About this season
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 (33)
1. Bento
Aired 14 April 2008 • 28 min
About the origins and evolution of the Japanese "boxed lunchset".
2. Miyazawa Kenji
Aired 21 April 2008 • 28 min
3. Lacquerware
Aired 28 April 2008 • 28 min
4. Rakugo
Aired 5 May 2008 • 28 min
5. Tsukiji Market
Aired 12 May 2008 • 28 min
A short look on the history, present and future of the famous fishmarket in Tsukiji, Tokyo.
6. Yoshoku
Aired 19 May 2008 • 28 min
Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.
7. Kyudo
Aired 26 May 2008 • 28 min
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.
8. Tea Ceremony Architecture
Aired 2 June 2008 • 28 min
9. Dagashi-ya
Aired 9 June 2008 • 28 min
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
10. Nihon Buyo
Aired 16 June 2008 • 28 min
11. Abacus
Aired 23 June 2008 • 28 min
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.
12. Ryukyu Kimono
Aired 30 June 2008 • 28 min
13. Bamboo
Aired 14 July 2008 • 28 min
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.
14. Shirakawa-go
Aired 21 July 2008 • 28 min
15. Fireworks
Aired 28 July 2008 • 28 min
During the Japanese summer, fireworks are a daily phenomenon, as such, this episode shows it's origin, production and techniques.
16. Hanging Scrolls
Aired 17 August 2008 • 28 min
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.
17. The Tale of Genji: Part 1
Aired 24 August 2008 • 28 min
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.
18. The Tale of Genji: Part 2
Aired 31 August 2008 • 28 min
Part two continues with a look on the Heian period and the effect the epic had on Japanese cultural history.
19. Matcha
Aired 7 September 2008 • 28 min
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.
20. Tokyo Tower
Aired 14 September 2008 • 28 min
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.
21. Dashi
Aired 21 September 2008 • 28 min
22. Oribe-yaki (pottery)
Aired 28 September 2008 • 28 min
23. The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige
Aired 5 October 2008 • 28 min
24. The Seven Gods of Good Fortune
Aired 12 October 2008 • 28 min
25. Sushi
Aired 19 October 2008 • 28 min
This episodes investigates the staple Japanese food, "Sushi" via it's origins and ingredients.
26. Mikoshi (portable shrines)
Aired 26 October 2008 • 28 min
27. Yuzen Kimono
Aired 2 November 2008 • 28 min
28. Buddhist Statues
Aired 9 November 2008 • 28 min
29. Hot Springs
Aired 16 November 2008 • 28 min
30. Fish
Aired 23 November 2008 • 28 min
31. Tatami (straw mats)
Aired 1 December 2008 • 28 min
32. Castles
Aired 8 December 2008 • 28 min
During Japan's civil war era, many castles were erected as strongholds and displays of power by the local warlords.
33. Miso
Aired 15 December 2008 • 28 min