Picks and Pans Review: Living Treasures of Japan

UPDATED 02/16/1981 at 01:00 AM EST • Originally published 02/16/1981 at 01:00 AM EST

PBS (check local listings)

Anxious to preserve the country's national heritage, the Japanese government subsidizes some 70 masters of traditional crafts. This National Geographic survey of swordmakers, potters and Kabuki actors suggests the program is worth imitating in the U.S.