Begin Japanology
Overview
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
S01E02 Miyazawa Kenji
S01E03 Lacquerware
S01E04 Rakugo
S01E05 Tsukiji Market
A short look on the history, present and future of the famous fishmarket in Tsukiji, Tokyo.
S01E07 Kyudo
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.
S01E08 Tea Ceremony Architecture
S01E09 Dagashi-ya
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
S01E10 Nihon Buyo
S01E11 Abacus
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.
S01E12 Ryukyu Kimono
S01E13 Bamboo
Bamboo, a native Japanese plant of the tree family, has many uses. This episode explores a few, such as tools, decoration and even as food.
S01E14 Shirakawa-go
S01E15 Fireworks
During the Japanese summer, fireworks are a daily phenomenon, as such, this episode shows it's origin, production and techniques.
S01E16 Hanging Scrolls
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...
S01E17 The Tale of Genji: Part 1
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...
S01E18 The Tale of Genji: Part 2
Part two continues with a look on the Heian period and the effect the epic had on Japanese cultural history.
S01E19 Matcha
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.
S01E20 Tokyo Tower
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.
S01E21 Dashi
S01E22 Oribe-yaki (pottery)
S01E23 The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige
S01E24 The Seven Gods of Good Fortune
S01E25 Sushi
This episodes investigates the staple Japanese food, "Sushi" via it's origins and ingredients.
S01E26 Mikoshi (portable shrines)
S01E27 Yuzen Kimono
S01E28 Buddhist Statues
S01E29 Hot Springs
S01E30 Fish
S01E31 Tatami (straw mats)
S01E32 Castles
During Japan's civil war era, many castles were erected as strongholds and displays of power by the local warlords.
S01E33 Miso
Cast
Peter Barakan
Self - Host
Stuart Varnam-Atkin
Self - Narrator (voice)
