Overview
Roughly hewed, smiling statues of deities and Buddhas... A monk named Enku is believed to have sculpted some 120,000 in Gifu Prefecture, which are beloved to this day. We discover the stunning nature and culture of this area by following in the monk-sculptor's footsteps. We see where he practiced shugendo—rigorous mountain spiritual training; and where he stopped to create his charismatic statues. Actor Jonathan Senior travels to places associated with Enku to learn about his enduring legacy.
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16 - 1The Mountain Spirit of Shiiba Village February 04, 2025 -
16 - 2Kyushu: Land of Samurai Swords February 18, 2025 -
16 - 3Enku's 120,000 Smiles over Gifu February 25, 2025 -
16 - 4Hokuriku 1: Foods and Flavors of the Trading Ships March 04, 2025 -
16 - 5 -
16 - 6Gunma: Raking in Good Luck March 18, 2025 -
16 - 7Hida: Deep Winter Escape March 25, 2025 -
16 - 8Hokkaido Sapporo: Sensing the City through its Architecture April 01, 2025 -
16 - 9NIIGATA: SNOW COUNTRY WONDERLAND April 15, 2025