Begin Japanology Season 1
S01 E01
Apr 14, 2008
Bento Apr 14, 2008 About the origins and evolution of the Japanese "boxed lunchset"
S01 E02
Apr 21, 2008Miyazawa Kenji Apr 21, 2008
S01 E03
Apr 28, 2008Lacquerware Apr 28, 2008
S01 E04
May 5, 2008Rakugo May 5, 2008
S01 E05
May 12, 2008Tsukiji Market May 12, 2008 A short look on the history, present and future of the famous fishmarket in Tsukiji, Tokyo
S01 E06
May 19, 2008Yoshoku May 19, 2008 Explaining the intergration of Western meals into the Japanese diet
S01 E07
May 26, 2008Kyudo May 26, 2008 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. A look on the beginning, decline and revival of kyodo
S01 E08
Jun 2, 2008Tea Ceremony Architecture Jun 2, 2008
S01 E09
Jun 9, 2008Dagashi-ya Jun 9, 2008 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
S01 E10
Jun 16, 2008Nihon Buyo Jun 16, 2008
S01 E11
Jun 23, 2008Abacus Jun 23, 2008 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. Not only are skilled users faster than an electronic calculator, it also teaches students amazing mathematical skills
S01 E12
Jun 30, 2008Ryukyu Kimono Jun 30, 2008
S01 E13
Jul 14, 2008Bamboo Jul 14, 2008 Bamboo, a native Japanese plant of the tree family, has many uses. This episode explores a few, such as ftools, decoration and even as food
S01 E14
Jul 21, 2008Shirakawa-go Jul 21, 2008
S01 E15
Jul 28, 2008Fireworks Jul 28, 2008 During the Japanese summer, fireworks are a daily phenomenon, as such, this episode shows it's origin, production and techniques.
S01 E16
Aug 17, 2008Hanging Scrolls Aug 17, 2008 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.
S01 E17
Aug 24, 2008The Tale of Genji: Part 1 Aug 24, 2008 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.
S01 E18
Aug 31, 2008The Tale of Genji: Part 2 Aug 31, 2008 Part two continues with a look on the Heian period and the effect the epic had on Japanese cultural history
S01 E19
Sep 7, 2008Matcha Sep 7, 2008 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.
S01 E20
Sep 14, 2008Tokyo Tower Sep 14, 2008 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.
S01 E21
Sep 21, 2008Dashi Sep 21, 2008
S01 E22
Sep 28, 2008Oribe-yaki (pottery) Sep 28, 2008
S01 E23
Oct 5, 2008The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige Oct 5, 2008
S01 E24
Oct 12, 2008The Seven Gods of Good Fortune Oct 12, 2008
S01 E25
Oct 19, 2008Sushi Oct 19, 2008 This episodes investigates the staple Japanese food, "Sushi" via it's origins and ingredients
S01 E26
Oct 26, 2008Mikoshi (portable shrines) Oct 26, 2008
S01 E27
Nov 2, 2008Yuzen Kimono Nov 2, 2008
S01 E28
Nov 9, 2008Buddhist Statues Nov 9, 2008
S01 E29
Nov 16, 2008Hot Springs Nov 16, 2008
S01 E30
Nov 23, 2008Fish Nov 23, 2008
S01 E31
Dec 1, 2008Tatami (straw mats) Dec 1, 2008
S01 E32
Dec 8, 2008Castles Dec 8, 2008 During Japan's civil war era, many castles were erected as strongholds and displays of power by the local warlords.
S01 E33
Dec 15, 2008Miso Dec 15, 2008