The World Heritage Sites in Japan - Season 3 / Year 2024
Season 3 / Year 2024
Episodes
The Fabric of Life in a Forest: Shirakami-Sanchi
Shirakami-Sanchi or Shirakami Mountain Range is situated at the northern end of Honshu and home to one of the world's largest beech forests. This 8,000-year-old pristine landscape is nearly untouched by modern development. Its rich ecosystem is home to a myriad of plant and animal species as well as a group of hunter-gatherers who coexist with the nature.
Intertwined Lives on Sea and Shore: Shiretoko, Hokkaido
The Shiretoko Peninsula, located in eastern Hokkaido Prefecture, juts into the Sea of Okhotsk. Its center is lined by 1,500-meter peaks. The heavily forested area is home to a diverse group of animals, including the Blakiston's fish owl, which is at imminent risk of extinction. Shiretoko's waters are home to creatures who feed off the bounty of floating pack ice. Explore an extraordinary ecosystem which connects the rich environments of both land and sea.
Forest Pilgrimages: Sacred Sites and Pilgrimage Routes in the Kii Mountain Range
The Kii Mountain Range is made up of a series of soaring, 1,000-meter peaks. This area is home to three deeply spiritual locations, including Kumano, home of nature worship; Yoshino and Omine, a training ground; and Mt. Koya, a foundational site for Japanese Buddhism. Although formed in different eras, and for different beliefs, a 300km pilgrims' path connects all three locations. This verdant and spiritual route is still followed by visitors today.
Triangular Roofs Bring People Together: Historic Villages of Shirakawa-go and Gokayama
Shirakawa-go in Gifu Prefecture is one of Japan's snowiest regions. It's famous for its traditional thatched-roof Gassho-style homes. The triangular roofs distribute the weight of heavy snow evenly, and the steep slopes allow residents to remove snow with little effort. Hearth fires provide heat that dries out thatch and soot that blackens pillars and beams. These homes have lasted for so long because they are still inhabited. The cooperative bond between residents is a key part of life here and is essential when rethatching these homes. Come and visit a mountain village that appears to be frozen in time.
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Providence
Providence tells the story of 12-year-old Jon Bronson, who, ten years ago, vanished, along with five of his classmates. Reappearing as a grown man with no recollection of his adolescence, he attempts to re-enter life and to connect with his childhood crush, Chloe Sayers, who never lost hope that Jon was out there and would one day return. But unbeknownst to him, his time away has granted him — and the others that vanished — horrific supernatural abilities. Now Jon's own body won't allow him to get physically close to the love of his life. Jon must figure out what was done to him and the others — and why.
The Sparrow
In the near future, humans on Earth receive their first evidence of intelligent extraterrestrial life when a radio telescope picks up a strange signal, sounding like exquisite music, from a distant planet that will come to be known as Rakhat. While United Nations diplomats endlessly debate a possible expedition, the Jesuit leadership quietly organizes an eight-person scientific mission of its own, comprised of a variety of disciplines and backgrounds. What they find is a world so far beyond comprehension that it will lead them to challenge the very notions of humanity and faith itself.
The Walking Dead: Dead City
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