Magical Japanese — Season 4

Aired 17 January 2024 • 10 min

Written Japanese was developed and refined after Japan began using Chinese kanji characters in the early 5th century. This history is reflected in the many words related to kaku, or "to write."

Aired 24 January 2024 • 10 min

This episode focuses on words related to yama (mountains). Mountains make up about 75% of Japan's territory, and they have made their way into many common expressions in the Japanese language.

Aired 21 February 2024 • 10 min

This episode focuses on me (eye). Just like other languages, Japanese has a lot of words and phrases related to eyes, and they are often used in daily life.

Aired 28 February 2024 • 10 min

This episode focuses on words related to fukuro (bag). Reflecting its unique wrapping culture, Japan has a wide variety of bags, leading to an equal variety of Japanese words and expressions.

Aired 24 April 2024 • 10 min

This episode focuses on words related to shio, or salt. Salt played an important role in the development of Japan's food culture and religion, and it continues to add flavor to many Japanese expressions.

Aired 1 May 2024 • 10 min

In this episode, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan explores Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture and examines words and expressions related to Japanese castles.

Aired 29 May 2024 • 10 min

This episode focuses on kuruma, which means both wheel and wheeled vehicle. A ubiquitous word, it has rolled its way into many Japanese expressions.

Aired 5 June 2024 • 10 min

This episode focuses on kawa, which means both river and stream. These flowing bodies of water have played a central role in Japanese life and philosophy, as reflected in the Japanese language.

Aired 3 July 2024 • 10 min

This episode focuses on nana, or the number seven. Seen as a lucky number in Japan, it has given rise to many unique everyday words and expressions.

Aired 10 July 2024 • 10 min

This episode focuses on kuchi (mouth). Japanese has many words and phrases related to its shape and functions.

Aired 31 July 2024 • 10 min

This episode focuses on shibai, which means both "a play" and "acting." It describes all types of acting and has produced many unique expressions.

Aired 7 August 2024 • 10 min

This episode focuses on gekijo, or "theater." Japanese theaters have characteristic features that have produced many idiomatic expressions.

Aired 25 September 2024 • 10 min

This episode focuses on fumu, meaning both "to step" and "to stomp." The action is an important part of Japanese Shinto rituals and is used in many Japanese expressions.

Aired 2 October 2024 • 10 min

This episode focuses on oto, or "sound." Japanese is rich in sound-related expressions and idioms, many describing aspects of reputation and communication.

Aired 29 October 2024 • 10 min

The Manyoshu is the oldest extant anthology of Japanese poetry. Through poems presented in both manga and a modern setting, we glimpse sentiments from centuries ago.

Aired 6 November 2024 • 10 min

The Manyoshu is the oldest extant anthology of Japanese poetry. Through poems presented in manga and a modern setting, we glimpse sentiments from centuries ago. The topic this time is business.

Aired 18 December 2024 • 10 min

People have long worn clothes to protect themselves from the elements and signal their social status, producing many Japanese words and expressions related to kiru, or "to wear."

Aired 25 December 2024 • 10 min

The Japanese people's coexistence with nature has led to many words and expressions related to kusa or "grass" taking root in the Japanese language.