Horaiji-san no Buppousou

Horaiji-san no Buppousou is a documentary production by NHK that captures the distinctive call of the Japanese scops owl, known locally as the 'buppousou,' near the Horaiji Temple in Aichi Prefecture. The production was part of an effort by the national broadcaster to document the natural heritage and acoustic ecology of Japan’s significant cultural sites. By focusing on the intersection of the temple's historical atmosphere and the endemic bird species, the film serves as both a piece of scientific documentation and an atmospheric environmental portrait.

The production utilized field recording techniques that were representative of NHK’s high standards for nature documentary work during that period. The project aimed to bridge the gap between folklore and ornithology, as the bird's vocalization was historically misattributed to a different species. The resulting work was received as a meticulous observation of local wildlife, appreciated by audiences for its meditative quality and commitment to capturing authentic audio-visual landscapes.