The Silk Road: The Rise And Fall Of Civilizations is an NHK
Tokushu documentary series that first aired on 7 April 1980, with
sequels being broadcast over a 10-year period. It took a total of 17
years from conception to complete what many consider a landmark in
Japan's broadcasting television history. The intention of the program was to reveal how ancient Japan was influenced by the Silk Road
trade route. The documentary was narrated by Ishizaka Koji with music
composed by Kitaro, who insisted that the show be broadcast in stereo.
The music was composed mainly using a Minimoog, Minikorg 700, and Maxikorg DV800. The score received a Galaxy Award, and the series of soundtracks sold millions of copies. The success
created from the program brought Kitaro international attention.