Begin Japanology Season 1, Episode 1: Bento

Miyazawa Kenji

28 min

Lacquerware

28 min

Rakugo

28 min

Tsukiji Market

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

28 min

Yoshoku

Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.

28 min

Kyudo

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.

28 min

Tea Ceremony Architecture

28 min

Dagashi-ya

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

28 min

Nihon Buyo

28 min

Abacus

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.

28 min

Ryukyu Kimono

28 min

Bamboo

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.

28 min

Shirakawa-go

28 min

Fireworks

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

28 min

Hanging Scrolls

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.

28 min

The Tale of Genji: Part 1

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.

28 min

The Tale of Genji: Part 2

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

28 min

Matcha

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.

28 min

Tokyo Tower

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.

28 min

Dashi

28 min

Oribe-yaki (pottery)

28 min

The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

28 min

The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

28 min

Sushi

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

28 min

Mikoshi (portable shrines)

28 min

Yuzen Kimono

28 min

Buddhist Statues

28 min

Hot Springs

28 min

Fish

28 min

Tatami (straw mats)

28 min

Castles

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

28 min

Miso

28 min