A Rediscovery of Japan, Okunoto Land of Forgotten Glories - 2012/05/26

http://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/english/tv/special/index5_4.html

A Rediscovery of Japan
Okunoto: Land of Forgotten Glories

Presenter: Rachel Olanoff
May 26, Sat.
0:10/ 4:10/ 8:10/ 12:10/
16:10/ 20:10 (UTC)

Last June, 'Satoyama, Satoumi of Noto (Secondary forest and coastal marine system of Noto)' was certified as Japan's first 'Globally Important Agricultural Heritage System'. It was the traditional and nature based ways of living, such as rice terrace of Shiroyone, or banked terraced salt making method that contributed to this certification, and the northern Noto peninsula called 'Oku-Noto' is the place that retains the tradition strongly.

'Kiriko festival' welcomes the Gods from the sea with huge lanterns and in 'Aenokoto', the formally dressed male head of the farming household greets the Gods of rice field (inscribed on the UNESCO Representative List of Intangible Cultural Heritage of Humanity). Oku-Noto is not only the home of these unique folk rituals and culture, but also famous for craftworks such as 'Wajima lacquer ware'. Both tangible and intangible culture was formed through distinctive feature of the peninsula stretching out into Japan Sea that brought cultural contact, and the active commerce of Kitamaebune (northern-bound ships) in Edo period.

The area lacks even railway services today, but Oku-Noto's rich cultural heritage can still be spotted in the local everyday life. Rachel Olanoff, an American who has once served as a teacher in this area and fascinated by its salt making culture, will be taking the local buses to guide the viewers around Oku-Noto. 'Shiroyone rice terrace', 'Kiriko festival', 'Wajima lacquer ware' and 'the prosperous Kitamaebune warehouse dealer'. She will visit the sites of rich history and magnificent culture in natural surroundings.

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part 1 of 1: http://go4up.com/dl/1oThYHQFGCNb