A Culture Built with Wood

The South Bank Show

December 2025 •English

The South Bank Show is a television arts magazine show produced by ITV between 1978 and 2010. A new series began on Sky Arts from 27 May 2012. Presented by Melvyn Bragg, the show aims to bring both high art and popular culture to a mass audience.

Kus dřeva ze stromu

December 2025 •Czech

Dans un cinéma près de chez vous

December 2025 •French

Jonathan Meades - Magnetic North

December 2025 •English

Jonathan Meades travels from the flatlands of Flanders to Germany's spectacular Baltic coast in an attempt to decipher exactly what northernness entails.

Jonathan Meades On France

December 2025 •English

Jonathan Meades scrutinises the 95 per cent of France that Brits drive through and don't notice en route to the 5 per cent that conforms to their expectation

Chiisana Tabi

December 2025 •Japanese

Journeys in Japan

December 2025 •English

Journeys in Japan provides an eye-opening look at the many unique places to visit in Japan. English-speaking visitors travel the length of the country, exploring the culture, meeting the local people, visiting historic sites and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks.

Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire

December 2025 •English

Commanding shoguns and samurai warriors, exotic geisha and exquisite artisans—all were part of the Japanese “renaissance”; a period between the 16th and 19th Centuries when Japan went from chaos and violence to a land of ritual refinement and peace. But stability came at a price: for nearly 250 years, Japan was a land closed to the Western world, ruled by the Shogun under his absolute power and control. Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire brings to life the unknown story of a mysterious empire, its relationship with the West, and the forging of a nation that would emerge as one of the most important countries in the world.

Jonathan Meades: Abroad Again

December 2025 •English

Jonathan Meades Explores architecture and the British psyche once again in this series.

Japanology Plus

December 2025 •Japanese

Host Peter Barakan delves into various aspects of Japanese culture; exploring practices, history, and modern innovations in such areas as ramen, rice, sushi, geisha, bonsai, and so much more. Local experts discuss their passions at fascinating length, and American Japanophile Matt Alt experiences the food, practices, and cultures in each episode in depth. Viewers will finish each half hour episode with a new understanding of an area of Japanese life through demonstrative videos and explanations, all delivered respectfully and true to the Japanese way of life.

Ukiyoe EDO-LIFE

December 2025 •English

Centuries ago, Tokyo was known as Edo. More than a million people enjoyed life in this small but abundant city. They live on in ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Each episode is a deep dive into a single print, and an exploration of the soul of Old Tokyo. We examine works by artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige not just for their aesthetic and historical value, but for the stories they tell of everyday life. That is how the people of Edo themselves enjoyed this mass-produced medium.

Magical Japanese

December 2025 •English

Explore the richness and depth of the Japanese language and discover how words and expressions reflect history, culture and the natural world.

Japanology Plus mini

December 2025 •English

A five-minute series where you can explore a wide variety of Japanese cultures, traditions and lifestyles.

Notre-Dame de Paris, le chantier du siècle

December 2025 •French

Handmade in Bolton

December 2025 •English

Shaun Greenhalgh and Dr Janina Ramirez research and remake a selection of precious objects from the past using traditional materials and methods.

The Colours of China

December 2025 •German

Dive in Tokyo

December 2025 •English

Tokyo: where both tradition and the latest trends coexist. Join us on a journey to discover the real Tokyo as we dive into its historic old towns and encounter many fun surprises along the way.

Core Kyoto

December 2025 •English

The timeless heart of Japan's ancient capital. Against its rich backdrop of culture and tradition, today's Kyoto continues to innovate and inspire.

Around Akron with Blue Green

December 2025 •English

This monthly half-hour series is the work of Akron producer Blue Green, who says, “The goal of the show is to shine a spotlight on all of the good things that Akron has to offer.” Green noted that the city of Akron is a wonderful place in which to live, work, stay and play, but he feels “to truly be a great city, we need our own Akron-based news and local television programming.” Each show consists of four stories, including segments on dining, arts and culture, history, business, and movers and shakers.

Through the Kitchen Window

December 2025 •English

These short documentaries take an intimate look at the lifestyles and culinary passions of people across Japan. Their stories are sure to warm the heart and whet the appetite.