Domestic Minimalism: The Art Of Japanese Life | Journal

In this final episode, Dr James Fox explores the art of the Japanese home. The clean minimalism of the Japanese home has been explored round the world: from modernist architecture to lifestyle stores. The origins of this aesthetic are less known however. They evolved from a system of spiritual and philosophical values which dates back centuries. We get to explore one of the last surviving traditional wooden villages in Japan and also take a deeper look at the unique spirit of Japanese craftsmen who turned joinery into an artform - building houses without the need for nails, screws or even glue.

In this landmark series, art historian Dr James Fox takes us on a captivating journey through the art and history of one of the world's most enigmatic cultures. Travelling the length of Japan, James explores every inch from the falling cherry blossoms to the dazzling modern cities. Along the way James will discover for himself the importance of art and aesthetics to the Japanese life and culture. He will learn the secrets behind brush-painting, block-printing, bonsai-trimming as well as the importance of Japanese homes and how their domestication has influenced the world.

[Lexthebarbarian]

Programs like this make me deeply grateful to have an internet connection. This is what the internet is for in my opinion. This documentary makes me want to be a better person.

[emiliayonekokumata]

Excellent contents. Watching from Brazil. With my Japanese background and Brazilian environment I try to find out my own identity. Thank you!

[stevenpace]

Brilliant BBC reporting. The reporter is obviously very enthralled and respectful of Japanese culture. Very nicely done.

[Ren-]

At some point in history, humanity has lost its soul.
I am glad to see that not all of our past has been lost.
Thank you for sharing this wonderful journey.

[TheRhetoricRoom]

One of the most refined, beautiful, fascinating, mature cultures in human history.

[fabiodeoliveiraribeiro]

Seeing a venerable carpenter working and talking about his art reminded me of my grandfather, because he was also a venerable, skilled, meticulous and dedicated carpenter who liked to talk about his art. I close my eyes and smell again the noble Brazilian wood that he transformed into beautiful things, small and large. And I see engine wheels, furniture, rifle butts, etc... and hear the pleasant sounds of the tools he handled like a master.

[ninaflo]

The minimalistic qualities are stunning the less is beautiful, one has a sense of tranquility and a place to de stress, to be able to become one with nature, to leave it all behind. I’m in love with home and space.

[ahhhJimAgain]

This is the best documentary about Japan that I have seen. The explanation behind the arts is wonderful.

[SoniaTolson]

Old Japan is gorgeous. I love the simplicity.

[manningcoe]

This guy absolutely killed the narration! Final piece about the tea house architect was particularly moving.

[lindas]

Love the discipline and reverence the craftsman have for their work and training and respect for their teacher & mentors. It also exists in ballet training. I think in most modern endeavors, this philosophy is lost. Modern goal is speed and max output. Where is the pride in one’s work? this video is truly inspiring!

[rebeccadelbridge]

Lol. I have a chinese friend who says: " The Japanese are such perfectionists, they never get anything done!" I love the spirit of quality over quantity, and devotion to craftsmanship that is displayed here. Beautiful.

[DeanJames-oq]

This is beautiful. The way this presenter explains the Japanese culture is beautiful!

[andrewcarmichael]

I started my carpentry life trying to emulate the way of Japanese carpenters. Even when using power tools, I would mark a cut with a regular pencil, then split the line when making the cut. That kind of precision and time taken to do it is not popular with companies in the western world, so I work for myself!

[liegesaboya]

The spider crawling around on the introduction is beautiful ❤️

[monisantini-kelly]

Lovely and very well-made documentary. It's a masterpiece! It brings joy ❤

[JenLardelli-squs]

❤Kudos to the Ancient living Japanese Culture❤ Simply stunning.

[lynnmanning]

Magical, magnificent! This is open, clutter free, just beautiful. I too love anything Japanese, my home has many itims Japanese, and a place that opens up to a garden western but Japanese for sure.Being a flower arranger in the art of Ikebana , i appreciate your inspiration on utube. Many thanks!!

[hunmari]

love Japanese people and culture. As a Hungarian we always liked each other, believed we r both belong to ancient Turanian nation

[liegesaboya]

Gorgeous, marvelous .
Congratulations to the art director and the Japanese people