How Japan Cleans a Massive 1300 Year Old Treasure | Inside Todaiji (Nara) ★ ONLY in JAPAN

[@jishaku38]

こんなに詳しく取材したの初めて見たよ。

[@UFOBobTV]

Every time I watch one of your videos, I want to jump on a plane and fly to Japan. Thanks for another great episode.

[@davey_davey_dave]

Only in Japan is the reason why i've been to Japan 3 times since 2017. I've traveled all the way from Sapporo to Fukuoka. Very special country.

[@ShikamaruXT]

I will do it in September. You can, too! I go for 3 weeks, staying in Kamakura, Kyoto and Tokyo respectively.

[@green7897]

魂を抜いた筈の大仏様が御身拭いなさる方々を笑顔でご覧になっておいでの様に見えるのは私だけでしょうか。素敵な動画をありがとうございます。

[@toowoombacorgi6358]

I am now almost 12 and distinctly remember standing before the great statue when I was 5!

[@jason_from_canada]

The great hall is quite a sight! A lot of teamwork involved in that cleaning job. What an ingenious way to make sure they have water to fight fires and without dependance on power. Thanks John! 👍

[@priestpeace219]

I have visited Todaiji Temple on my trip to Japan earlier this year. As the admirers of Japanese culture and Buddhists, the sight of Great Hall and the Daibutsu were very moving for me and my family.

[@jnhkz]

That buddha is really massive irl. And the site is so great. Traveled to Nara just a single day last year and its still vividly appear in my mind right now. What an amazing place to visit.

[@rbelt13]

as high tech japan is, they treasure traditional manual work. amazing ❤

[@flightibis9317]

お掃除の妖精たちみたいになっててかわいい

[@zanefraser5560]

I have visited this temple, and its grounds in Nara. Beautiful & peaceful.

[@shirishpanwalkar]

Thanks for taking us on the tour of the beautiful city of Nara and showing us the intricacies of the Todaiji temple.

[@Im49th]

Awesome! This was my favourite temple from my trip to Japan, the view leading up to the huge wooden building is amazing. I still have an omamori on my bag from here.

[@Pogue4]

Wonderful Video John Thank You. When I lived in Japan, I was lucky enough to visit the Buddha at Kamakura loved it.

[@Jomon1976]

Thank you so much for doing this! I've been fascinated by both Buddhism and Shinto for many years and really enjoyed this. Very high quality video in both footage and information.

[@briannotbryan3888]

Thanks for making such an interesting video showing this little known operation. Many people may not get to witness it first hand , but when you visit in person, you will appreciate the work that goes into protecting such an important temple.

[@LetsgowithHyro]

I was there in Oct 2019. What an amazing temple and statue. Thank you for taking me back!

[@chad5]

Although I do miss the frequent uploads from your old channel, I do appreciate the quality you put into each one. I hardly watch any live streams but I have been a fan of your natural ability to tell stories for years. Appreciate the work you put into your craft.

[@onlyinjapan]

Old channel, that place is as gone as Atlantis 😂 so, a promise, I’ll get at least 2 a month here on this channel from now on. There’s been so much content on Japan from 1000x more creators, that all seems the same. I’ve had to retool and try to be different. It doesn’t always work well, history and culture isn’t going to grow the channel like tourist stuff which is what people are searching for, but after a while, it’s all I’ve got that interests me and makes this channel special compared to the growing number of “so-and-so in Japan” I think I have my voice back, this was a good warm up for the summer and fall releases to come!

[@chad5]

@@onlyinjapan it sure is 😂 nothing against the hosts after you but the current status is a clear representation of what the viewers loved. I’m glad we still get the privilege of following your KZbin journey through a channel of your own.

[@onlyinjapan]

@@chad5 “hosts” 😂 perhaps there’s one of the many problems. RIP old channel before 2020. You deserved better hahaha!

[@edfranklin2]

Great story, great production. You seem to have an eye for finding stories that may seem simple, but really are a little microcosm of the entire Japanese culture. Great production skills. We get NHK network in San Francisco, your videos surpass their English programming.

[@carolineindacityphx]

Wow! I love the Japanese passion and dedication to keeping the Daibutsu clean. A short video showing the process from beginning to end. Thank you, John.

[@jamesherman3750]

I was here last year. Really fantastic sight and worth a stop if in Nara. The Buddhist temple nearby is a vibe

[@anailujks]

I love your videos! I've been watching you since I was an early teen and I'm now mid 20s. You are a true professional. One of my favorite movie scenes is the cleaning and restoration of the clubhouse in From Up On Poppy Hill. A big team of people setting out to show their care and commitment to a historical treasure is a special sight to see. I am consistently amazed by Japan's culture and history. See you next time!

[@onlyinjapan]

Thank you! I really love seeing how different people work, clean. There is a lovely peaceful feeling on unity here, people setting their minds on this one task on the whole, seeing them focused to do it, in a simple manner without machines. We can learn a lot by just observing, and it’s very different in Japan than the west so there’s a lot to learn. Appreciate the message!

[@anantnarayandash4629]

The best coverage of Japan and its culture on the internet.

[@mauryroblovich]

That water system is amazing 😮

[@diningwithderek]

This was so fascinating to see! I've been looking forward to another main channel video for a long time!!! Looking forward to seeing more as always and once again fantastic job!

[@Zerpersande]

I love Todaiji. It’s about a 30 min drive from my home. Anybody that comes to visit me here gets taken to here. There’s one pillar with a hole cut in it and I think it’s considered good luck to crawl through it.

[@jarihult]

That looks amazing , lots of effort needed for cleaning that 😮Thank you for sharing this 🙂👍!!!

[@edfranklin2]

Amazing story amazing video. You show great respect for your subjects, and allow the joy to shine through. Wha I detect is that while the stories are only a slice of Japanese life, they are also metaphors for the culture at large. I really appreciate the professional production values, these are broadcast ready.

[@northbynorth414]

As previously noted, that was intriguing to learn how sufficient water pressure was created to allow fire hoses to be able to deliver water to the top. There is a parallel to the oldest fountain in Japan which is located in Kanazawa's Kenroku-en Garden. Water flows from a higher lake through tunnels to the base of the fountain which then with natural water pressure allows the fountain to erupt to the same height as the lake above.

[@silverstar8886]

Thanks for your videos, John! I was at Todaiji a little under a week ago! Amazing to see how the great Buddha is cleaned by amazing artists. Nara was a highlight for me

[@paulseoighemcgee5772]

Thanks John , wonderfully made docu , thanks .

[@riotous_worm2885]

Awesome Job John!!! 🙏

[@Snowkitty1424]

I love anything to do with Shrines, Thanks very much John 🥰

[@MeThorvald]

I am amazed that this task is made by 'ordinary' people, not professional conservators (though I highly suspect that they are responsible for planning etc.). Also I've been astonished by how big the building is!

[@onlyinjapan]

I thought that was really amazing too. People with experiences that can handle the job, many come back annually. It’s can’t be easy. There is a rest area in the side with nice bento and drinks for workers too. They’re well taken care of I think. It’s something I’d like to volunteer and do someday. Todaiji is a national treasure!

[@kriztov265]

Visiting Nara and seeing the Buddha and the temple was a humbling experience. Cheers John.

[@lainiesmajovits3754]

Another great video! This was so interesting and fun to watch!

[@nvant]

Always impressed at the high production quality of your videos! Loved this one (like always). I think your experience/perspective and style of telling the stories of Japan, as opposed to what many other creators do, is really valuable.

[@peaceharmony4254]

Thank you for introducing this to the world!

[@Mo_Texas5]

Hello from Columbus John! I love these videos. Keep up the great work!

[@organicgrains]

What a great team effort. It must be so meditative.

[@onlyinjapan]

It’s hot and hard work, but it’s also so well organized and a good feeling to clean, I think that team work spirit Japan thrives in can clearly be seen here, all working as one. All cleaning tasks in Japan I’ve seen incorporate such an effort that people often miss.

[@ramsessilent]

fantastic! thanks for the share! stay awesome!

[@StarlordStavanger]

Thanks so much for another great video John! Been watching your videos for years and enjoy it and every single one, I always learn something new and interesting from you so thank you from the bottom of my heart!

[@MrJohnprouzos]

It's always good to see people get together.. Nice one Mr John 😊😊❤

[@manuelgreil4306]

Hey, it's a main channel video! And, as usually a good and interesting one. 👍

[@henrychew235]

Another good video as usual, I need to catch up on your videos here, too engrossed with all the live ones !! As impressive as the cleaning, the water pressure and fire drill was equally ingenious, shows how creative they were in finding a way to save the temple in case of a fire!!

[@nxrm]

Thanks for making this video about cleaning the Daibutsu statue John. This is the content that drew me to your channel, has kept me subscribed, and why I'm a Patreon supporter. This is something very few people will ever get the chance to witness in person. Truly remarkable.

[@onlyinjapan]

Thank you! This means a lot to me and will try to get many more videos out this summer and fall.

[@sawadow]

Thank you for the amazing video.

[@kan-e7s]

Cleaning is also one of the family events, one of the school events, one of the office events, and so on. I have just received an e-mail from my company to notify us the office cleaning schedule to attend. Me, my colleagues, supervisors, and everyone in the office would be provided with cleaning tools and start cleaning our office for hours. We do this twice a year. There are professional cleaning people the building employs, however we still do the cleaning by ourselves and this is not unusual in many companies. Cleaning is, I guess, such a great part of Japanese traditional culture and I don’t know why😊

[@franksang5014]

I really appreciate the perspective your videos bring. I look forward to watching more of your great content!

[@007007gf]

Great story and such a wonder on cleaning and preserving a world heritage Buddha and it's building. Love your passion to share with all. Thanks.

[@XYoukaiX]

just went there last week ... it really is impressive, on most pictures you can't really see how big that thing is !

[@onlyinjapan]

When you see the people cleaning on it, you get a good perspective. It’s BIG, so impressive how they engineered this in 752!

[@XYoukaiX]

@@onlyinjapan yeah true I was already impressed before seeing your video and getting to know how it was built

[@joshschneider9766]

also ive done small scale soft metal sandcasting in my friends backyard a few times, and to think of the mastery of metal casting the artisans who created those beauties to begin with had is awe inspiring too. the entire craftsmanship and dedicated upkeep of it is pretty epic in all respects. they make that thing sparkle every year, thats so cool to see.

[@Maleka808]

Aloha John, mahalo for another well-done video that educates tourists on Japanese culture, not just showing pretty pictures.

[@onlyinjapan]

Mahalo! ^_^

[@Lil-Britches]

Awesome video John this was a cool watch. ❤🎉

[@Tracksidebench]

This was really cool interesting and unique

[@HawaiiJapan808]

Great stuff. You make the best Japan content 🤙🏽😁

[@REVIEWSONTHERUN]

Thanks for sharing it. Great work as always. ✌️

[@EricK-mj7kr]

I've been to the Todaiji 4 times & counting. Its mainly for prayers.

[@RNG-999]

Happy to see a new video, John.

[@gi169]

Wow, long time no video Mr. John. Very good as usual, thank you...🍻

[@Soul_PredatorYT]

Thank you for sharing another interesting video with us ❤

[@shadow-labs-industry]

i love seeing this content, thanks for the amazing job you always do with your videos.

[@C-LosRaider]

Awesome

[@Suede224]

Always the best videos.

[@emmajewelry]

Ive been here. It was an amazing experience!

[@MarkII-fj1sw]

nice video

[@CardinalKaos]

OH BOI did i ever hit that notification with the quickness

[@exxon5430]

Nhk recommend this vedio.❤😊love it

[@shandichau4376]

An interesting topic. Thank you John😊

[@SonMaiNgoc-fm8ws]

RẤT TIẾC TÔI CHƯA ĐƯƠC CHIÊM BÁI ĐỨC PHẬT TẠI NARA . TÔI ĐÃ ĐƯỢC BÁI ĐỨC PHẬT TẠI KYOTO THỰC SỰ ẤN TƯỢNG .CÁM ƠN JAPAN .

[@rajTrondhjem10]

Amazing video..

[@kochichris]

😊wakusha mountain great view to watch the temple grounds~☆

[@RedZ1900]

Impressive stuff

[@fattiger6957]

Nara sounds like an interesting place. I recently watched a video about how they have rebuilt and are continuing to rebuild several old temples and building from the time when it was the capital of Japan (around 1300 years ago)

[@sanashi27]

I didn't think they'd be cleaning the statue like that. I mean, I knew they probably clean it but not to that extent. I think it's amazing, especially those who are cleaning the very top. It looked dangerous. The process looked like fun though since it's being done with so many other people.

[@WheeledHamster]

Ok now this is cool!

[@laurielum378]

Awesome video. Mahalo for sharing the experience with us.

[@oleksandrzubchenko210]

It's quite interesting that such a technologically advanced contry as Japan still uses hands and old-school brooms to clean up. Must be some philosophical background about it. You can't give this work to robots, you must do it yourself.

[@captarcega]

a good one John

[@LynnHiroko2u]

So interesting, I had no idea how they cleaned the Daibutsusan. I’ve been there as a child. I would like to revisit as an adult!

[@simoncraig4052]

talk about spring cleaning😀

[@danielkeenan2508]

Starting the cleaning from the base seems counter productive. Doesn't the dust from the top make the base dusty again? Nice video :D

[@onlyinjapanGO]

I thought about that too. I think they’re thumping and loosening up dirt, dust that has stuck in from the condensation over the months. After the gondola cleans, I think they sweep up but I didn’t catch that bit - I’m sure they must do a pass by. There are about 200 people there so people are cleaning all around the Great Hall all day. They could have done it later too - after the gondola, they take a break. I think they may do a little more cleaning around the grounds. I had access just in the AM.

[@TheRealMrCods]

Very cool. 🙏

[@naso_g]

That was an awesome video John! Thanks!

[@FKJBSDK]

I can't help but singing SHIKA NOKO NOKO NOKO KOSHTAN TAN 😅🙏

[@sujoygupta2922]

What a fantastically unique topic, John. Any plans on covering anything related to the other big Buddha statues in Japan?

[@joefroelich4934]

When I was in Japan I went to Tokyo , Kyoto and Nara. The Buddha and the temple there was the most impressive thing I saw on the entire trip. The video doesn’t show how large it really is.

[@FreshSmog]

I'm confused. Which channel is yours, Go or John Daub or both?

[@onlyinjapan]

Both. I’m in both of them 😂 so they’re mine.

[@-B.H.]

It's funny how some things change yet others do not. But the most interesting part is the new fire prevention using the natural water pressure without a need for any power.

[@Brandania_moble]

Soo coools! I wonder if that's how they clean the one here too 🤔

[@timr.2257]

Finally a new upload...

[@onlyinjapan]

But was it any good? 🧹🤔

[@timr.2257]

​@onlyinjapan Personally I prefer more modern things than traditional.

[@SebastienFortin07]

That's incredible. I wonder how many hours it takes. You must have filmed it last year for we're on 3rd August today and not 7th.

[@onlyinjapan]

Yup, it was planned to release a week before the next cleaning :) so it’s more useful than a week after.

[@TJ_Rider]

This episode gets an 👍

[@gontamike1021]

7:51　地震で首が落ちたって😮😮😮知りませんでした。

[@brucewayne2773]

Would easier if they just blast it with an air hose lol...I guess it's just part of a tradition for all these guys to do it once a year

[@onlyinjapan]

It would, but it’s a distraction. One of the principles is minimalism. Also, a connection with nature. The human soul focusing on the task at hand, like a form of meditation. Machines can be a distraction. I like this simplicity in a world that’s so complex now. Like how I find cooking relaxing, I focus on what’s right in front of me. We need more of this, less of the machines perhaps :)

[@brucewayne2773]

@@onlyinjapan I agree with you 100%🙏. ,

[@悠理-p3z]

教会やモスクではエアダスターや機械を使っているのですかね？ 宗教的な意味合いが理解出来ない不寛容さが不愉快。

[@michaelcallisto]

I live in Nara but I didn't know a lot of this information.

[@bluesandroots2008]

I want to apply for the cleaning job😊

[@InfamyJunkie]

Seeing that place in person was one of the many highlights of my last trip to Japan. Btw, will you be covering the Expo 2025 preparations at all in Osaka before the start date?

[@ThatOneSceneDude]

Awesome video John! Ive been watching for almost a decade (since your original channel). Question, did you sell off your original channel? I don't know if I have ever heard the actual reason. So many great imo classic videos on the other channel.

[@onlyinjapan]

Why would I sell it? No - I signed a contract with clauses I wish I’d not signed and there were disputes we couldn’t compromise on. It was not a good direction and instead of challenging it, I reset and know that a channel’s soul is the creator. They didn’t agree. We can see who is right. I’m still not happy they have failed to delete the name only in Japan in the channel name, but again, I’m not going to challenge it. I moved on. Life is like that - you have to know when to turn in a different direction and things a good turn. I wish them all the best.

[@SakuraiEvsa]

its as impressive as I can remember. the first time I was there i know nothing about it and just wandering around the area alone enjoying the scenery.

[@overxeno]

John!! Where have you been??! We've all missed your videos 😢😢

[@SWMonkeyRaffSW]

It's today!