Kyoto has many shrines, temples and traditional structures, spurring people to place special value on old building materials over the centuries. After the Middle Ages, merchants at the center of commerce and industry were thrifty in using old lumber in their townhouse-style residences. Even in modern times, old fittings and timber are reused and repurposed. Discover the spirit of perpetuity through the passion of artisans and craftsmen as they use old wood to give birth to a new aesthetic.

Dried foods evolved as an efficient way of transporting produce to the ancient capital. The practice increased not only their shelf life but also their tastiness and nutritional value. The foodstuffs were used to cook creative dishes, giving birth to a distinct culinary culture in Kyoto. But as modern lifestyles became more hectic, they lost favor due to the time required for rehydration. Discover how dried foods are again gaining attention as a way of using misshapen produce to cut food loss.

Kyoto artists are focusing on new styles of art, based in the traditions of the old capital. One captures paint splashes with a high-speed camera to create "ikebana" in motion. Another uses the natural slippage that emerges when dyeing and weaving handicrafts to create works with a human touch. Advocates of the arts are organizing large art festivals and providing dwellings for young artists to help them hone their styles. Discover how artists are reimagining Kyoto as a "future city of art."