The spirit of "mottainai" is all about cherishing items. This program visits someone who puts to use this traditional Japanese wisdom to lead a "Zero Waste Life." For the first episode, we meet Kuroda Yukiko, one of Japan's leading kintsugi artisans. Kintsugi is a technique for repairing ware by gluing broken parts with lacquer and painting gold or silver powder over it. In Western cultures, ware is repaired by trying to conceal the broken parts as much as possible to return the piece to its original state. However, kintsugi does the exact opposite by making the broken parts stand out and endowing a work with newfound beauty. It is said that the kintsugi technique originated in the Muromachi period around the 15th century. Kuroda's works, which continue to make use of traditional techniques, are garnering attention from across the world. Come witness Kuroda's precise technique and passion for kintsugi.
Broadcast In: English Duration: 0:15:00