Spiritual Explorers

Oga Peninsula in northern Japan is home to mythical, ogre-like deities called Namahage. On New Year's Eve, human personifications of Namahage descend upon villages wearing frightening masks and costumes. The head of each household welcomes them with sake and food, and in return, they stomp and roar at the entrance to exorcise evil spirits and bring good luck. Our explorer visits the village of Anzenji to gain insight into how the imagination of the ancients inspired this fearsome protector.

Japanese drums or taiko are among the most powerful of all percussive instruments. Used since ancient times to send messages to faraway people and heavenly deities, today they feature in one of the most dynamic of Japan's performing arts. Kumidaiko is a taiko ensemble comprised of drums of various sizes and shapes, each played with a different rhythm and dynamic choreography, producing thunderous beats that shake both body and soul. Explore the spirituality behind kumidaiko.

Japan's southernmost islands of Okinawa were once ruled by the independent kingdom of Ryukyu. The kingdom prospered through trade with its more powerful neighbors, maintaining diplomatic relations based on the spirit of honor and respect. This spirit survives today through the traditional kata or forms of karate, a martial art that evolved from the bare-handed fighting styles of Ryukyu, practiced to develop body, mind and soul to discourage rather than initiate an attack. Follow our explorer's journey through the spirituality of Okinawa culture.

Okinawa, the southernmost islands of Japan, was once ruled by an independent kingdom with close ties to its Asian neighbors. Its heritage of embracing foreign influences is reflected in its distinctive pottery called Yachimun, which are part and parcel of everyday life, encompassing everything from tableware to roof tiles, shisa guardian statues, and burial urns. Our explorer meets with skilled artisans to gain an insight into the spirituality of the Okinawan people as expressed through its Yachimun.

For more than 700 years, the residents of Nishimonai in Akita Prefecture have welcomed their ancestral spirits home for the annual Obon festival through a Bon Odori. These dances are held across Japan, but the Nishimonai dancers don hoods and straw hats to become anonymous. They make patchwork costumes by sewing together pieces of old family kimonos to feel as if they are dancing with the spirits of the departed. Explore the spirituality of Nishimonai's unique Bon Odori.

The biwa is a stringed instrument that came to Japan from ancient Persia via the Silk Road. For over 800 years, it has been used to accompany the telling of Buddhist tales and epic stories such as "The Tale of the Heike," which follows the rise and fall of the powerful Taira clan. The distinctive sound of the biwa pulls at the heartstrings, drawing the listener in and highlighting Japanese ideas of impermanence. We explore the spiritual connections of this unique instrument with Biwa player Goto Yukihiro.

Our explorer takes a dive into Japan's culture of cleaning schools, shrines and temples, and how it influences local mindsets and values.