Begin Japanology

Season 2

2009 · 41 episodes · 19h 8m in all

Episodes

1. 1

   1. Nishijin-ori

   19 Jan 2009 · 28 min

2. 2

   2. Kyoto Lacquerware

   26 Jan 2009 · 28 min

3. 3

   3. Sake

   2 Feb 2009 · 28 min

4. 4

   4. Katsura Rikyu

   9 Feb 2009 · 28 min

5. 5

   5. Bonsai

   16 Feb 2009 · 28 min

6. 6

   6. The Four Seasons

   23 Feb 2009 · 28 min

7. 7

   7. Hina Dolls

   2 Mar 2009 · 28 min

8. 8

   8. Nagasaki

   9 Mar 2009 · 28 min

9. 9

   9. Five-Storey Pagodas

   16 Mar 2009 · 28 min

10. 10

    10. Cherry Blossoms

    23 Mar 2009 · 28 min

11. 11

    11. Chopsticks

    3 Apr 2009 · 28 min

12. 12

    12. Aizome

    10 Apr 2009 · 28 min

13. 13

    13. Bunraku

    17 Apr 2009 · 28 min

14. 14

    14. Kiriko Cut Glass

    24 Apr 2009 · 28 min

15. 15

    15. Traditional Folk Houses

    8 May 2009 · 28 min

16. 16

    16. Tea Ceremony

    15 May 2009 · 28 min

17. 17

    17. Soba

    22 May 2009 · 28 min

18. 18

    18. Origami

    29 May 2009 · 28 min

19. 19

    19. Imari Porcelain

    5 Jun 2009 · 28 min

20. 20

    20. Folding Fan

    19 Jun 2009 · 28 min

21. 21

    21. Kaiseki Cuisine

    10 Jul 2009 · 28 min

22. 22

    22. The Sounds of Japan

    17 Jul 2009 · 28 min

23. 23

    23. Masks

    24 Jul 2009 · 28 min

24. 24

    24. Satoyama

    31 Jul 2009 · 28 min

25. 25

    25. Kendo

    29 Aug 2009 · 28 min

26. 26

    26. The Fragrances of Japan

    4 Sept 2009 · 28 min

27. 27

    27. Spinning Tops

    11 Sept 2009 · 28 min

28. 28

    28. Rock and Stone

    18 Sept 2009 · 28 min

29. 29

    29. Ink Brushes

    25 Sept 2009 · 28 min

    Since ancient times, people in Japan have devoted themselves to the traditional art of calligraphy, shodo. Writing characters with ink on paper, they create works that express the inherent beauty of the Japanese written language. In shodo, brushes are used for applying the ink to the paper. The expressiveness of the characters derives from variations in the speed and force that the calligrapher uses to move the brush. The brushes themselves are simple objects, made from bundles of animal hair or other materials bundled together and fixed to a shaft. The actual materials used will depend on the style of calligraphy that is desired. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we examine the history, development and contemporary applications of ink brushes, introducing these simple implements that have been so essential to the development of Japanese writing and painting.

30. 30

    30. Tsukemono

    2 Oct 2009 · 28 min

31. 31

    31. Dogs

    9 Oct 2009 · 28 min

32. 32

    32. Ramen

    16 Oct 2009 · 28 min

33. 33

    33. Rice

    23 Oct 2009 · 28 min

34. 34

    34. Shinto Shrine

    30 Oct 2009 · 28 min

35. 35

    35. Festivals

    6 Nov 2009 · 28 min

    In Japan, festivals are known as matsuri. Many matsuri are colorful and boisterous occasions. Matsuri are typically associated with a Shinto shrine. Local people gather to pray and give thanks to the enshrined deity for agricultural bounty, health, safety and security. Over the years, these gatherings have evolved into elaborate events that frequently feature dancing, masks and magnificent floats. Entire local communities may be drawn into the preparations for festivals, which have nurtured some of the most refined arts and crafts in Japan. Even the sophisticated Noh theatre has festival origins, and, in some communities, apprentices will spend years learning a craft such as woodcarving specifically for its application in an annual matsuri. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we present some of the most famous festivals in Japan and consider the links to community and culture.

36. 36

    36. Shinkansen

    13 Nov 2009 · 28 min

37. 37

    37. Gagaku

    20 Nov 2009 · 28 min

38. 38

    38. Marriage

    27 Nov 2009 · 28 min

39. 39

    39. Shogi

    4 Dec 2009 · 28 min

40. 40

    40. Nabe Cuisine

    11 Dec 2009 · 28 min

41. 41

    41. Sword

    18 Dec 2009 · 28 min