Japan is a big country, in both population, and in cultural properties and its history, so much so that experiencing it all can sometimes be a rather overwhelming and impossible feat for the average visitor to the country. This year however, the Tokyo National Museum is screening a video in 4K that allows individuals to at least get a quick peek at a wide variety of Japanese assets.
From July 1 the video, A GLIDE ON THE GREAT WAVE ~ Experience Japanese Culture, will be screening at the museum for free.

Put together by the National Cultural Heritage Organization, the video pieces together important moments and historical items, producing a visual experience that glides like a wave through Japan’s culture and history.
The organisation describes the video as beginning its journey discovering the charm of Japanese culture by dynamically sliding like a roller coaster into the world of world renowned Ukiyo-e artist, Hokusai. The video then goes on to highlight a range of national treasures and collections that are housed in the museum.
One of the main features that is weaved into the video, is that the capital city of Tokyo and the capital of Edo depicted in Ukiyo-e paintings seem like they are from two completely different worlds, and in a way they are. However, no matter how time and the cityscape changes, people continue to enjoy the area’s unique modern aesthetics and striking natural beauty into the present day.
The video cannot cover everything, but even so, the Tokyo National Museum invites guests to come take a look, so that they may begin their endless journey exploring the charms and interesting characteristics of Japan.

A GLIDE ON THE GREAT WAVE Screening schedule

Venue: TNM & TOPPAN Museum Theater (Tokyo National Museum Toyokan B1) Screening period: July 1 (Wed) to December 20 (Sun) 2020 Start time: 10:30/13:00/14:30 (excluding Mon and Tue) Duration: about 15 minutes Each time capacity: 48 people Fee: Free

*Advance reservations are required online before entering the Tokyo National Museum.
*The screening schedule/capacity may change at the museum’s discretion.
* Doors open 5 minutes before the screening time.
* Entering and Exiting the screening room is not permitted during screening

The theatre is available on the 1st basement floor of the Tokyo National Museum, and offers the chance to watch ultra-high-definition videos in 4K. Videos are projected onto the large screen which has a width of 6.6 meters and a height of 3.7 meters, allowing guests to enjoy the texture and details of a variety of cultural items that cannot be seen with the naked eye.
In addition, each showing has live narration provided from a host in the screening room, who can answer any questions relating to the video after the show.
For updates on the Museum theatre and information regarding any restrictions or changes that may be made due to COVID-19, keep an eye on their official website, twitter and instagram accounts. If you would enjoy the experience from the comfort of your own home, the National Cultural Heritage Organization has released a copy of the video onto their official youtube channel: