Tuesday 28 August 2012

BEGIN JAPANOLOGY

NHK World, the international branch of the Japanese National Broadcasting Commission, recently spent four and a half days filming the first firing in my new kiln. Part of the "BEGIN Japanology" programs "Japanophiles" series, the 30 minute documentary goes to air globally on Thursday the 30th of August. It will be broadcast on NHK BS1 at 2:00pm Japan time, as well as six broadcasts at four hour intervals on NHK WORLD online. You will need to check the broadcast time in your time zone.


"Hosted by Peter Barakan, BEGIN Japanology invites you into the world of Japanese culture, both traditional and modern, explaining how traditions evolved and the part they still play today in people's everyday lives."





Whether by accident or fate, I will never know, but the director of the program from NHK contacted me out of the blue less than a week before my first test firing. The film crew were all fantastic people, and it was a real joy to share this landmark firing with them. During the filming we had old friends from Australia visit, as well as the locals who have welcomed us so warmly into this community. Of course, Raku and Hiroko Watari came to help, and it was a great conclusion to his gap year before starting his studies at MIT. From repairing floors, building the shed and the kiln; through the dead of winter and -13C to the triumph of this firing and 1305C, we shared an experience of rebirth that was rare and very precious. If nothing else, this program documents the culmination of our struggle, and I am very grateful to the staff at NHK for making it a reality.  


I admit to stage fright when faced with the interview during the program! Having a film crew following me through my work process is one thing, but a one on one interview in front of the camera is quite another. The host of the program, Peter Barakan, turned out to be a very charming and sensitive gentleman, and he guided me through the interview with professional grace. It was a great pleasure sitting by the irori in the studio sharing tea with him in vessels from the very first firing in the new kiln!

We have come so far in such a short time, and owe much gratitude to all of you out there who have helped us. I hope that you can find the time to watch this program and see the fruition of all our efforts.

14 comments:

  1. Congrats Euan! I look forward to the broadcast!

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  2. Life does has its way of turning around.

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  3. So excited -- I've been watching the Japanology series for a year or so. That one and Finding Beauty, both on NHK. I can't wait to see it.

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  4. Congratulations and so Exciting! I'll catch the broadcast here in California.

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  5. I happened across your program today by pure chance, or perhaps fate......Ether/OR.......My enrichment .....I value your depth of belief in simplicity of natural beauty and your transisional inturpretaion of nature through your hands .......With a quite stillness your piece's bring a symphony of visual joy........Thank you from England

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  6. I just watched the program. It was fascinating. I am so pleased for you on the reinvention of your journey.

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  7. I'm James of the Philippines, Just watched the program. The simplicity and functionality of beauty through your art I was awed by that.

    THANK YOU!

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  8. Just finished watching the NHK program for the second time. Too many positive comments to pick from for a short post. I hope a round of applause will do.

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  9. Really enjoyed watching the programe tonight in England.It was quite exciting to 'meet' you and the family. It helps explain your work in a clear relaxed way. Congratulations to you and all your family.

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  10. I copied the program and watched it in Duluth. It was excellent! Congratulations Euan! I wish the copy was good enough to share. It is a bit jumpy. Will try to tape it off the T.V. (we are one of the few Cities in the USA to get NHK World.) If it shows again.

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  11. おめでっとうございます! We have family in Gunma, and I have visited Mashiko-machi a few times. I have always been delighted with the plethora of yakimono I have found there, but now, after watching 'your' special on NHK satellite today, I feel that we have a friend in Mashiko as well. If you were nervous during your interview with Peter it certainly was not apparent - your expression of your Life Philosophy touched my heart; I have never heard anyone translate mingei into English as perfectly as you did. がんばってください - and the next time we are in Gunma we will hunt you down for sure! [In a good way, of course ... ] :o) Alice Yatabe

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  12. I was able to get the program. BUT all of the conversations were over ridden by a Japanese translation. I wonder if I could (still) find it with the original English text. I loved the imagery but was so disappointed that I could not hear/understand the conversations.

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  13. Amazing, I think I would be too nervous to be on TV! Congratulations on your appearance : )

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  14. i'm watching NHK world online in poland and begin japanology is my favourite programme there [it was also the first i've seen there]. i must say that i never really liked the 'japanophiles' part of it, but after watching 'your' episode i'll have to change my mind. it was a great episode and i appreciated every moment of it. your passion and the outcome of it... absolutely amazing. i loved the cups that you've made, the colours, and most of it - the handles of the cups, the way you finish them is just lovely. and i almost shed a tear when the firing of the kiln turned out be a success. i wish you all the best

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