Loading episode...

Begin Japanology

Season 2 • Episode 36 • Shinkansen

36 / 41

Select Server:

If one server doesn't work, try another

Begin Japanology Season 2, Episode 36: Shinkansen

0 0 • 28 min • 8.0/10

Comments

Please to post a comment.

No comments yet. Be the first to comment.

Episodes

41 episodes
1

Nishijin-ori

28 min
2

Kyoto Lacquerware

28 min
3

Sake

28 min
4

Katsura Rikyu

28 min
5

Bonsai

28 min
6

The Four Seasons

28 min
7

Hina Dolls

28 min
8

Nagasaki

28 min
9

Five-Storey Pagodas

28 min
10

Cherry Blossoms

28 min
11

Chopsticks

28 min
12

Aizome

28 min
13

Bunraku

28 min
14

Kiriko Cut Glass

28 min
15

Traditional Folk Houses

28 min
16

Tea Ceremony

28 min
17

Soba

28 min
18

Origami

28 min
19

Imari Porcelain

28 min
20

Folding Fan

28 min
21

Kaiseki Cuisine

28 min
22

The Sounds of Japan

28 min
23

Masks

28 min
24

Satoyama

28 min
25

Kendo

28 min
26

The Fragrances of Japan

28 min
27

Spinning Tops

28 min
28

Rock and Stone

28 min
29

Ink Brushes

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.

28 min
30

Tsukemono

28 min
31

Dogs

28 min
32

Ramen

28 min
33

Rice

28 min
34

Shinto Shrine

28 min
35

Festivals

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.

28 min
36

Shinkansen

28 min
37

Gagaku

28 min
38

Marriage

28 min
39

Shogi

28 min
40

Nabe Cuisine

28 min
41

Sword

28 min