The Art of Japanese Life watch online HD

This fascinating three part series looks at three major influences on Japanese art and culture; the natural environment; the cities, notably Kyoto, Edo and modern Tokyo; and the home. In each episode we see how these have influenced Japanese art and life over the centuries. Presenter Dr James Fox clearly knows a lot about the subject and his enthusiasm for it clearly shows. We don't just see the expected 'art' of paintings; there is also the design of buildings, cultivating bonsai, flower arranging and calligraphy to mention just a few things. As well as talking about each subject and showing examples he talks to modern practitioners who talk about their art; frequently pointing out things that are far from obvious just by looking at the item… subtleties such as how Japanese carpenter use their tools in different ways to Westerners, cutting on the opposite stroke to give just one example.

I found this series really engrossing and heartily recommend it to anybody who is interested in cultures other than our own in general or Japanese culture in particular. Even those who know a lot about the subject are likely to find something new to see and those, like me, who only know a little should learn quite a bit.

As somebody who has long felt a deep affection for Japan and the Japanese people and their attitude to life, I think this episode provides the best explanation of the Shinto religion I have seen. Sure, it's a bit slow for those who have been accustomed to modern movies and TV dramas, but it allows time to ponder the beauty of the scenes shown and reflect on how Shinto is based upon respect for nature. Too bad there isn't more of that respect in modern Western life today. I really loved watching this episode and wish the BBC would release the entire series on DVD. The other two episodes were interesting and enjoyable but didn't hit the same mark as the first one. Please make more programs like this trio.

No. Stale and ponderous. The narration and host of this dubious voyage into Japanese history is utterly spoiled by the juvenile nature of the "host". Dressed like a little boy in a very cheap looking, ill fitting colourless suit, the boy-man narrator whispers, flounders, shuffles and stumbles his way through an attempt to explain some of the most important Japanese treasures in the world. Why BBC felt it was right to include this child actor to guide actual adults through these treasures is not a question I can answer. Yes, the treasures are there for us to enjoy, as we kind of sneak up on them all the while enduring the insufferable presence of the distracting and inappropriate narrator. Only the fact that so many fine treasures are actually viewed can account for the inflated rating of this sloppy production. I found every moment tedious and frequently hit the mute button to watch the beauty and not have to hear the insufferable narration.