Inside Japan’s Green Heart: Bamboo Forests & the Art of Matcha

Japan’s “green heart” beats in two iconic landscapes: the bamboo forests of Arashiyama and the lush tea fields of Kyoto.
We follow Ichiro Mishima, a guardian of Japan’s most famous bamboo grove, as he protects the trees, crafts traditional bamboo art, and explains why this plant is central to Japanese identity.

Then we travel across the hills to meet Norivasu Uejima, a master tea grower who reveals how shade-grown tencha becomes matcha—the green powder shaping Japanese culture, health, and cuisine.

From towering bamboo to hand-picked tea leaves, this journey uncovers the craftsmanship, rituals, and deep respect for nature that define Japan’s green heritage.

Documentary: A World of Colours – Japan in Green
Directed by: Stéphane Jacques
Production : ZED, Voyage