Begin Japanology

Season 1

2008 · 33 episodes · 15h 24m in all

Episodes

1. 1

   1. Bento

   14 Apr 2008 · 28 min

   About the origins and evolution of the Japanese "boxed lunchset".

2. 2

   2. Miyazawa Kenji

   21 Apr 2008 · 28 min

3. 3

   3. Lacquerware

   28 Apr 2008 · 28 min

4. 4

   4. Rakugo

   5 May 2008 · 28 min

5. 5

   5. Tsukiji Market

   12 May 2008 · 28 min

   A short look on the history, present and future of the famous fishmarket in Tsukiji, Tokyo.

6. 6

   6. Yoshoku

   19 May 2008 · 28 min

   Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.

7. 7

   7. Kyudo

   26 May 2008 · 28 min

   Kyodo (loosely translatable to "archery") is not so much about hitting the target as it is all about the form, skill and practice of the art.

8. 8

   8. Tea Ceremony Architecture

   2 Jun 2008 · 28 min

9. 9

   9. Dagashi-ya

   9 Jun 2008 · 28 min

   A look at the phenomenon of dagashi-ya ("thrifty sweetshops") and the role they played in a community and it's growing resurgence in modern society

10. 10

    10. Nihon Buyo

    16 Jun 2008 · 28 min

11. 11

    11. Abacus

    23 Jun 2008 · 28 min

    The "soroban" (Abacus) - a calculation tool no longer used in the Western world but still a common sight in Japan, where education and businesses use it with great succes.

12. 12

    12. Ryukyu Kimono

    30 Jun 2008 · 28 min

13. 13

    13. Bamboo

    14 Jul 2008 · 28 min

    Bamboo, a native Japanese plant of the tree family, has many uses. This episode explores a few, such as tools, decoration and even as food.

14. 14

    14. Shirakawa-go

    21 Jul 2008 · 28 min

15. 15

    15. Fireworks

    28 Jul 2008 · 28 min

    During the Japanese summer, fireworks are a daily phenomenon, as such, this episode shows it's origin, production and techniques.

16. 16

    16. Hanging Scrolls

    17 Aug 2008 · 28 min

    The wall scroll is not just used for decoration, it has a special role during the tea ceremony that is still practiced in Japan. From the special placement in a room to the padding of the scroll itself, everything must considered.

17. 17

    17. The Tale of Genji: Part 1

    24 Aug 2008 · 28 min

    The first part of two episodes focussing on the ancient Japanese epic that left a huge impact on the cultural history of Japan, "The tale of Genji", written in the Heian period. This part details the author, characters and plot.

18. 18

    18. The Tale of Genji: Part 2

    31 Aug 2008 · 28 min

    Part two continues with a look on the Heian period and the effect the epic had on Japanese cultural history.

19. 19

    19. Matcha

    7 Sept 2008 · 28 min

    Matcha, the powdered residue of ground green tea leafs, has been a key ingredient in the Japanese tea ceremony for more than a millenium, but nowadays it's also being used in more than just tea.

20. 20

    20. Tokyo Tower

    14 Sept 2008 · 28 min

    A key player in the skyline of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower is a source of entertainment and inspiration. A look on it's construction and influence.

21. 21

    21. Dashi

    21 Sept 2008 · 28 min

22. 22

    22. Oribe-yaki (pottery)

    28 Sept 2008 · 28 min

23. 23

    23. The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

    5 Oct 2008 · 28 min

24. 24

    24. The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

    12 Oct 2008 · 28 min

25. 25

    25. Sushi

    19 Oct 2008 · 28 min

    This episodes investigates the staple Japanese food, "Sushi" via it's origins and ingredients.

26. 26

    26. Mikoshi (portable shrines)

    26 Oct 2008 · 28 min

27. 27

    27. Yuzen Kimono

    2 Nov 2008 · 28 min

28. 28

    28. Buddhist Statues

    9 Nov 2008 · 28 min

29. 29

    29. Hot Springs

    16 Nov 2008 · 28 min

30. 30

    30. Fish

    23 Nov 2008 · 28 min

31. 31

    31. Tatami (straw mats)

    1 Dec 2008 · 28 min

32. 32

    32. Castles

    8 Dec 2008 · 28 min

    During Japan's civil war era, many castles were erected as strongholds and displays of power by the local warlords.

33. 33

    33. Miso

    15 Dec 2008 · 28 min