Synopsis
BEGIN Japanology invites you into the world of Japanese culture, both traditional and modern, explaining how traditions evolved and the part they still play today in people's everyday lives.
Episodes
1E1BentoAbout the origins and evolution of the Japanese "boxed lunchset".28m2E2Miyazawa Kenji28m3E3Lacquerware28m4E4Rakugo28m5E5Tsukiji MarketA short look on the history, present and future of the famous fishmarket in Tsukiji, Tokyo.28m6E6YoshokuExplaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.28m7E7KyudoKyodo (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.28m8E8Tea Ceremony Architecture28m9E9Dagashi-yaA look at the phenomenon of dagashi-ya ("thrifty sweetshops") and the role they played in a community and it's growing resurgence in modern society28m10E10Nihon Buyo28m11E11AbacusThe "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.28m12E12Ryukyu Kimono28m13E13BambooBamboo, a native Japanese plant of the tree family, has many uses. This episode explores a few, such as tools, decoration and even as food.28m14E14Shirakawa-go28m15E15FireworksDuring the Japanese summer, fireworks are a daily phenomenon, as such, this episode shows it's origin, production and techniques.28m16E16Hanging ScrollsThe 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.28m17E17The Tale of Genji: Part 1The 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.28m18E18The Tale of Genji: Part 2Part two continues with a look on the Heian period and the effect the epic had on Japanese cultural history.28m19E19MatchaMatcha, 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.28m20E20Tokyo TowerA key player in the skyline of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower is a source of entertainment and inspiration. A look on it's construction and influence.28m21E21Dashi28m22E22Oribe-yaki (pottery)28m23E23The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige28m24E24The Seven Gods of Good Fortune28m25E25SushiThis episodes investigates the staple Japanese food, "Sushi" via it's origins and ingredients.28m26E26Mikoshi (portable shrines)28m27E27Yuzen Kimono28m28E28Buddhist Statues28m29E29Hot Springs28m30E30Fish28m31E31Tatami (straw mats)28m32E32CastlesDuring Japan's civil war era, many castles were erected as strongholds and displays of power by the local warlords.28m33E33Miso28m
Cast
