Japan Video Topics 2009/02
Hiking the Shinetsu Trail
This newly completed hiking trial run for 80 km through the Sekida mountains, an easily accessible range of 1,000 m peaks covered with old forests of Japanese buna beech trees. These woods, filled with springs, lakes and ponds, are unique for being almost entirely free from other tree species, and also for the way they have been shaped and polished by the region's heavy winter snowfall. The Shinetsu Trail is open year-round, and is wonderfully convenient way to explore the details of nature in Japan.
When Mending Becomes an Art
Mottanai is traditional Japanese custom of never wasting anything that can be repaired instead. Kintsugi originated 400 years ago as a method for mending broken pottery with a lacquer resin glue, repeatedly polishing many layers of lacquer for a seamless join. Artisans decorated their repairs by adding gold dust to the lacquer, and kintsugi gradually developed into an art form in which the repair actually added beauty and value. Old ceramics mended in this way can be extremely valuable, and the art itself is becoming popular again.
A Better Way to Peaceful Sleep
Japan, like many parts of the world, suffers from biting insects during the hot, humid summer nights. Insecticides or air conditioning are not ideal for health or for the environment, so people are rediscovering the benefits of the traditional mosquito net for insect-free sleep. The Japanese kaya mosquito net is uniquely spacious, box-like design, but the weave used for its netting impeded the flow of air, making it warm inside. Modern weaving techniques have now solved this, and the key is regaining popularity as a natural, healthy way to ensure a good night's sleep.
New Technology for Disabled Sports
A vital factor in the current worldwide advance of disabled sports is the development of specialized technology to allow athletes to take part in competitive sports. Athletic wheelchairs and prosthetic equipment must be specially designed for each sport and also customized to meet the greatly differing requirements of each user. We introduce a Japanese company that has revolutionized sports wheelchair with a new frame-building technique, and sports trainer/equipment developer who refines his designs through daily feedback from the athletes he coaches.
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