Video Library
Welcome to our online catalog containing a partial list of our videos and materials available for check out at the Consular Office of Japan. Please take some time to browse through the titles. We have many more unlisted titles so please call us at (907) 562-8424 ext 109 to inquire about your topics of interest.
Feature Video of the Month
Japan Video Topics – Our most up to date short segment videos covering a wide variety of issues and interests in Japan right now. Check back monthly to see what’s new.
Japan Video Topics
2007/2
A Day Trip Across Tokyo Bay
This sement introduces a day trip to enjoy the early arrival of spring in Chiba Prefecture
The Charm of Modern Paper Craft
Learn about a new trend in the world of Japanese paper craft -- "paper craft" models made from cards.
Cleaning Water with Carbon Fibre
See how water quality is purified using carbon fibre.
Revitalizing a Town with Ume
See how a very unique town has revitalized its economy through the use of ume (Japanese apricot).
2007/1
Naoshima ~ The Island of Art
Visit the "Benesse House," an very unique museum for contemporary art
Bringing a New Charm to Bonsai
Learn about the world of bonsai, a unique feature of Japanese culture
At the Forefront of Endoscopy
The world's first endoscope was developed in Japan 50 years ago -- this segment introduces the latest developments in Japanese endoscopic technology
Japanese Creative Cheese
See how cheese is made at the Shintoku Farm in Obihiro, on the the northern island of Hokkaido
2006/12
One-day Trip to Tsukaba
Visit the famous Tsukaba City.
Edo Kites Flying High
Watch how a master designs traditional Japanese kites.
Supporting the Next Generation of Aircraft ~Carbon Fibre Composite Materials~
Learn how these materials are created by a fusion of traditional textile industry technology and modern high technology
Tokyo Tradational Taste
Enjoy a taste of traditional Edo!
2006/11
Global Oysters Supported by Forests
Learn about the ecological relatiohsip between the sea and the upstream forests and rivers that run into it.
Not Just for Play ~Mobile Game Devices Evolve~
See why mobile game devices are booming in Japan.
Tokyo One-Day Trip
See Tokyo in a day!
UDON ~Noodles Fostered by Nature~
Find out how these delicious noodles are made.
2006/10
Japan's 50 Years as a UN Member
This segment looks at Japan's history as a member of the United Nations.
Onsen, Warm-hearted Hot Springs - Beppu and Yufuin-
Visit one of Japan's most famous hot spring resorts.
Ramen, Japan's Favourite Noodles
Learn the secrets of the dish Japanese cannot resist.
The Small Island that Drives on Ethanol
Visit a small island in Japan where biomass ethanol is produced in the most cost-effective way in the world.
2006/9
State-of-the-art Prosthetics
Learn about the latest technology in Japan centering on the development of artificial limbs.
Staying at a World Heritage Site
Spend the night at Mt. Koya, one of Japan's most famous Buddhist sacred sites.
Basement Food Riches
Explore the handy basement food section in some of Japan's famous department stores.
Preparing for Natural Disasters
See how Japan prepares for natural disasters.
2006/8
Beach Cleaning Buggy
Learn about modern beach cleaning equipment based on traditional techniques.
Secrets of the White Egret Castle
Visit Himeji Castle.
The Yukata Fashion Boom
See why traditional light kimons called yukata are increasing in popularity.
Washi
Washi is an amazing craft item that brings a simple and soft atmosphere to Japanese life.
The Popular Tokyo English Bus Tour
Take a tour of Tokyo on the "Hata Bus."
2006/7
Climbing for Cleaning
Ken Noguchi is working to keep Japan's mountains clean.
Living with Flowers
This segment introduces how the Japanese live with flowers.
Furoshiki ~ The Flexible Wrapping Cloth
Learn about the revival of the long-neglected furoshiki.
Self Expression through Digital Art
See how some Japanese digital artists are producing animation works.
2006/6
Mobile Phone TV
Learn about the 'one-segment broadcasting service' digital television programs can now be viewed on a mobile phone
Exploring Japan ~ Appreciating Wooden Architecture~
Tour some of Japan's finest and oldest wooden structures
Japan Welcomes Young Students
See what measures Japan is taking to promote understand about Japan
2006/5
Japan's Assistance for Iraq
This topic provides an update on Japan's assistance being conducted in cooperation with local people in Samawa.
Exploring Japan: Apprecaierting Japanese Sounds
Japanese have traditionally lived with a deep respect for Nature, and they have developed a lifestyle that was well-harmonized with it.
Japanese Anime in Malaysia
This segment talks to Malaysians in the street about Japanese pop culture.
Citizens in City Planning
See how unprecedented local administration is being carried out by the enthusiastic residents of Mitaka.
2006/4
The Roots of Japanese Anime
Learn about the history of Japanese animation.
Shop Assistants with Purchasing Power
See why convenience stores have overtaken department stores and supermarkets in terms of sales figures.
Exploring Japan: Appreciating Japanese-Style Rooms
Simplicity is a main characteristic of Japanese rooms --see how a limited amount of space can be put to a variety of uses.
The Japanese Economy is Rising from Recession
Japan has at last escaped from the recession that has lasted since 1990, and is about to move on to a new stage of stable growth.
2006/3
Shimane - Land of Silver, Swords an Ancient Shrines
Shimane is the place to go for a taste of Japan's ancient history.
Latest Digital Camera Trends
See why Japan has an 80% share of the world digital camera market.
Art of Hidden Beauty
Learn about a specialized style of cabinet making called Edo Sashimono
More than Cute - Kawaii!!
This word of choice for everything cute and appealing is spreading around the world
2006/2
City of Countless Faces 3'56"
See why Tokyo is not only one of the world's biggest cities, but also one of the most varied
The Art of Compact 4'20"
Japan has long been famous for sophisticated techniques to fit things into small spaces -- learn more about the philosophy behind these techniques
Keeping the Expressways Safe 3'50"
Japan's extensive network of expressways carries 5.6 million vehicles a day -- see how constant research has given Japan some of the most advanced transportation networks in the world
Weaving Works of Art 4'38"
Visit Nishijin, north of Kyoto, a silk weaving center in Japan for over 1,000 years
2006/1
Fighting Sport Builds Friendship 4'11"
Learn about Judo, the world's second most popular participatory sport
Block Toy Unblocks Creativity 3'06"
See how new designs for toys can help children and seniors improve creatvity
Heroes of Disaster - Tokyo's Hyper Rescue Team 4'26"
This team is the elite of the elite in rescue techniques, and they are often called upon to help in emergencies around the world
Underground Caverns of Akiyoshi 4'07"
Travel the limestone plateau of Akiyoshi with an underground water system that has eroded 10 km of magnificent caverns
2005/12
Kyushu National Museum 3'48"
Visit the newly opened Kyushu National Museum which celebrates the many Asian and European influences that helped shape Japanese culture and art.
Heart-Warming Nabe Cookery 4'04"
Learn about Nabe Cookery -- Nabe means pot, and this style of cooking whole meals in a single pot is highly developed in Japan, from sukiyaki and shabu shabu to over 40 regional variations.
Waste Disposal as a Work of Art 3'37"
Waste disposal is an essential function that most cities try to hide, but see how Hiroshima decided to make its new incineration plant a feature of city life.
Hiraizumi – Glories of Long Ago 4'40"
Hiraizumi is where Basho wrote his famous poem about summer grass - all that remains of warriors’ dreams. In the 11th and 12th centuries, the Fujiwara clan built a vast city here, with a culture that rivaled far distant Kyoto. Travel to Hiraizumi, now a small town with relics and memories of greatness, set among magnificent scenery
2005/11
Nikko -- Japan Oldest International Resort 5'52"
Nikko has been a tourist resort for 130 years, and is a place of great historic interest
What's Happening in the Motorcycle World 3'58"
Japan makes half the world's motorcycles & is leading the way in safety and environmentally friendly two wheelers
Senior Volunteers Work Abraod 3'26"
See how Japanese seniors are joining Japan's International Cooperation Agency to share their knowledge and experience in other countries
Traditional Good-Luck Charms 4'36"
Learn about Japan's long tradition of good luck charms
2005/10
Cycling the Islands of the Inland Sea 3'15"
Travel an 80km route via the Shimanami Kaido highway to see some of Japan's most lovely scenery
Underground Tokyo 3'55"
Explore the face of Tokyo most tourists never see -- beneath ground
Rice and the Japanese 4'25"
Japanese have been growing and eating rice for over 2,500 -- see how this food has shaped both culture and the landscape
A Promise Kept -- The White Stork Flies Again 4'25"
50 years ago, the white stork faced extinction. Learn how Japan has helped restore their numbers.
2005/9
The Artificial Limb Makers 4'14"
This small Japanese company has a international reputation for excellence in manufacturing artificial limbs
Akihabara-- Hobbyist's Paradise 4'05"
Shop Tokyo's world famous discount area for electronic goods
A Brush with Beauty 4'08"
Learn how calligraphy "fude" brushes are made
Bringing Color Back to the Oceans 4'12"
See how a Japanese university team is cultivating coral eggs to revive damaged reefs
2005/8
Helping Hands Build Iraq-Japanese Friendship 3'28"
Find out how Japan is assisting in reconstruction efforts in Iraq
Getting Close to the Animals 4'43"
See how Asahiyama Zoo has transformed itself into the most popular Zoo in Japan
When Computers Can't Match Human Skill 4'43"
Visit a factory where the workers manufacture world-class products
Aomori -- Land of Contrasts 3'50"
Enjoy a tour of the northernmost region of Honshu!
2005/7
Winter Snow Keeps 3"08"
Learn about the potential of snow as an energy saving resource
Kyoto State Guest House 3"37"
Tour Japan's main State Guest House built in Tokyo in 1909
Moerenuma -- From Landfill to Park 3"30"
See how a landfill site was integrated into a recrational space for Sapporo
Hakata Gion Yamakusa Festival 4'10"
Join a a Kyushu festival that dates back to 1241!
2005/6
First Steps for World Citizens 4"11"
A Tokyo Kindergarten employs teachers from other nations to help teach English.
Raining in Japan 3"34"
Learn about traditional techniques & customs Japanese use to enjoy the sights and sounds of rain.
Robot Partners 3'07"
See why Japan is the world leader in humaniod robots.
Wagashi -- The Taste of the Seasons 3'15"
Wagashi is the name for the delicate confectionary that is served with green tea and much more...
2005/5
Tsunami Alert 4'02"
Learn about Japan's well-developed tsunami warning systems.
After the EXPO - Visit Iseshima 4'03"
Iseshima National Park is the perfect introduction to the best of Japan. Enjoy a visit to Japan's spiritual heart.
Games Reach the Next Level 3'06"
See how new 1.8 GB UMD discs are allowing video games to be far more complex and realistic.
Okinawan Sanshin 3'18"
This musical instrument, noted not only for its sound but also for its snakeskin covered body is the unmistakable symbol of Okinawa, see why it is still enormously popular today!
2005/4
Expo 2005 5'24"
Tour EXPO 2005 which runs for six months until Sept. 25 and features 84 pavilions with exhibits from 120 nations, international organizations, NGO's and NPO's.
Lacquer Reborn 3'24"
Learn why Japanese lacquer ware has been famous for centuries and see just why Japan's artisans are unmatched in the field.
Cultivating the Tuna 3'23"
See how Japanese university fisheries laboratory has managed to achieve a full artificial breeding cycle for tuna.
The Island that Runs on Water 4'02"
Yakushima Island is the site of a leading edge experiment to create a society with zero CO2 emissions -- the island is completely powered by hydroelectricity.
2005/3
Japan in the UN 5'57"
Learn about Japan's history in the United Nations.
New Life for Old Houses 3'19"
The Japanese countryside is still full of traditional old wooden houses. Many are over 300 years old --visit some that have recently been designated as protected historic monuments.
Centrair - Japan's Bewest Hub Airport 3'36"
Take a trip to Central Japan International Airport, Japan's third largest airport.
2005 Special Olympic World Winter Games in Nagano 4'06"
In February of this year, Nagano was the first city in Asia to host the Special Olympic World Winter Games.
2005/2
Itsukushima - Shrine in the Sea 5'17"
Visit the 1,500 year old shrine of "Itsukushima" off coast of Hiroshima .
Throw Away You Wallet 3'53"
See how smart cards and mobile phones are replacing cash as a common means of paying for goods
The Man who Mapped Japan 4'07"
Learn about Ino Tadataka, a man who produced maps in the 1800's that still today astound surveyors for their accuracy
2005/1
Green Roofs Combat Greenhlouse Effect 3'40"
See how Tokyo is playing its part in the Kyoto Conference on Climate Change as it implements a law that all new or renovated buildings must have at least 20% of their roofs covered in vegetation.
Braille on the Move 3'08"
Learn how a new device converts email and web page text into braille that is read continously from a rotating dial.
Kumamoto -- Land of Fire & Water 5'57"
Take a visit to Kumamoto-- a prefecture in Kyushu that has a famous reputation as a land of fire and giant volcanoes.
Eat, Drink, Relax-- Izakaya Style 2'54"
Drop in on a izakaya in Japan -- a typical Japanese social spot that is a happy combination of restaurant and bar
2004/12
Sacred Mountains of the Kii Peninsula 6'00"
Visit the sacred sites and pilgrimage routes of the sacred Kii Mountains that were designated a World Heritage Site in 2004.
Miso Power 3'00"
Learn why miso is effective in preventing a range of diseases.
Rural Grassroots 3'40"
See how the Asian Rural Institute near Tokyo is helping to train future leaders from developing countries in agricultural techniques and other organic farming methods.
Saving the Yanbarukuina 4'40"
A special research project is underway now to save the yanbarukuina, an Okinawa flightless rail from extinction.
2004/11
Changing Money 3'00"
See how Japan has used advance in computer and printed technology to combat forgers.
EU-Japan Year of People-to-People Exchanges 4'03
See how Japan and Europe are celebrating 460 years of trading and cultural exchanges.
A Paper Revolution 3'05"
Watch how new technology is radically expanding the potential uses for paper.
Mysterious Okinawa 5'35"
Enjoy a brief visit to these unique islands with special culture distinct from the rest of Japan.
2004/10
Helping Rebuild Iraq 6'06"
Learn about Japan's reconstruction assistance efforts in Iraq.
Turning Plastic into Soil 4'16"
See why new types of biodegradable plastics made from renewable vegetable resources promise to provide solutions to pollution disposal problems.
Coming Soon - EXPO 2005 4'50"
EXPO 2005 opens in March in Aichi, Japan. Tour pavilion construction sites to see what exhibits will be on display during the event.
2004/9
Making the World Safer from Earthquakes 5'04"
14% of all major earthquakes occur in Japan -- see why newly developed technologies are helping to make the whole world safer from natural disasters.
Saikuzushi - Edible Art 3'23"
Learn about this little-known 200 year old tradition of using sushi materials to create colorful seasonal accents that make a table spread with sushi into even more of a feast for the eyes.
Move Like a Samurai 3'15"
Kobujutsu is the name given to a wide range of traditional samurai martial arts that are rarely practiced today. See how these traditional movements can be used today to help athletes improve performance.
Cars that Care for You 3'31"
With 6 million traffic accidents a year worldwide, rising car ownership makes road safety a global issue. Japan's auto makers are helping to improve safety by developing automatic safety systems.
2004/8
Korean Schoolchildren Discover Japan 4'08"
School children from Pusan visit Japan's nearest island to Korea to take part in a festival celebrating a friendship mission that took place in 1607.
Anything, Anywhere Home Deliveries 3'20"
Japan's express home delivery services are perhaps the world's most advanced - find out how these highly convenient delivery companies are now serving many other countries too!
Kyoto Gozan Festival 3'08"
Obon is a special festival where Japanese families pay their respects to departed relatives. The festival starts with paper lanterns and candles to summon the dead souls and in Kyoto in ends with the famous Gozan Fire Festival.
World Above the Clouds - The Japan Alps 5'07"
Visit the three ranges of the Japan Alps. With their many 3,000 meter peaks, these mountains are widely famous for their varied beauty.2004/7
Shiretoko - The Edge of the World 6'42"
Visit this beautiful narrow peninsula in northeast Hokkaido This area is currently being considered as a candidate World Heritage Site.
Pure,Pure Water 3'56"
See how Japan has developed into a world leader in dams and water supply engineering.
A Library in Your Pocket 3'23"
Learn how E-books are becoming popular in Japan. New technologies are creating devices that can carry the contents of up to 500 books in your pocket!
2004/6
Gifu Decorative Arts 4'40"
Gifu, in central Japan, has a renowned tradition of decorative arts, notably ceramics and paper-making stretching back to the late 16th century. Enjoy visiting this prefecture's thriving artistic community.
Keeping Fruit Fresh 3'52"
Learn how new storage methods of extending freshness are giving Japanese fruit products the opportunity to reach even wider markets.
Tokyo Street Fashion 3'16"
Check out one of the world's most fashion crazy and conscious capitals!
New Life for Old Art 3''52"
See how systems and techniques used by Japanese art restorers are being used to preserve art pieces hundreds of years old.
2004/5
Tokyo Nature Walks 3'55"
The giant metropolis of Tokyo is more than just a concrete jungle. Within the city's boundaries, there are many fine nature walks, taking you through ravines and wooded valleys, and even up Tokyo's own 600 meter mountain.
Cleaning Power of Light 3'41"
Learn about a new technology that uses the power of light to automatically keep buildings and the environment clean.
Makers of Miniature Worlds 3'39"
Look behind the scenes to see why Japanese model makers have their well deserved reputation for finely detailed work.
Onabashira - Pillars of the Gods 3'47"
This festival, held near Lake Suwa is held every seven years and goes back a millennium. See why this event is one of Japan's most exciting and unique cultural celebrations.
2004/4
Kyoto on a Budget 5'58"
Everyone visiting Japan wants to see Kyoto, the nation's cultural capital. This segment offers tips on how to have an enjoyable time in Kyoto that's affordable too!
Wood that won't burn 3'25"
The Japanese traditionally built in wood, a beautiful material well suited to the local climate. Learn about a revolutionary fireproofing treatment that is bringing wooden architecture back into fashion.
Wrap it up, Japanese Style 3'04"
The furoshiki is an old and uniquely Japanese method for gracefully wrapping items of almost any shape, allowing them to be easily carried. Observe scores of furoshiki techniques that have been developed to wrap everything from a pair of sake bottles to watermelons.
Fooling the Eye 2'37"
There's a new art trend coming out in Japan called Trick Art. It takes the techniques of trompe l'oeil painting to new extremes -- try to see if you can tell what is real and what is not
2004/03
Miyagi -Where the Samurai Spirit Lingers on 5'40"
Miyagi Prefecture in northeast Japan still has the flavor of the samurai culture that flourished here 400 years ago. Visit Sendai city, and the beautiful islands pf Matsushima for a taste of ancient Japan.
Sounds of Falling Water 3'00"
The Japanese are famous for their love of nature. Learn about the revival of the suikinkutsu, an old but little-known device that uses the sound of water to enhance a garden's atmosphere.
Disability, Mother of Invention 3'53"
See how an engineer and inventor who lost his hand in an accident is leading a low tech revolution in mechanical aids for the disabled.
Carrying Wishes into the Sky 2'25"
On winter nights in a small village in Akita, huge hand-painted paper hot-air balloons rise into the sky. Today, visitors to the this special festival can write their wishes and watch them carried up and away by these fiery colored balloons!
2004/02
Kobe - International Port City 5'04"
Kobe has always been a cosmopolitan city , a great port welcoming foreign cultures, trade and ideas. Boasting both 19th century western mansions and a lively Chinatown, this center of international fashion, in confectionery and furniture as well as fine shoes and clothing, is also home to local industries like pearls and sake. The now complete reconstruction after the 1995 earthquake also revived many traditional crafts.
Dueling Robots 3'34"
Amateur hobbyists are helping to push the limits of humanoid robot technology , and one way they test the effectiveness of new developments is to enter their designs for ROBO-ONE, a tournament where robots battle for victory using a wide range of realistic humanoid fighting techniques. As well as testing the technology , this exciting tournament is great fun for all involved.
Masters of Fake Food 3'46"
Many people have now seen the fake food display samples that Japanese restaurants use to advertise their menus. But did you know that this is a craft with an 80 year history , and all models are still individually hand made by master artisans? The idea originated in a small mountain town in Gifu, and you can still visit a traditional workshop there.
Snowman Village 2'45"
The tiny village of Shiramine in Ishikawa has a novel way of brightening up the long dark winters. Turning the region' s plentiful snowfall to advantage, they fill the village with snowmen- over 3,000 of them, in all shapes and sizes. This charming snowman festival, lit by candles after dark, now brings many visitors to the snowy village.2004/01
Fukuoka – Gateway to Asia 5’52”
Fukuoka, the part of Japan closest to the Asian continent, has long been a gateway for trade and cultural exchange, and today is a manufacturing center and major regional transportation hub. With many of its own distinctive traditions, crafts and specialties, Fukuoka is also known for its cosmopolitan flavor – frequent ferries link it to Republic of Korea, and it has a large international population.
Cutting Edge of Paper Art 3’22”
Youichi Wada is a master of the art of making models with cut and folded paper. Using a computer to create the design, he can make quite extraordinarily complex models – insects, animals, even medieval castles – out of a single sheet of paper, using no glue at all. He pushes the limits of his craft in other ways too, building lifelike figurines using hundreds of varieties of colors of paper.
Evolving Stations 2’32”
Japanese railways carry about 70 million passengers every day, and today’s stations are evolving to provide an ever greater variety of services to this vast number of people. Inside the station, as well as shops and restaurants, you can now find hairdressers, massage salons, and day care centers. In one station , you can even stop off for an English lesson.
Tokyo Nights, Tokyo Lights 2’06”
Tokyo’s illumination are a splendid sight, especially in the clear winter air. Whether you’re looking at illuminated landmarks like Tokyo tower, special events like the Millenario, or just the sparking cityscape seen from a river cruiser, tall building or even a helicopter, the sight of Tokyo at night is unforgettable.
Other Video Series
Nihon no Kokoro, The Heart Within
- Religion: Spiritual Heritage
- Makoto: Sincerity of Heart
- Hiroshima: City of Peace
- Bushido: Way of the Warrior
- Oceans: Lifeblood of Japan
- Nature: Giver of Blessings
- Heritage: Pride of Japan
- Tradition: Inner Harmony
- Loosing the Mold
Japan Video Encyclopedia
Series 1 "Life for Japanese People"
- Homes
- Food Life
- Traditional Cuisine
- Clothing
- Annual Events
- Festivals
- Vacations
- Customs and Etiquette
- Lifelong Education
- Children’s Daily Lives
Series 2 "Japanese Culture"
- Traditional Performing Arts
- Crafts
- Tea Ceremony, Flower Arrangement, Calligraphy
- Sports
- Religion
- Young People
- Comics
- Cities
- Entertainment
- Architecture
Series 3 "Japanese Industry & Economy"
- Agriculture
- Fisheries, Marine Products
- Manufacturing
- Finance
- Distribution System
- International Trade
- Disaster Prevention
- Information Society
- Robots, Biotechnology
- Clean Energy
Series 4 "Japanese Politics and Society"
- The Imperial Family
- International Contribution – PKO and Global Issues
- International Contribution – Official Development Assistance
- Political System
- Defense
- Police
- Transportation
- Education
- Medical Care and Social Security
- Environmental Protection
- Community Activities
Series 5 "Sketches of Japan"
- Cities – Metropolitan Area
- Regions – Hokkaido
- Regions – Tohoku
- Regions – Kanto
- Regions – Chubu
- Regions – Kinki
- Regions – Chugoku, Shikoku
- Regions – Kyushu, Okinawa
- Four Seasons
Nippon – The Land and Its People
- The Tradition of Performing Arts in Japan
- The Japanese Businessman
- The Japanese Family
- The Taste of Japan
- Japanese Technology
- Japanese Society
- Customs and Manners
- The Japanese and Nature
- Japan’s Corporate System
- Annual Festivities and Ceremonies
- Education in Japan
- Working Women
Traditional Japanese Culture
- Tea Ceremony
- Kimono
- Japanese pottery and Porcelain
- Japanese Arts and Crafts
- Japanese Architecture
- Calligraphy
- Musical Instruments
- Japanese Dance
- Japanese Cuisine
Traditional Japanese Sports
- Sumo
- Judo
- Kendo
- Karatedo
- Kyudo
- Naginata
