Kit Pancoast Nagamura as Self - Presenter

Episodes 13

Haiku are brief poetic snapshots that encapsulate in a few words the essence of a moment, be it the beauty of nature or just a scene from daily life. This form of poetry, born in Japan, is now becoming known around the world. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, writer and photographer Kit Pancoast Nagamura travels through the north of Japan, following in the footsteps of the 17th century haiku poet Matsuo Basho, who described his journeys in his book, "The Narrow Road to the Deep North".

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The Miniature World of Bonsai: Omiya

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December 17, 201328m
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The traditional art of bonsai recreates intricate scenes of nature in miniature, often called "living art". The Omiya Bonsai Village is one of Japan's biggest centers for bonsai. It is located in Saitama Prefecture, just to the north of Tokyo. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, photographer Kit Pancoast Nagamura discovers how these miniature trees are crafted.

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Wajima, in Ishikawa Prefecture, is located on the northwestern coast of the Noto Peninsula, which juts out into the Sea of Japan. It is known globally for its exquisite Wajima lacquerware. The atmospheric city is blessed with the abundant gifts of nature and rich traditions. Among them, the Shiroyone Senmaida terraced rice fields stand out. Wajima has also passed down an ancient performing art form called "Gojinjo Daiko", which involves drumming and dancing. Our traveler on Journeys in Japan is American poet and photographer, Kit Pancoast Nagamura. She visits venerable Wajima lacquerware workshops and stays at a traditional inn that serves meals on heirloom lacquer tableware. She also experiences how to cultivate young rice plants at the Shiroyone Senmaida terrace and enjoys a spectacular performance of Gojinjo Daiko. Kit gains insight into how the people of Wajima have nurtured, and preserved, deep traditions, including their stunning lacquerware.

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Kumamoto Prefecture: Appreciating Abundance

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October 28, 201428m
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On this episode of Journeys in Japan, photographer Kit Pancoast Nagamura travels to 2 towns in northern Kumamoto Prefecture, in Kyushu. In Yamato, she observes an autumn festival, which has been held for more than 250 years. In Yamaga, Kit visits an old theater that was built just over a century ago.

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Winter Wonderland: Hakodate

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February 10, 201528m
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The city of Hakodate, on the southern tip of Hokkaido, attracts as many as 4 million visitors each year, drawn by its historic charm, the beautiful night views and the superb seafood. It is especially magical in winter, when it is lit by extra illuminations. Photographer Kit Pancoast Nagamura discovers the beauty and flavors that can only be found in Hakodate in mid-winter.

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Spring arrives early in Kumamoto, in southwestern Japan. In this region, people like to celebrate the annual Hina Dolls Festival. Arrays of dolls are displayed, to pray for the healthy growth of young girls in each family. On the islands of Amakusa in the west of Kumamoto, people have long practiced Christianity. They kept their faith, even during the centuries when it was banned and they faced persecution. During that time, they made dolls which they used as part of their worship. And in Kumamoto City, children make their dolls in preparation for spring. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, American photographer Kit Pancoast Nagamura discovers the rich culture and history of Kumamoto, where spring is celebrated and children have been cherished since ancient times.

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Takayama & Furukawa: Treasuring Traditions

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November 24, 201528m
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The Takayama Festival, in autumn, is held annually on October 9th and 10th. The stars of the festival are the spectacularly adorned floats, called "yatai." They are paraded through the city with some featuring live Ohayashi festival music and another a puppet show using mechanical dolls. Kit Pancoast Nagamura visits people who are involved in preserving traditions related to the floats. Over in the nearby town of Hida-Furukawa, she joins a cycling tour to observe rural life, and tastes Japanese sake brewed by an American.

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Okinoerabu Island: Home Away from Home

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March 15, 201628m
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The tropical island of Okinoerabu is known for its pristine, wild nature. It is also known for its agricultural products, such as sugar cane and flowers, thanks to the abundant spring water that gushes up from underground. Many young people move here or come back from other areas, drawn by the island's simple charms and work opportunities. While most of Japan faces depopulation, Okinoerabu has a large population of children. The tradition of the elderly taking care of youngsters is still alive. Writer and photographer, Kit Pancoast Nagamura, travels to this gem of island.

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Iejima: Resilient Land, Resilient People

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July 12, 201628m
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Iejima is a small island off of mainland Okinawa. It was the scene of fierce battles in World War II. Its people suffered deep wounds. But they never gave up. After the war, they devoted themselves to replanting their burned fields to revive the land and their spirits. Today, the island produces original products made from sugarcane and wheat, and invites scores of students to experience simple island life. American photographer and writer, Kit Pancoast Nagamura enjoys the slow island life. She also meets the resilient, and resourceful, people of Iejima.

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Suruga Bay: The Bounty of the Deep

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February 21, 201728m
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Suruga Bay, off Shizuoka Prefecture, is the deepest bay in Japan, plunging to a depth of around 2,500 meters. Around the port, there are many places to eat delicious, fresh-caught seafood. There are also a number of famous viewing spots that provide wonderful vistas of Mt. Fuji. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, photographer Kit Pancoast Nagamura explores this area along the coast, sampling the local delicacies and meeting some of the people who live on this land between Mt. Fuji and Suruga Bay.

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Passage of Time: Lake Towada in Autumn

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December 5, 201728m
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Lake Towada-on the border of Aomori and Akita prefectures-is one of Japan's most scenic spots. The large, double caldera lake is part of a national park. It is surrounded by deciduous broadleaved forest, which bursts into a riot of color in the fall. Kosaka is about forty minutes by car from the lake. The old mining town was once prosperous. The town's many elaborate buildings, blending Western architectural elements, are a testament to its affluence. On Journeys in Japan, we explore the nature around Lake Towada, old copper mines and unique 20th-century architecture.

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The Agano River flows through northern Niigata Prefecture, about 200 kilometers to the north of Tokyo. It runs from snow-covered mountains down to the sea, and in the old days it formed an important artery for transportation. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, photographer and haiku poet Kit Pancoast Nagamura meets the people living alongside the river and observes how they mark the arrival of spring.

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Hokkaido Prefecture in mid-winter is a frigid land of snow and ice, where temperatures can drop below minus 20 degrees Celsius for weeks on end. But this is the perfect time to see wildlife and natural phenomena that can only be glimpsed at this time of year. And, of course, it's a paradise for winter sports and other outdoor activities. This episode is presented by Bill Sullivan, the narrator for Journeys in Japan. He loves Hokkaido and the great outdoors. Right now, he can't make any trips, due to the coronavirus pandemic. But he hasn't stopped making travel plans. So this time he introduces 3 places and activities that are on his wish list, all in Hokkaido.

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