The History Of Japanese Gardens | Art Of Japanese Life | Journal

Dr James Fox continues his Japanese art exploration by taking a journey through Japan's mountainous forests, marvels at its zen gardens and admires centuries old Bonsai. He does this to explore the connections between Japanese culture and the natural environment. He examines how the country's two great religions, Shinto and Buddhism, helped shape a creative response to nature which is extremely different to the West. However, Dr James Fox also takes a closer look at modern Japan's changing relationship to the natural world and travels to Naoshima Art Island to see how contemporary artists are finding new ways to engage with nature.

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 the Japanese nature and it's historical value and traditions that surround each element.