Spiritual Explorers

Noh is a performing art with 700 years of history. The main actor wears a wooden mask, expressing the feelings of their unworldly character through set movements called kata. In Japan, it is believed that every aspect of nature has feelings that remain in the land. On Sado Island, which is closely associated with Noh founder Zeami, there are over 30 Noh stages on which islanders perform Shinto rituals. Join us for an exploration of the spiritual world of Noh.

Aikido is a relatively young martial art that promotes harmony and wellbeing. There are no competitions in Aikido; no winners or losers. Students work together in pairs, helping each other learn and improve. What is the essence of this harmonious martial art? In search of answers, our spiritual explorer visits a dojo in Kyoto Prefecture founded by Okamoto Yoko, a master with many years of experience teaching Aikido abroad.

Shojin ryori is an 800-year-old style of cuisine and Buddhist Zen practice that uses no animal products. Our spiritual explorer visits a Zen temple in Hiroshima to learn more about this culinary art, and how good posture, silent eating and resting one's chopsticks between mouthfuls allow one to face each meal with sincerity and self-reflection. Many Japanese people believe that eating is a way to extend and transform life into another form. Join us on an exploration of the philosophy of eating.

Mt. Hiei is home to one of Japan's most prominent monasteries: Enryaku-ji. For over 1,200 years, it has been a training ground for ascetics. One of the most grueling practices is the Kaiho-gyo, which involves walking and praying around the mountain through the night. Ascetics walk a 30km trail over 100, and sometimes even 1,000 consecutive nights. Join our explorers as they undergo a Kaiho-gyo experience, and observe the seeds of Buddhahood that exist throughout nature.

Osorezan is one of Japan's most sacred sites, drawing some 200,000 visitors annually from across the country. The mountain's eerie and otherworldly volcanic landscape stoked the belief that Osorezan is the entrance to the afterlife, where the living can encounter the spirits of the dead. Minami Jikisai, the acting chief priest of Osorezan Bodaiji Temple, encourages visitors to reflect on the meaning of death. Explore the unique Japanese perspective on life and death.

The Tsugaru shamisen is a traditional Japanese string instrument characterized by its dynamic sound, produced by striking the strings with a bachi or plectrum. Born of the hot summers and whiteout winters of Japan's northern Tsugaru region, the Tsugaru shamisen offers a boundless freedom of expression, allowing players to bare their soul in their music. Experience the spiritual vibes of an instrument once played by blind musicians to earn a living.