Begin Japanology Season 2
S02 E01
Jan 19, 2009
Nishijin-ori Jan 19, 2009
S02 E02
Jan 26, 2009Kyoto Lacquerware Jan 26, 2009
S02 E03
Feb 2, 2009Sake Feb 2, 2009
S02 E04
Feb 9, 2009Katsura Rikyu Feb 9, 2009
S02 E05
Feb 16, 2009Bonsai Feb 16, 2009
S02 E06
Feb 23, 2009The Four Seasons Feb 23, 2009
S02 E07
Mar 2, 2009Hina Dolls Mar 2, 2009
S02 E08
Mar 9, 2009Nagasaki Mar 9, 2009
S02 E09
Mar 16, 2009Five-Story Pagodas Mar 16, 2009
S02 E10
Mar 23, 2009Cherry Blossoms Mar 23, 2009
S02 E11
Apr 3, 2009Chopsticks Apr 3, 2009
S02 E12
Apr 10, 2009Aizome Apr 10, 2009
S02 E13
Apr 17, 2009Bunraku Apr 17, 2009
S02 E14
Apr 24, 2009Kiriko Cut Glass Apr 24, 2009
S02 E15
May 8, 2009Traditional Folk Houses May 8, 2009
S02 E16
May 15, 2009Tea Ceremony May 15, 2009
S02 E17
May 22, 2009Soba May 22, 2009
S02 E18
May 29, 2009Origami May 29, 2009
S02 E19
Jun 5, 2009Imari Porcelain Jun 5, 2009
S02 E20
Jun 19, 2009Folding Fan Jun 19, 2009
S02 E21
Jul 10, 2009Kaiseki Cuisine Jul 10, 2009
S02 E22
Jul 17, 2009The Sounds of Japan Jul 17, 2009
S02 E23
Jul 24, 2009Masks Jul 24, 2009
S02 E24
Jul 31, 2009Satoyama Jul 31, 2009
S02 E25
Aug 29, 2009Kendo Aug 29, 2009
S02 E26
Sep 4, 2009The Fragrances of Japan Sep 4, 2009
S02 E27
Sep 11, 2009Spinning Tops Sep 11, 2009
S02 E28
Sep 18, 2009Rock and Stone Sep 18, 2009
S02 E29
Sep 25, 2009Ink Brushes Sep 25, 2009 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. Around 80 percent of Japanese ink brushes are produced in Kumano, Hiroshima Prefecture. There are numerous workshops in this town where skilled craftsmen still make the brushes by hand in the traditional way.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.
S02 E30
Oct 2, 2009Tsukemono Oct 2, 2009
S02 E31
Oct 9, 2009Dogs Oct 9, 2009
S02 E32
Oct 16, 2009Ramen Oct 16, 2009
S02 E33
Oct 23, 2009Rice Oct 23, 2009
S02 E34
Oct 30, 2009Shinto Shrine Oct 30, 2009
S02 E35
Nov 6, 2009Festivals Nov 6, 2009 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.Some festivals involve breathtaking demonstrations of courage and skill, and all contribute to stronger family and community bonds.On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we present some of the most famous festivals in Japan and consider the links to community and culture.
S02 E36
Nov 13, 2009Shinkansen Nov 13, 2009
S02 E37
Nov 20, 2009Gagaku Nov 20, 2009
S02 E38
Nov 27, 2009Marriage Nov 27, 2009
S02 E39
Dec 4, 2009Shogi Dec 4, 2009
S02 E40
Dec 11, 2009Nabe Cuisine Dec 11, 2009
S02 E41
Dec 18, 2009Sword Dec 18, 2009