Sabae City, located on the Sea of Japan in central Fukui Prefecture, has a population of about 70,000. Sabae is renowned as a center for craftsmanship since olden times. It produces 90 percent of all eyewear frames sold in Japan and produces more than 80 percent of lacquerware used in restaurants across the country. The textile industry is another leading engine of Fukui business. In terms of eyeglasses, our traveler Cyril Coppini learns about its local history and tries his hand at frame-making. In the arena of lacquer, he visits a master artisan at his workshop for an in-depth look at how it's made. As for textiles, Cyril meets a woman who is preserving, and passing on, the skills for weaving a traditional fabric called, Ishidajima. Cyril also gets to know young people who have relocated to Sabae to pursue their craft.

Kikuma is located in northern Imabari City, Ehime Prefecture. The old town is known for its production of kawara roof tiles-an important industry with a history of more than 700 years. Many homes are decorated with ornate tiles at the end of roof ridges, called onigawara or "ogre tiles." They guard homeowners and town residents. Our traveler Cyril Coppini visits a kawara factory and learns about residents' attachment to the traditional tiles. He also discovers a colorful equine ritual with a history of over 600 years. The sacred rite, held on the grounds of the Kamo Shrine, involves horse racing and a pageant with both horse and rider in vibrant traditional costumes. Cyril meets a father and son who are devoted to the sacred race.

Located in central Japan, Kaizu City in Gifu Prefecture and Kuwana City in Mie Prefecture are just downstream of the Kiso Three Rivers -- the Kiso, Nagara and Ibi. They caused major flooding in the past, but also provided people with sustenance. Rakugo performer Cyril Coppini from France explores the area and discovers how people have long coexisted with these water forces.

Since ancient times, Shinto rituals have been held at sacred sites across Japan, bringing people together and creating bonds between the participants through their shared faith. Many of those rituals are held in the autumn. Moreover, the 10th month of the lunar calendar (November in the Gregorian calendar) is a time when the many deities of Japan are said to gather for their annual conference. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, we take a deeper look at the diverse and vibrant rituals of Shinto, meet some of the people who take part in them, and discover the deep bonds that link those participants.

The town of Wakasa-cho lies on the coast of Fukui Prefecture, looking out on the Sea of Japan. In the old days, the town thrived as a key hub on a highway connecting the region with Kyoto. Each year in August, a traditional dance known as Rokusai Nenbutsu is performed by people in this town. The ceremony, which dates back over 700 years, is held to mark the midsummer Obon holiday, when the ancestors are believed to return to their former homes. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, rakugo artist Cyril Coppini meets the local people who are keeping alive this tradition, to ensure that generations to come will continue to welcome the spirits of their forebears.