Japanology Plus Season 8, Episode 18: Personal Robots

1

Moss

This time, our theme is moss. In some countries, it is regarded almost as a weed, but in Japan, it's cherished. Moss can be found in the gardens of temples and shrines, in forests and mountains and even in large cities. Our main guest is Oishi Yoshitaka, an associate professor at Fukui Prefectural University. He introduces us to different species of moss, and explains the role it plays in both the natural world, and in Japanese gardening. And in Plus One, Kanoa makes a beautiful moss terrarium.

28 min

2

Libraries

Japan's libraries are cornerstones of their communities. Besides loaning out books, they promote local culture, support young people and offer a place to relax. This time, our theme is libraries. Our main guest, Professor Tamura Shigeru of the University of Nagano, talks about how they have evolved in recent years, in response to demographic and legal changes. And in Plus One, we take a look at some unusual regional libraries.

28 min

3

Japanophiles: Sheila Cliffe

The kimono, Japan's national garment, is generally seen as traditional clothing -- something to wear on special occasions. But these days, modern and stylish kimono are making an impact in the fashion world. In a Japanophiles interview, Peter Barakan meets Sheila Cliffe, from the UK, who fell in love with kimono during a trip to Japan, and went on to become an authority on the subject. She talks about her life journey, and presents some contemporary styles.

28 min

4

Ukiyo-e

Ukiyo-e is a Japanese artform that emerged in the 17th century. Using woodblock prints, people and landscapes are brought to life with bold compositions and vivid colors. The images influenced European artists such as van Gogh, and they remain part of the visual landscape in modern Japan. Our main guest, art historian Fujisawa Murasaki, introduces several examples of ukiyo-e, and talks about its legacy. And in Plus One, Matt Alt searches Tokyo for locations featured in famous ukiyo-e pictures.

28 min

5

Japanophiles: Richard Halberstadt

On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9 earthquake off the coast of northeast Japan caused a devastating tsunami that left around 18,000 people dead or unaccounted for. Ishinomaki, in Miyagi Prefecture, was one of the worst-affected areas. In a Japanophiles interview, Peter Barakan meets a long-term resident of the city: Richard Halberstadt, from the UK. Halberstadt talks about the disaster and its aftermath, and explains why he decided to stay and help Ishinomaki recover.

28 min

6

Cleaning Tools

Japanese use a wide range of cleaning implements, from old-fashioned brooms to modern carpet rollers. There's always a dedicated tool for the job. Sometimes, those tools have a deeper meaning. Our main guest, museum researcher Watanabe Yumiko, explains their special significance, and talks about the evolution of Japanese cleaning tools over time. We also meet broom-maker Kanbara Ryosuke, who shows us how traditional handmade brooms are put together.

28 min

7

Lacquerware

Lacquerware is made by coating objects with the sap of the lacquer tree. It's a traditional craft that dates back thousands of years. Lacquer offers incredible durability, as well as a distinctive luster that develops over time. Our main guest, Professor Hidaka Kaori, explains how production techniques are evolving to meet the needs of the modern world. We also see David Morrison Pike, an American potter, demonstrating Kintsugi, a technique that uses lacquer to repair broken ceramics.

28 min

8

Suits

Japanese started wearing Western clothing around 150 years ago, and today, suits are standard business attire. Our main guest, fashion journalist Yamamoto Teruhiro, describes the history of men's suits, and talks about the unique culture that has evolved around them. We hear how modern suit makers are making improvements in cost and comfort. We also meet expert tailor Ueki Noriyuki, who talks about the functionality of his suits, and the meticulous techniques involved in making them.

28 min

9

Emergency Goods

The Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami left around 19,000 people dead or unaccounted for. It renewed Japan's sensitivity to the threat of natural disasters, and in the 10 years since then, a multitude of innovative emergency products and foods have been developed. This time, our theme is Emergency Goods. Our main guest, disaster mitigation advisor Kunizaki Nobue, introduces various useful items, and explains how Japan prepares for future catastrophes.

28 min

10

Japanophiles: Chad Mullane

In a Japanophiles interview, Peter Barakan meets Chad Mullane, a comedian from Perth, Australia. Chad talks about Japanese comedy, and explains how he fell in love with it. We see some of his routines, and learn just how much hard work it took to become a professional in the industry. We also meet Tea Kato, Chad's long-term comedy partner, and Bonchi Osamu, a veteran performer who took Chad under his wing.

28 min

11

Furoshiki: Wrapping Cloths

Furoshiki are traditional Japanese wrapping cloths. For hundreds of years, these square pieces of fabric have been used to protect, store and carry various objects. They often feature beautiful, colorful designs, and are works of art in their own right. Our main guest, Yamada Etsuko, is the art director for a Furoshiki-making company. She teaches Peter Barakan some common wrapping technique, and introduces both traditional and modern designs.

28 min

12

Japan vs. Epidemics, Part 2: Modern History

Over the centuries, Japan has suffered from repeated outbreaks of diseases like smallpox, measles and cholera. Part 1 of "Japan vs. Epidemics" covered the history of epidemics up to the mid-19th century. In Part 2, we look at modern history, including outbreaks of cholera and Spanish flu. Our guest is historian Utsumi Takashi. He explains how Japan dealt with epidemics, and talks about several people who made important contributions to the evolution of the country's medical knowledge.

28 min

13

Tiny Houses

Tiny houses are homes that occupy around 50 square meters of land. They're appearing more and more in recent years, especially in crowded cities. Many of them feature unusual layouts and creative design. Our guest, architect Sugiura Denso, introduces clever techniques that are used to make the most of limited space. We follow the construction process from start to finish. And we take a look at low-cost prefabricated tiny houses, measuring as little as 12 square meters.

28 min

14

Watches & Clocks

Japanese watches and clocks are respected around the world for their accuracy and durability. Many of them incorporate the latest technology. Our guest, Oda Ichiro, spent 26 years at a watchmaking company, and is now a university lecturer. He tells us the story of Japanese clockmaking, and introduces us to some clever and innovative timepieces. We also look at the incredible leaps in accuracy being made by cutting edge atomic clocks, and learn about the potential benefits of this technology.

28 min

15

Plastic Food Samples

Plastic food samples are astonishingly accurate replicas of real dishes. They can be found at the entrance to restaurants across Japan, helping potential customers to choose where to eat. They're made by expert artisans, who make molds of real food. Our guest is journalist Nose Yasunobu. He explains why three-dimensional models are so much more powerful than text or photographs. He also tells us why they became so popular in Japan, and discusses their presence in other countries.

28 min

16

Japanophiles: Asa Ekstrom

In a Japanophiles interview, Peter Barakan meets Asa Ekstrom, a manga artist from Sweden. Her work takes a humorous look at her life in Japan, and the surprising discoveries she makes every day. Ekstrom talks about falling in love with manga and anime as a teenager, and explains how she ended up as one of the most popular foreign manga creators working in Japan. We look at the collaborative process involved in developing each comic strip, and hear about her ambitions for the future.

28 min

17

Cats and Japan

Cats have recently become the most-owned pets in Japan, and their popularity continues to grow. This has led to feline celebrities, unusual products and apartments designed specifically with cat owners in mind. Our guest is zoologist Imaizumi Tadaaki. He talks about the history of cats in Japan, and the supernatural powers they were once thought to possess. He also talks about the number of feral cats in cities, and the problems that can arise when humans and animals live in close proximity.

28 min

18

Personal Robots

It's common to find robots in factories, assembling products. But recently, Japan has been embracing personal robots: devices designed to aid conversation, provide companionship and offer emotional support. Innovative new examples are constantly hitting the market. Our guest is robotics researcher Niiyama Ryuma. He introduces us to the latest personal robots, and talks about his own research. He explains his vision of a future where robots are a part of people's families.

28 min

19

Scissors

After scissors arrived in Japan, they evolved in unique ways. Japanese artisans applied traditional sword-making techniques to the creation of a broad variety of highly specialized and customized tools. Our guest is Kawasumi Masakuni, a third-generation maker of bonsai scissors. He demonstrates several different types and talks about the latest innovations. He also comments on changing perceptions of bladed tools in Japan, and his hopes for the future.

28 min

20

Japanophiles: Marty Friedman

In a Japanophiles interview, Peter Barakan meets Marty Friedman, a legendary guitarist from the USA. As a member of a well-known heavy metal band, Friedman toured the world. But a deep love for Japanese music led him to move to Tokyo. He went on to perform with major J-pop artists, and in 2016 he became an official ambassador to Japan Heritage. Friedman takes us through his journey, and explains what it is about Japanese music that he finds so appealing.

28 min

21

Luck

In Japan, a great number of places, objects and customs are considered to be auspicious. Examples include beckoning cats called "maneki neko," and a special meal eaten on New Year's Day. Our guest is Shintani Takanori, who has been studying folk customs for many years. He explains the rituals and beliefs associated with visiting a shrine. He describes the complex meaning behind well-known customs. And he talks about a Japanese tendency to keep seeking out new sources of good fortune.

28 min

22

Tatami

Tatami mats are a quintessentially Japanese flooring material. They're made of rice straw, covered in woven soft rush. This gives them just the right amount of give, and a fresh natural fragrance. Tatami rooms are used for eating, sleeping and relaxing. They're also important for the tea ceremony and martial arts. Our guest is Koshima Yusuke, one of Japan's leading young architects. He talks about the positive qualities of tatami, and discusses potential new uses in the modern era.

28 min

23

Chests & Cabinets

Traditionally, wooden chests and cabinets are built and maintained by master artisans, using time-honored techniques and materials. Items are often passed down through multiple generations of a family, as heirlooms. Our main guest, antique shop owner Yamamoto Akihiro, introduces several unusual examples, and talks about how traditional furniture fits into the lives of young, modern Japanese.

28 min

24

Japanophiles: Nicholas Rennick

In a Japanophiles interview, Peter Barakan meets Nicholas Rennick, an Australian doctor working at a Tokyo hospital. He started in April 2020, at the very beginning of the pandemic, and was immediately treating patients with COVID-19. Now, he performs various roles. Besides seeing patients, Rennick offers advice on improving service for foreigners, and gives English lessons to hospital staff. He talks about his inspiration for coming to Japan, and the challenges he has faced so far.

28 min

25

Bamboo

Bamboo is sturdy, supple and abundant. For thousands of years, it has been indispensable in Japanese crafts and construction. This versatile plant can also be eaten: bamboo shoots are a quintessential taste of spring. Our guest, Kyoto University's Professor Shibata Shozo, introduces the unusual lifecycle of bamboo, and talks about its potential applications in many different contexts. And in Plus One, Matt Alt looks at various creative uses for surplus bamboo from neglected groves.

28 min

26

Ainu: A National Museum of Ainu Culture

The Ainu are an indigenous people who live in and around northern Japan. Traditionally, they are hunter-gatherers who share a close relationship with the natural world. In the first of 2 editions about the Ainu, we look at the National Ainu Museum. The facility opened in 2020 as a hub for the protection and promotion of Ainu traditions. Our guest is its Executive Director, Sasaki Shiro. He introduces several exhibits, and talks about the museum's goals.

28 min

27

Ainu: A New Generation

The Ainu are an indigenous people who live in Hokkaido Prefecture (northern Japan) and surrounding areas. Traditionally, they were hunter-gatherers who shared a close relationship with the natural world. In the second of 2 episodes about the Ainu, we look at young Ainu in modern Japan who are conserving and promoting their ancestral culture. Our guest is Sasaki Shiro, Executive Director of the National Ainu Museum. He introduces a special exhibition centered around a popular manga series.

28 min