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Hidden Japan
By Polly Conway,
Common Sense Media Reviewer
Common Sense Media Reviewers
Visually stunning, slow-paced docu explores nature in Japan.
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Hidden Japan
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What's the Story?
Hidden Japan is a short documentary about the natural wonders of Japan. Japan is home to over 120 million people, 130 types of mammals, 600 bird species, and 108 active volcanoes. The series follows animal behaviors and natural phenomena throughout the seasons, including bear hibernation and volcanic activity. The process of growing rice is also shown, noting that native animals help it along by getting rid of insect pests. There are many images of monkeys and sika deer (a type of spotted deer native to Japan) in the snow, while bears show up when spring comes. Other species that get attention include Japan's famous tanuki, or raccoon dog (in actuality a wild fox).
The red-crowned crane, a bird that symbolizes happiness and long life, also are active in winter, which is when they mate and pair for life. These birds are endangered and now a protected species, helped out by humans with food during the scarce winter season.
Is It Any Good?
This brief but illuminating documentary is a pleasant journey into the forests and waters of Japan. The seasonal premise allows viewers to see a wide range of wildlife, as well as the changing beauty of the country. The narration is warm and informative, and kids should enjoy seeing monkeys explore tidepools and play in the ocean. Japan's unique species and landscapes, from tropical climes to icy rivers, are all beautifully filmed in this easy-to-watch doc.
Talk to Your Kids About ...
Families can talk about Japan. What do you know about this country? How did you learn about it? Is it a country you'd like to visit?
How do countries around the world protect their natural resources and endangered species? Why is this important to do?
Movie Details
- On DVD or streaming: March 19, 2017
- Studio: NDR Naturfilm
- Genre: Documentary
- Topics: Wild Animals
- Run time: 46 minutes
- MPAA rating: NR
- Last updated: October 24, 2022
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