – very compact homes with an efficient open-plan interior that made them seem very spacious for their size. His ideas are now being revived by a group of young architects and designers calling themselves the 9-Tsubo House Project. Their popular and highly versatile designs are smaller than normal houses, allowing more of each site to be used for garden. Open interiors and large windows and doors that merge interior and exterior achieve a feeling of great spaciousness.
Learning about Life from Food (3'17")
In the Japanese school system, food and nutrition education courses, where children learn about good diet and how to choose and make healthy food, are regarded as an important foundation for all education – intellectual, moral and physical. Many outside groups take part in these classes, from local school authorities to food manufacturers, as well as expert volunteers such as celebrity chef Kiyomi Mikuni who contribute their specialist knowledge of cooking, eating and food safety to teach young children valuable and basic lessons about life.
Fun Ways to Get Fit (3'46")
Japanese toy and game manufacturers have made huge advances in home entertainment technology, and now they are starting to apply this knowledge for health, fitness and healing. Families enjoy exercising together in front of the TV, thanks to interactive sports games using advanced motion sensors and monitors. Walkers and runners listen to voice instructions providing expert guidance through their headphones, with music scientifically optimized for greatest aerobic benefit. And playing with lifelike robot pets is having a rejuvenating effect
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