AllMovie

Nova reveals one of Japan's most precious resources in this video trip to Lake Biwa. Sustaining a 2000-year-old way of life, this fresh water lake may hold the key to scientific mysteries. As it stands, it supports a valued and ancient farming tradition while witnessing the creation of a new type of rice paddy. The terraced fields that surround Lake Biwa have become an example of advanced engineering. While the humans create superior farming techniques, the animals that live in and around Lake Biwa also undergo changes. Nova also goes microscopic to expose the transformation of insect species. On a larger scale, black bears provide a surprising insight into organ preservation and hibernation. The video concludes with an examination of the gardens surrounding Lake Biwa.