The Shimmering Inland Sea (Japan)

THE SHIMMERING INLAND SEA (Japan)
1980s?, 16mm, color/sound, about 15 mins.

The title refers to a channel running between 3 main islands of Japan. This film describes the history and contemporary life in the channel region. There are many long shots of islands, waterways and views from boats.

In Japan, there are 700 islands of varying size. Many are covered with mountains and forests of pine. The climate is warm and wild flowers grown along the slopes. The local people farm and fish. Villages and parks are shown. Cherry tree blossoms. A 350 year old fishing ritual is performed with a massive net held by boats. The sea channel is calm, which historically has made water travel easy. History of the Inland Seas is described. There are many shrines dedicated to the deities of the sea. Tourists shown. A museum houses national treasures related to medieval sea battles (military armor, etc.). Parks, gardens, castles. An old town with canals and a folk art museum. Craft of matting and weaving shown. Sixth century shrines. Festivals at the shrines - very colorful. Fishing boat ritual that lasts six hours, through nightfall. The Hiroshima Peace Memorial. Back to the islands. Scenery viewed from a big cruise boat - small villages on the hillside. Big festival with unusual dancing. Autumn leaves. Mandarin oranges. Fishing boats, fish markets. Fish stew in a restaurant. Outdoor tea ceremony at a very big temple. Scenes of ordinary people working.