CNN's Tokyo: Two Sides

A special week of coverage begins July 16 with a 30-minute program airing from July 21

HONG KONG,July 19,2018 -- On 'Tokyo: Two Sides',CNN explores the dichotomies of Tokyo's multi-layered worlds of art and design through the prisms of the old and the new,the traditional and the modern,the historical and the futuristic. In the heart of 21st Century Tokyo,CNN meets the modern masters sharing their visions for the future of Japan's ancient arts,from flower arrangement to woodcut prints,architecture to kimono-making.

CNN's Tokyo: Two Sides

Highlights of the 30-minute show include:

Ikebana

Ikebana is the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement,originating from the 7th century when floral offerings were made at Buddhist altars. CNN explores the influence of the art on Tokyo's traditionalists and disrupters alike,from sparsely elegant compositions to abundant arrangements of blooms and leaves.

Kimono

The art of making the kimono,Japan's traditional dress,has fallen into steep decline. These days the garment is mostly worn by women on special occasions,but a special group of craftsmen and designers are trying to preserve the enduring symbol of Japan,from embracing its historical lineage to taking its philosophies to futuristic ends.

Ukiyo-e

"The Great Wave off Kanagawa" by Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai is perhaps the world's best known example of ukiyo-e,a genre of Japanese art that heavily influenced contemporary manga and anime. Today,the woodcut prints are enjoying new life,as contemporary artists add their own interpretations.

Toyo Ito's Architecture

Architecture from Japan has traditionally been defined by its relationship to nature,from physical proximity to building materials. Architect Toyo Ito's vision for harmony between the natural world and his designs is best seen in his work at the Tama Art University Library in western Tokyo,where a forest of arches melds seamlessly with the surrounding woods.

Kazuyo Sejima's Architecture

Contemporary architect Kazuyo Sejima says she draws inspiration from Japan's architectural past in her minimalist designs that are defining Japan's future. She channels the age-old use of space found in traditional Japanese architecture in her Tokyo projects,like the Sumida Hokusai Museum and the Shibaura House.

'Tokyo: Two Sides' is produced by CNN Vision,the global creative production powerhouse of CNN International,which brings the world's breath-taking diversity into cinematic focus,telling stories that inspire audiences around the world.

Watch the promo here: https://cnn.it/2ujJOzI

'Tokyo: Two Sides' images: https://bit.ly/2L0KAI6

CNN Vision: www.cnnvision.com

Instagram: @cnnvision

The 30-minute special 'Tokyo: Two Sides' airs at the following times:

Airtimes for 30-minute special:

Saturday,21st July at 1430 HKT

Sunday,22nd July at 0530 HKT and 1800 HKT

Monday,23rd July at 0030 HKT

Thursday,2nd August at 1630 HKT

About CNN International

CNN's portfolio of news and information services is available in seven different languages across all major TV,digital and mobile platforms reaching more than 475 million households around the globe. CNN International is the number one international TV news channel according to all major media surveys across Europe,the Middle East and Africa,the Asia Pacific region and Latin America and has a US presence which includes CNNgo. CNN Digital is a leading network for online news,mobile news and social media. CNN is at the forefront of digital innovation and continues to invest heavily in expanding its digital global footprint,with a suite of award-winning digital properties and a range of strategic content partnerships,commercialised through a strong data-driven understanding of audience behaviours. Over the years CNN has won multiple prestigious awards around the world for its journalism. Around 1,000 hours of long-form series,documentaries and specials are produced every year by CNNI's non-news programming division,CNN Vision. CNN has 36 editorial offices and more than 1,100 affiliates worldwide through CNN Newsource. CNN International is part of Turner,a WarnerMedia company.

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