In this episode, chef Melvyn Lee explores Taiwan's central mountains, where he meets an aboriginal woman, discovers some unique local produce, and learns how to prepare a dish that dates back to the hunting days of the Atayal men. He then heads for Taiwan's dramatic coastline, where he befriends a Han Chinese fisherman. Melvyn finds out how to prepare fresher-than-fresh seafood the traditional Fujianese way. Taking what he's learned from both, he...

The history of Japan past and present is the story of the kami, the supernatural, not quite godlike spirits who underlie the Japanese-ness of Japan-who created the Japanese islands at the beginning of time and remain today the ones responsible for health and luck, for success in childbirth and business, for the proper functioning of silicon chips and the uniqueness and unity of the Japanese. This program begins with the creation myth of Japan and...

This program savors the peaceful splendor of autumn in Kyoto. First, visits to Kozan-ji Temple, an example of early Kamakura architecture and repository of a painting by Toba Sojo; Sanzen-in Temple, immortalized by 18th-century poet Ueda Akinari; and many other temples offer views of the region's beautiful red-colored maples. Then, the video covers the autumn festival in Arashiyama, the Jidai Matsuri procession, the fire festival of Kurama, and the...

This illustrated book includes details about South Korea.

This episode of the U.S. Army's The Big Picture television series shows scenes from the United Nations session in New York as well as U.S. negotiators at Kaesong in their efforts to hammer out a ceasefire plan between fighting factions in Korea. In addition, this video from the National Archives and Records Administration includes a tribute to the men of the infantry from an Army officer who served with them as a platoon leader. Lieutenant Robert...

This undercover report documents the stark poverty and extreme repression in North Korea that exist alongside spectacular cultural events and age-old customs unfettered by political ideology. Posing as a tourist, broadcast journalist Janet Choi risked arrest to get an inside look at one of the planet's most secretive-and brutally totalitarian-countries while under surveillance by a police "tour guide." Archival footage, an interview with a defector,...

This classic episode of the U.S. Army's The Big Picture television series explores the dual role the average U.S. Army soldier plays in Korea. As a soldier, he is constantly alert to the threat of aggression from the Communists in the north. As a representative of democracy, he is a bulwark against the internal conditions that could rob a friendly people of their strength and determination. This video from the National Archives and Records Administration...

This classic episode of the U.S. Army's The Big Picture television series is a study of American soldiers helping a nation to help itself. Through the Armed Forces Assistance to Korea (AFAC) program, Army know-how, supervision, and equipment played a pivotal role in the rehabilitation of housing, public buildings, businesses, and transportation facilities. Featuring footage provided by the National Archives and Records Administration, this documentary...

Before Cari can learn the art of the traditional Japanese tea ceremony, she must dress the part. That means a trip to the hairdresser and a kimono fitting.