I have watched relatively few Japanese documentaries. From what I have watched so far, I feel that Japanese documentaries are very realistic. They all start from very small points in life or individuals and tell the story behind them in a very objective way. The outlook on life is not sensational, and it does not rise to a grand and powerful world view and cosmology. It is very similar to the Japanese attitude towards life that pays attention to life and enjoys the present. The Japanese are really good at taking pictures of even the smallest details in life and capture them in people's hearts, and they have a kind of happy little smile. Let me share with you some of the movies I have watched.
Douban score 8.8
When talking about Japanese documentaries, the first thing that comes to mind is NHK's "72 Hours". This is also the first Japanese documentary I have come into contact with. The film selects a street restaurant or a convenience store in Japan, and sets up a camera to record the daily comings and goings during a 72-hour period, covering the living and working conditions of all walks of life, and recording all aspects of life. Occasionally the reporter on the other side of the camera would ask a few questions, but they were all just inquiries from bystanders without any direction or emotional guidance. The whole film is light and straightforward, very Japanese in tone, with a small focus, but it can also give you a sense of life.
A few years ago, the Chinese version was introduced to the country and the filming method and rhythm of the Japanese version were used to tell the story of Chinese people's lives. You can also compare it.
Douban score: 8.7
Begin Japanology is an English-language series broadcast by Japan's NHK World TV for overseas audiences. Each episode is only 30 minutes long. The host is a British person. His pure English pronunciation is very friendly to friends who cannot understand Japanese. The format is like a tour guide leading the audience to experience and understand Japanese culture, customs, etc. The program is rich in information and is a good initial window to understand Japan. Friends who plan to travel to Japan can check this out first.
Douban score is 8.2 (personally I think it is a bit too high)
A documentary with a deductive element. Each episode is very short, starting from a store that is the most representative of a certain kind of food or handicraft, tracing the history and promoting Japanese cultural traditions. However, due to the length of time, not everything is explained thoroughly. If you like this kind of content, I recommend reading the book "Tokyo Craftsman".
Douban rating is 7.7
A documentary that makes people laugh. Taking "Aspergillus oryzae", the origin of Japanese taste, as a thread, the past and present life of Aspergillus oryzae is described. As Aspergillus oryzae traces the roots of washoku, explore the mystery and essence of Japanese cuisine. In his usual soft voice, he eloquently tells about the fermentation techniques and century-old inheritance of miso, soy sauce, bonito festival, rice wine and other foods that are most essential in daily diet; of course, more importantly, he talks about the craftsmen and craftsmen behind the techniques. The concentration, patience and hard work are the most sincere respect for natural food and the reverence for nature.
Douban score 9.3
The Japanese version of A Tip of the Tongue, each episode only talks about one ingredient, from its place of origin to how it is used in various cuisines. The cooking techniques of Japanese cuisine are much simpler than those of Chinese cuisine, but the Japanese can give people a rich and colorful experience in every action and presentation. The whole film has a fresh style, bright images, and consistently delicate perspectives. It vividly expresses the beauty of food. It is definitely a drool-worthy series.
Douban rating 9.1
Wearing a white work apron, white hair and beard, big-framed glasses, and a childlike smile, this is our common grandfather, Japanese animation master Miya. Hayao Saki. Today, when computer special effects are flooding the screen, grandpa still insists on hand-drawing every shot. Although grandpa doesn’t care about computer special effects, he eventually learned about the use of CG technology. When seeing CG technology showing soft and dynamic caterpillars, the old man was as happy as a child. However, when several CG developers showed off CG technology that simulated a kind of limb movement, the old man scolded him in person because he has a disability. My friends, this kind of thing is an insult to people with physical disabilities. It is precisely because the old man empathizes with everything around him that he will always retain a childlike innocence, and his works can touch the softest part of our hearts. I hope my grandpa can live a long life.
Douban score 9.6
The life we ??yearn for has already become a daily routine for others. This is a documentary about the life of modern Japanese Tao Yuanming and his wife. A small house nestled deep in the woods, with endless views all year round, hundreds of fruits and vegetables planted in the garden, and the hostess Eiko's skillful hands. No matter cooking, tailoring, or farming, there is nothing that can fail her. Every detail of their home is filled with thoughtfulness and care. It is a house full of love. In the film, the male protagonist dies suddenly, and there is no great sadness or panic. The old woman lives like her grandfather when he was alive, preparing three meals a day for the two of them, taking care of the fruits and vegetables in the yard... "Old man, I will try my best to survive in the future, don't worry. You wait for me, and when my life ends and turns into ashes, we will travel around the South Pacific together. When I get there, I have agreed that I will be lonely alone, but you must wait for me. I am looking forward to seeing you again. I will live well until you are here." Tears! An interesting and healing documentary, after watching it you will have new thoughts about life and life.