
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…
Documentary • Series • 2008 • 7 seasons
Starring: Peter Barakan, Stuart Varnam-Atkin
S1 E1 - Bento
About the origins and evolution of the Japanese "boxed lunchset".
Apr 14, 2008 • 28m
S1 E2 - Miyazawa Kenji
Apr 21, 2008 • 28m
S1 E3 - Lacquerware
Apr 28, 2008 • 28m
S1 E4 - Rakugo
May 5, 2008 • 28m
S1 E5 - Tsukiji Market
A short look on the history, present and future of the famous fishmarket in Tsukiji, Tokyo.
May 12, 2008 • 28m
S1 E6 - Yoshoku
Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.
May 19, 2008 • 28m
S1 E7 - 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.
May 26, 2008 • 28m
S1 E8 - Tea Ceremony Architecture
Jun 2, 2008 • 28m
S1 E9 - 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
Jun 9, 2008 • 28m
S1 E10 - Nihon Buyo
Jun 16, 2008 • 28m
S1 E11 - 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.
Jun 23, 2008 • 28m
S1 E12 - Ryukyu Kimono
Jun 30, 2008 • 28m
S1 E13 - 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.
Jul 14, 2008 • 28m
S1 E14 - Shirakawa-go
Jul 21, 2008 • 28m
S1 E15 - Fireworks
During the Japanese summer, fireworks are a daily phenomenon, as such, this episode shows it's origin, production and techniques.
Jul 28, 2008 • 28m
S1 E16 - 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 the scroll itself, everything must considered.
Aug 17, 2008 • 28m
S1 E17 - 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 the author, characters and plot.
Aug 24, 2008 • 28m
S1 E18 - 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.
Aug 31, 2008 • 28m
S1 E19 - 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.
Sep 7, 2008 • 28m
S1 E20 - 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.
Sep 14, 2008 • 28m
S1 E21 - Dashi
Sep 21, 2008 • 28m
S1 E22 - Oribe-yaki (pottery)
Sep 28, 2008 • 28m
S1 E23 - The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige
Oct 5, 2008 • 28m
S1 E24 - The Seven Gods of Good Fortune
Oct 12, 2008 • 28m
S1 E25 - Sushi
This episodes investigates the staple Japanese food, "Sushi" via it's origins and ingredients.
Oct 19, 2008 • 28m
S1 E26 - Mikoshi (portable shrines)
Oct 26, 2008 • 28m
S1 E27 - Yuzen Kimono
Nov 2, 2008 • 28m
S1 E28 - Buddhist Statues
Nov 9, 2008 • 28m
S1 E29 - Hot Springs
Nov 16, 2008 • 28m
S1 E30 - Fish
Nov 23, 2008 • 28m
S1 E31 - Tatami (straw mats)
Dec 1, 2008 • 28m
S1 E32 - Castles
During Japan's civil war era, many castles were erected as strongholds and displays of power by the local warlords.
Dec 8, 2008 • 28m
S1 E33 - Miso
Dec 15, 2008 • 28m
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Begin Japanology
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.
Documentary • TV Series • 2008