Explore Japan — Season 1, Episode 11: Innovative Japanese Bread

Episode synopsis

Bread is enjoyed by people around the world, and while it seems like a Western staple, Japan too has a long bread history that goes back to the late 19th century. An essential part of Japanese food culture, the country is currently seeing a unique evolution in its bread scene. Japan is the birthplace of many types of bread including anpan, melonpan, and currypan. In this program, meet two bread artists gaining recognition for their eye-catching bread inventions. First is Ran, the creator of the “Illustration Bread,” who now has over 330,000 social media followers. The bread she creates reveals delightful visuals as the loaf is sliced. The second bread artist is Elly, who is redefining the melonpan with her colorful, decorative creations. Join us as we step into the world of picturesque bread-making, with Elly and Ran as our guides. A treat for the eyes as well as the mouth, see how the Japanese bread world continues to innovate and surprise in modern times.

About Explore Japan

Japan continues to thrive as it incorporates cultural elements of music, fashion, cuisine, sports, arts and science from around the world. People’s encounters trigger the fusion of Japan’s and the world’s diverse culture, unceasingly producing a myriad of new phenomena and events. This series will feature how various culture in modern Japan and overseas blend together and influence each other.

More episodes from Season 1

• E1Koshu: The Miraculous Wine
• E2Japan-discovery, Self-discovery: Exchange Students in Tokyo
• E3My Life with Aikido
• E4Delivering to Space
• E5Peru & Japan Fusion of Cuisine
• E6The Somin Naked Festival
• E7The World of Miniatures
• E8The Manufacturing Spirit and Sustainability
• E9Japanese Gardens, Aesthetic Encounters
• E10Going Beyond Tradition: The Challenge of Craftspeople in Kyoto
• E12Capturing Masters’ Workmanship
• E13MUSIC TRUNK: Journey to Discover the Roots of Japanese Sound