Begin Japanology

S01 E01 · 2008-04-14 · 28 min

Bento

About the origins and evolution of the Japanese "boxed lunchset".

S01 E02 · 2008-04-21 · 28 min

Miyazawa Kenji

S01 E03 · 2008-04-28 · 28 min

Lacquerware

S01 E04 · 2008-05-05 · 28 min

Rakugo

S01 E05 · 2008-05-12 · 28 min

Tsukiji Market

A short look on the history, present and future of the famous fishmarket in Tsukiji, Tokyo.

S01 E06 · 2008-05-19 · 28 min

Yoshoku

Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.

S01 E07 · 2008-05-26 · 28 min

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.

S01 E08 · 2008-06-02 · 28 min

Tea Ceremony Architecture

S01 E09 · 2008-06-09 · 28 min

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

S01 E10 · 2008-06-16 · 28 min

Nihon Buyo

S01 E11 · 2008-06-23 · 28 min

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.

S01 E12 · 2008-06-30 · 28 min

Ryukyu Kimono

S01 E13 · 2008-07-14 · 28 min

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.

S01 E14 · 2008-07-21 · 28 min

Shirakawa-go

S01 E15 · 2008-07-28 · 28 min

Fireworks

During the Japanese summer, fireworks are a daily phenomenon, as such, this episode shows it's origin, production and techniques.

S01 E16 · 2008-08-17 · 28 min

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.

S01 E17 · 2008-08-24 · 28 min

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.

S01 E18 · 2008-08-31 · 28 min

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.

S01 E19 · 2008-09-07 · 28 min

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.

S01 E20 · 2008-09-14 · 28 min

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.

S01 E21 · 2008-09-21 · 28 min

Dashi

S01 E22 · 2008-09-28 · 28 min

Oribe-yaki (pottery)

S01 E23 · 2008-10-05 · 28 min

The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

S01 E24 · 2008-10-12 · 28 min

The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

S01 E25 · 2008-10-19 · 28 min

Sushi

This episodes investigates the staple Japanese food, "Sushi" via it's origins and ingredients.

S01 E26 · 2008-10-26 · 28 min

Mikoshi (portable shrines)

S01 E27 · 2008-11-02 · 28 min

Yuzen Kimono

S01 E28 · 2008-11-09 · 28 min

Buddhist Statues

S01 E29 · 2008-11-16 · 28 min

Hot Springs

S01 E30 · 2008-11-23 · 28 min

Fish

S01 E31 · 2008-12-01 · 28 min

Tatami (straw mats)

S01 E32 · 2008-12-08 · 28 min

Castles

During Japan's civil war era, many castles were erected as strongholds and displays of power by the local warlords.

S01 E33 · 2008-12-15 · 28 min

Miso

S02 E01 · 2009-01-19 · 28 min

Nishijin-ori

S02 E02 · 2009-01-26 · 28 min

Kyoto Lacquerware

S02 E03 · 2009-02-02 · 28 min

Sake

S02 E04 · 2009-02-09 · 28 min

Katsura Rikyu

S02 E05 · 2009-02-16 · 28 min

Bonsai

S02 E06 · 2009-02-23 · 28 min

The Four Seasons

S02 E07 · 2009-03-02 · 28 min

Hina Dolls

S02 E08 · 2009-03-09 · 28 min

Nagasaki

S02 E09 · 2009-03-16 · 28 min

Five-Storey Pagodas

S02 E10 · 2009-03-23 · 28 min

Cherry Blossoms

S02 E11 · 2009-04-03 · 28 min

Chopsticks

S02 E12 · 2009-04-10 · 28 min

Aizome

S02 E13 · 2009-04-17 · 28 min

Bunraku

S02 E14 · 2009-04-24 · 28 min

Kiriko Cut Glass

S02 E15 · 2009-05-08 · 28 min

Traditional Folk Houses

S02 E16 · 2009-05-15 · 28 min

Tea Ceremony

S02 E17 · 2009-05-22 · 28 min

Soba

S02 E18 · 2009-05-29 · 28 min

Origami

S02 E19 · 2009-06-05 · 28 min

Imari Porcelain

S02 E20 · 2009-06-19 · 28 min

Folding Fan

S02 E21 · 2009-07-10 · 28 min

Kaiseki Cuisine

S02 E22 · 2009-07-17 · 28 min

The Sounds of Japan

S02 E23 · 2009-07-24 · 28 min

Masks

S02 E24 · 2009-07-31 · 28 min

Satoyama

S02 E25 · 2009-08-29 · 28 min

Kendo

S02 E26 · 2009-09-04 · 28 min

The Fragrances of Japan

S02 E27 · 2009-09-11 · 28 min

Spinning Tops

S02 E28 · 2009-09-18 · 28 min

Rock and Stone

S02 E29 · 2009-09-25 · 28 min

Ink Brushes

Since ancient times, people in Japan have devoted themselves to the traditional art of calligraphy, shodo. Writing characters with ink on paper, they create works that express the inherent beauty of the Japanese written language. In shodo, brushes are used for applying the ink to the paper. The expressiveness of the characters derives from variations in the speed and force that the calligrapher uses to move the brush. The brushes themselves are simple objects, made from bundles of animal hair or other materials bundled together and fixed to a shaft. The actual materials used will depend on the style of calligraphy that is desired. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we examine the history, development and contemporary applications of ink brushes, introducing these simple implements that have been so essential to the development of Japanese writing and painting.

S02 E30 · 2009-10-02 · 28 min

Tsukemono

S02 E31 · 2009-10-09 · 28 min

Dogs

S02 E32 · 2009-10-16 · 28 min

Ramen

S02 E33 · 2009-10-23 · 28 min

Rice

S02 E34 · 2009-10-30 · 28 min

Shinto Shrine

S02 E35 · 2009-11-06 · 28 min

Festivals

In Japan, festivals are known as matsuri. Many matsuri are colorful and boisterous occasions. Matsuri are typically associated with a Shinto shrine. Local people gather to pray and give thanks to the enshrined deity for agricultural bounty, health, safety and security. Over the years, these gatherings have evolved into elaborate events that frequently feature dancing, masks and magnificent floats. Entire local communities may be drawn into the preparations for festivals, which have nurtured some of the most refined arts and crafts in Japan. Even the sophisticated Noh theatre has festival origins, and, in some communities, apprentices will spend years learning a craft such as woodcarving specifically for its application in an annual matsuri. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we present some of the most famous festivals in Japan and consider the links to community and culture.

S02 E36 · 2009-11-13 · 28 min

Shinkansen

S02 E37 · 2009-11-20 · 28 min

Gagaku

S02 E38 · 2009-11-27 · 28 min

Marriage

S02 E39 · 2009-12-04 · 28 min

Shogi

S02 E40 · 2009-12-11 · 28 min

Nabe Cuisine

S02 E41 · 2009-12-18 · 28 min

Sword

S03 E01 · 2010-01-08 · 28 min

Sentou

S03 E02 · 2010-01-15 · 28 min

Karuta

S03 E03 · 2010-01-22 · 28 min

Taiko

S03 E04 · 2010-01-29 · 28 min

Cram School

S03 E05 · 2010-02-05 · 28 min

Light

S03 E06 · 2010-02-12 · 28 min

Footwear

S03 E07 · 2010-02-19 · 28 min

Monkey

S03 E08 · 2010-02-26 · 28 min

Soy Sauce

S03 E09 · 2010-03-05 · 28 min

Tuna

S03 E10 · 2010-03-12 · 28 min

Fusuma

S03 E11 · 2010-03-19 · 28 min

Pearl

S03 E12 · 2010-04-02 · 28 min

Todaiji

S03 E13 · 2010-04-09 · 28 min

School Lunches

S03 E14 · 2010-04-16 · 28 min

Geiko and Maiko

S03 E15 · 2010-04-23 · 28 min

Robots

S03 E16 · 2010-04-30 · 28 min

Wasabi

S03 E17 · 2010-05-14 · 28 min

Women's Fashion Magazines

S03 E18 · 2010-05-21 · 28 min

Izakaya

S03 E19 · 2010-05-28 · 28 min

Apartments and Condominiums

S03 E20 · 2010-06-11 · 28 min

Towns and Neighbourhoods

S03 E21 · 2010-06-18 · 28 min

Tempura

S03 E23 · 2010-07-02 · 28 min

Hairstyles

S03 E24 · 2010-07-09 · 28 min

Home Appliances

S03 E25 · 2010-07-16 · 28 min

Roof Tiles

S03 E26 · 2010-07-23 · 28 min

Miniaturization

S03 E27 · 2010-08-13 · 28 min

Silk

S03 E28 · 2010-08-20 · 28 min

Soybeans

S03 E29 · 2010-08-25 · 28 min

Curry

S03 E30 · 2010-09-03 · 28 min

Dams

S03 E31 · 2010-09-10 · 28 min

Hotels

S03 E32 · 2010-09-17 · 28 min

Radio Calisthenics

S03 E33 · 2010-09-24 · 28 min

Ekiben

S03 E34 · 2010-10-08 · 28 min

Bridges

S03 E35 · 2010-10-15 · 28 min

Earthquakes

S03 E36 · 2010-10-22 · 28 min

Chrysanthemums

S03 E37 · 2010-11-04 · 28 min

Cameras

S03 E38 · 2010-11-11 · 28 min

Hiragana

S03 E39 · 2010-11-18 · 28 min

Udon

S03 E40 · 2010-11-25 · 28 min

Money

S03 E41 · 2010-12-02 · 28 min

Nishikigoi

S03 E42 · 2010-12-09 · 28 min

Volcanoes

S03 E43 · 2010-12-16 · 28 min

Firefighting

Japan's architectural use of wood makes it a country particularly vulnerable to fires.

S04 E01 · 2011-01-13 · 28 min

Mochi Rice Cake

Mochi, a glutinous dough made from steamed rice, is a favorite food among the Japanese. At least two people are required to make mochi the traditional way: a mallet man and a flipper. The movements of the two must be perfectly synchronized, and the best teams can be very interesting to watch. Mochi is used in various ways at the New Year and on important occasions in life. At weddings, the groom may take part in mochi pounding. Its stickiness symbolizes a wish that the couple will enjoy a strong, lasting bond. A soup of mochi, vegetables, meat, and seafood is an essential part of many New Year's meals throughout Japan. The recipes vary not only from region to region, but almost from family to family. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at mochi rice cake - a food steeped in history and the Japanese way of life.

S04 E03 · 2011-01-27 · 28 min

Fugu Blowfish

S04 E04 · 2011-02-03 · 28 min

Haneda Airport

S04 E05 · 2011-02-10 · 28 min

Kagura Dances

S04 E06 · 2011-02-17 · 28 min

Snow

Around 20 million people live in Japan's "snow zone," where a single winter brings at least five meters of snow altogether. Japan is distinct in having so much snow so far south. Life in the snow zone has inspired many innovations. Traditional homes in Gifu Prefecture have steep, snow-shedding roofs and flexible frames. People in Niigata Prefecture weave colorful textiles whose brightness can be enhanced by laying them on the snow on a sunny day. Snow creates beautiful visual effects, as well as bringing great pleasure to children. In parts of Japan, children gather in snow huts on winter evenings. Some farmers look at mountainside snowmelt patterns to help them decide when to plant rice, and one farmer even uses snow to preserve the taste of freshly harvested rice. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at snow - how the Japanese appreciate it, cope with it, and coexist with it.

S04 E07 · 2011-03-03 · 28 min

Pollen Allergy

S04 E08 · 2011-03-10 · 28 min

Sashimono Woodwork

In Japan, traditional wooden furniture is assembled without using a single nail. Advanced sashimono joinery techniques have been passed down for centuries. There are around 30 different basic types of joint. Tenons and mortises are carved to precisely matching shapes. Sashimono techniques are used not just to connect pieces of wood, but also to enhance visual impact. Master craftsmen use subtle optical illusions to make finished items look more elegant. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at sashimono woodwork, which embodies the essence of Japanese aesthetics and traditional craftsmanship.

S04 E09 · 2011-04-07 · 28 min

Cranes

Cranes have been revered throughout Japan since ancient times. Forming almost inseparable mating pairs, cranes are a symbol of harmonious married life. Crane motifs are widely used on wedding clothing and accessories in Japan. A flock of red-crowned cranes on Japan's northern main island of Hokkaido is one of the world's few non-migrating populations. The red-crowned crane is a rare success story in wildlife protection. However, the increase in crane population in recent years has brought new problems. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at cranes and the longstanding fascination they have held for the people of Japan.

S04 E10 · 2011-04-14 · 28 min

Kitchen Knives

Knives for culinary purposes have been made in Japan for centuries, using a technique perfected by Japanese swordsmiths. The blades are sharpened on only one side, ideal for cleanly separating fish flesh from the bone. One of the 50 different types of Japanese kitchen knives is the sword-like "tuna knife." It's 1.5 meters long, and two people are needed to wield it. 90 percent of the knives used by Japanese kitchen professionals are made in Sakai, a city in Osaka. Local artisans in Sakai still make each knife by hand, to order. It took a small Japanese manufacturer five years to perfect the world's first all-stainless-steel knife. Now it exports more than 600,000 knives each year. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we explore the long history of Japanese kitchen knives.

S04 E11 · 2011-04-21 · 28 min

Fishing

People of all ages have long been drawn to Japan's seas, rivers, and lakes to enjoy fishing. Over the centuries, the Japanese have used great ingenuity to develop unique tackle such as lacquer-coated bamboo fishing rods, handmade fishing hooks, and silk fishing lines. Some people set out to catch the smallest fish they can. Catching tiny fish requires an equally small rod. And small hooks are sharpened to make them even smaller. Lure fishing is increasingly popular in Japan. Exquisite fish-shaped lures with beautiful patterns and meticulously carved scales and gills look just like the real thing. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at fishing and what it reveals about Japan's pursuit of pleasure and perfection.

S04 E13 · 2011-05-05 · 28 min

Judo

Judo is practiced by around eight million people in 199 countries and regions, making it the most widely played sport that was developed in Japan. Players grapple with each other on a mat and win by pinning an opponent for a certain amount of time or with one of the many throwing techniques. Redirecting an opponent's momentum, players are able to throw people much taller and heavier than themselves with little strength. It's not just about competition. Players don't celebrate victory on the mat. Competition begins and ends with a bow. And an honorable player doesn't take advantage of an opponent's injury. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we explore the deep spirit of judo and its spectacular techniques.

S04 E14 · 2011-05-12 · 28 min

The Life of Taro Okamoto

Taro Okamoto was Japan's leading avant-garde artist of the 20th century. His memorable phrase "Art is an explosion!" became a well-known expression, winning him popularity with the general public. Okamoto ignored established ideals of beauty, instead reaching back to Japan's prehistoric Jomon period for inspiration. In the folkways of remote rural regions, he sought traces of Jomon beauty long forgotten in urban Japan. In 1970, Japan hosted Expo '70. The symbol of the science and technology exposition was Okamoto's Tower of the Sun. The shining golden face at the top of the tower stands for the future. Then, in 2008, a work long thought to be lost was unveiled in Tokyo's Shibuya Station. Okamoto chose the atomic bomb as his theme for Tomorrow's Mythology. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at the life of Taro Okamoto, the free spirit who battled Japan's entrenched values in pursuit of art.

S04 E15 · 2011-05-19 · 28 min

The Life of Osamu Dazai

Osamu Dazai (1909-48) was one of Japan's preeminent modern novelists. Born in wealthy circumstances that he later rejected, Dazai drew attention as a writer when he was 26 for Flowers of Buffoonery. His life was turbulent and controversial. While still a student, he started living with a geisha. After he married, he kept a mistress. He battled addiction and finally committed suicide. Dazai's books never go out of fashion. Even today, more than 60 years after his death, Dazai continues to be popular among young people. Some of his major works are: No Longer Human; Run, Melos!; Return to Tsugaru; and The Setting Sun. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at the life of Osamu Dazai, a troubled author who nevertheless wrote some of Japan's most enduringly popular literature.

S04 E16 · 2011-05-26 · 28 min

The Life of Kenzo Tange

Kenzo Tange laid the foundations of modern architecture in Japan. On August 6, 1945, the day the U.S. detonated an atomic bomb over Hiroshima, Tange lost all that mattered most to him. Four years after World War II, Tange won the competition to design the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Park, marking his debut on the architectural scene. As Japan rebuilt and grew, Tange shaped the skylines and landscapes of its cities with landmark projects such as the Yoyogi National Gymnasium, the Tokyo Metropolitan Government Buildings, and St. Mary's Cathedral. Tange also developed urban plans for cities outside Japan, including Nigeria's capital, Macedonia's capital, and Naples in Italy. By the time of his death in 2005, Tange had completed over 330 projects. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at the life of architect Kenzo Tange.

S04 E17 · 2011-06-02 · 28 min

The Life of Hideko Maehata

As a child, Maehata studied traditional swimming techniques passed down from the days of the samurai. At 18, competing in the 200 meters breaststroke at the 1932 Summer Olympics, she missed out on gold by one-tenth of a second. Determined to do better, Maehata trained incredibly hard for the 1936 Summer Olympics in Berlin. On August 11, 1936, Japan's first live international radio broadcast brought the drama of the women's 200-meter breaststroke final to the entire nation. Maehata won. After a long hiatus, she returned to the sport as a teacher to help rebuild Japan's swimming culture. She suffered a stroke in 1983, but characteristically battled back and resumed coaching. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at the life of Hideko Maehata, a woman who captured the imagination of the Japanese public.

S04 E19 · 2011-06-16 · 28 min

Lifts

Japan leads the world in building ever-faster and ever-quieter lifts, or elevators. In 2004, Japan's long history of engineering know-how was used to build the world's fastest elevator in Taipei 101, a 509-meter landmark skyscraper in Taiwan. The elevator travels at up to 60 km/h! At Tokyo's Roppongi Hills, one of Japan's largest multipurpose complexes, elevators serve two floors at once: an even and an odd floor. In other office buildings, cameras and ID cards connected to computers dispatch lifts automatically. Will "space elevators" someday carry people into orbit? The key may be carbon nanotubes, a material that was brought to the forefront of science in Japan. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at the continued evolution of lifts and how they have become an indispensable daily convenience in Japan.

S04 E20 · 2011-06-23 · 28 min

Motorcycles

Japan is the largest producer of motorcycles in the world. It has proudly held this title since 1960. Today, Japan produces all sizes of motorcycles. The Honda Super Cub is an especially popular smaller motorcycle with over 70 million units produced. Large motorcycles are now finding new levels of popularity among older generations of riders. Motorcycles also gave one Japanese woman with a disability fresh confidence and a renewed appreciation of life. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is motorcycles. We look at the evolution of these machines and the passion of the people who have devoted their lives to them.

S04 E22 · 2011-07-07 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Ilan Yanizky

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. When ink-brush artist Ilan Yanizky paints, he splashes vibrant colors as though conducting an orchestra. His unconventional painting style is actually based on a traditional art form in which plants, animals, and landscapes are portrayed in an austere monochrome black palette. Born in Israel, Yanizky first arrived in Japan 28 years ago at the age of 27. Looking to expand his art beyond the possibilities of oil painting, he came to Japan seeking a new challenge. Today, even after years of training, he says he is still learning. Yanizky now spends his days teaching in his Tokyo classroom, practicing tai chi, and painting in his studio. Today, we explore a unique artistic realm where Western and Eastern painting traditions meet: the world of Ilan Yanizky.

S04 E23 · 2011-07-14 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Silvain Guignard

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. Silvain Guignard came to Japan 28 years ago and is now a master of the biwa, the Japanese lute. Today, he performs both in Japan and abroad. He also teaches ancient Japanese music as a professor at a university in Osaka where one of his main goals is to make the subject more accessible to his students. Before coming to Japan, Guignard was already an established Chopin scholar. He was 30 years old when he first encountered the biwa. His switch from Chopin to the biwa occurred in 1983 when he met a musician who would change his life. For 23 years, Guignard studied the biwa under this musician, a Living National Treasure. Nowadays, Guignard's life is deeply embedded in the rhythms of Japanese culture and tradition. His everyday experience of Japan has become indispensable to his performance on the biwa.

S04 E24 · 2011-07-21 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Stéphane Danton

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. Stéphane Danton is breathing new life into Japanese tea. He subtly adjusts the flavor of the green tea that people in Japan are accustomed to. At a time when fewer people in Japan are drinking traditional Japanese tea, Danton's new take on tea has become popular with young people, and especially women. Danton's interest in Japanese tea began in 1992. He came to Japan to import wines, but in his travels around the country he encountered tea plantations that reminded him of the vineyards of his native Lyon. In 2005, Danton opened a shop in Tokyo. Three years later, at the Japanese pavilion at Expo 2008 in Spain, he showcased teas that reflected his expertise as a sommelier and his own refined taste. Danton also debuted a new flavored tea he had created, and people loved it.

S04 E25 · 2011-07-28 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Dorothy Feibleman

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. American potter Dorothy Feibleman lives and works in Japan where she creates her works using a traditional Japanese technique called nerikomi. Many of her works are so delicate that light can pass through them, transporting the mind to a world of fantasy. Feibleman first came to Japan in 1993, when she submitted work to a competition in Aichi Prefecture. In 1997, one of her pieces was added to the collection of New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art. Today, she lives and works in Tokoname in Aichi Prefecture. Feibleman's translucent porcelain is blazing new trails in the world of ceramics. Adding layers of Western technique to Eastern tradition, Dorothy Feibleman produces a constant stream of unique creations.

S04 E26 · 2011-08-18 · 28 min

Plastic Food Samples

In Japan, scrumptious looking dishes like marbled beef, spaghetti, and fluffy omelets often sit in restaurant windows tilted at gravity defying angles. Why don't they spill? Because the dishes aren't real! They are ultra-realistic plastic models. Skilled artisans constantly strive to make plastic food look realistic and delicious. Recently, the striking visual impact of plastic food has made the models popular souvenirs with foreign tourists. They've also found applications in stationery, interior design, and nutritional education initiatives. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we trace the history and explore the mystery of plastic food samples, a uniquely Japanese creation.

S04 E27 · 2011-08-25 · 28 min

Insects

Japan is home to over 30,000 insect species, and insects are a familiar part of Japanese life. For centuries, staging battles between insects has been a popular pastime in Japan, and Japanese children love catching insects and keeping them as pets. Different seasons have different insect attractions. Summer nights are associated with the faint glow of fireflies. Autumn is known for beautiful insect sounds. Insects were once an important food source in Japan. It is still possible to find people who go hunting for wasps' nests, as wasp larvae are a traditional delicacy. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is insects. By looking at how they are appreciated and what insect-related customs there are, we examine how the Japanese view and enjoy the natural world.

S04 E28 · 2011-09-01 · 28 min

Traditional Japanese Mathematics

Imagine that you have two equally-sized square sheets of paper. How would you cut each sheet of paper so that the pieces could be combined to make one larger square? This problem comes from Japan's indigenous mathematics tradition, wasan. In the 17th century and beyond, wasan enjoyed great and widespread popularity. Tablets with math problems written on them can be found in some Shinto shrines and Buddhist temples. Japanese mathematical genius Seki Takakazu raised wasan to perhaps its highest level. He revealed an understanding of mathematics that, in some respects, was ahead of Western knowledge of the time. In the late 19th century, wasan was replaced by Western-style mathematics and fell into obscurity, but now wasan is enjoying a revival. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is traditional Japanese mathematics. By examining the history of wasan, we will reveal the Japanese attitude towards math.

S04 E36 · 2011-11-03 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Bruce Huebner

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. For so many people affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake, life still hasn't returned to normal. One man making an effort to keep spirits up among disaster refugees is American shakuhachi player Bruce Huebner. The shakuhachi is a Japanese woodwind instrument with over 1,000 years of history. Huebner, who grew up playing the flute and saxophone, came to Japan when he was 23 and began his study of the shakuhachi. He eventually became a shakuhachi teacher and has been a pioneer in incorporating the shakuhachi into Western musical genres, including jazz and blues. For several years, Huebner lived in Fukushima, an area severely affected by this year's disaster. After the disaster, Huebner began performing free shakuhachi concerts at the area's evacuation centers and temporary housing complexes.

S04 E37 · 2011-11-10 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Noelke Muho

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. Noelke Muho is a Zen Buddhist priest from Germany. For nine years, he has been head priest at a temple called Antaiji deep in the mountains of western Japan. Zen is a school of Buddhism centered on zazen - seated meditation. The students who train with Muho practice zazen, but they also clean, prepare meals, and work the land. Muho came to Japan interested in Zen Buddhism. He trained at Antaiji and ultimately became a priest. When Muho's mentor - the head priest of Antaiji - died in an accident, Muho decided to become head priest himself. Antaiji aims to be self-sufficient, but it is certainly not isolated from society. Life there is supported by the local community, and Muho has a wife and two children. We meet Noelke Muho and hear his thoughts about the Zen life.

S04 E38 · 2011-11-17 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Matt Alt

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. A hallmark of modern Japanese culture - in anime, video games, even all kinds of signs you see in everyday life - is its iconic characters. One American analyzing these characters from a unique perspective is translator Matt Alt. He believes Japan's "character culture" is rooted in legendary Japanese creatures called yokai. Alt became so fascinated by yokai that he published a book about them in English. Born in Washington D.C., Alt studied Japanese language from a young age and visited Japan as a teenager. He met his wife, Hiroko, when she was studying in the U.S., and they started a translation company together. The two take great inspiration from Lafcadio Hearn, a Westerner who introduced Japanese folk tales to the world with his English translations, and Hearn's wife Setsuko, who taught him about Japanese culture.

S04 E39 · 2011-11-24 · 28 min

Karaoke

Karaoke is one of Japan's best-known forms of entertainment. You choose your favorite songs and sing along anyway you like. There are two main places to enjoy karaoke in Japan: "snack" bars, where you sing in front of others, and "boxes," where you rent private rooms. Karaoke was invented about 40 years ago as a way to let people indulge their singing fantasies. One creator was a talented bandsman. Together with an engineer friend, he made one of the world's first karaoke machines. Since its invention, karaoke has evolved greatly along with the latest technology: 8-track tapes, LaserDiscs, the Internet. But the making of the videos and music for karaoke has remained in the hands of skilled professionals. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is karaoke. We will bring you the latest developments in Japan and explore the popularity of this extraordinary social phenomenon.

S04 E40 · 2011-12-01 · 28 min

Holidays

The world sees the Japanese as workaholics. Believe it or not, Japan has the most public holidays in the industrialized world. But it is also true that Japanese workers take fewer than half their allotted paid days off. Before the late 19th century, Japan had no weekly day of rest and virtually no extended holidays. Modern Japanese people have tended to prefer quick holidays, but recently, slower, longer holidays are becoming more common. For example, stay on a farm and help with the chores in exchange for room and board. If all Japanese people took all their days off, it would greatly boost the economy - at least that's one idea behind efforts encouraging people to take more time off. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is holidays. By looking at attitudes toward holidays, we'll examine various aspects of the Japanese way of life.

S04 E42 · 2011-12-15 · 28 min

Shopping Streets

From food to clothing to daily necessities, you can find anything you need at a Japanese shopping street, a long road lined with all kinds of stores. There are 13,000 of them across Japan. Many shopping streets were destroyed during World War II, but afterwards they bounced back stronger than ever. Recently, however, shopping streets have been in decline. This decline has prompted various efforts at revival, from radical renovations to massive matchmaking events. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is shopping streets. We'll explore their history, their role in Japanese life, and also the people working to ensure they have a future.

S05 E01 · 2012-01-12 · 28 min

Ekiden

Ekiden is a long-distance relay race. Instead of a baton, a sash is handed off. This sash is the secret to ekiden's widespread appeal in Japan; it is a symbol of perseverance and selfless duty. Ekiden's inventor was Japan's first Olympian. He ran the marathon but passed out before reaching the finish line. This defeat drove him to create an event that could produce world-class Japanese runners. There are various ekiden events, and the most grueling is the Mt. Fuji Ekiden. Teams of six run from the foot of Mt. Fuji to the summit and back down again - in four hours! There are also high school ekiden championships. Forty years ago, one team was on the verge of being disbanded, until an inspiring coach took over and turned them into national champions. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at ekiden - a unique Japanese athletic event that reveals what makes the Japanese tick.

S05 E03 · 2012-01-26 · 28 min

Cafes

People the world over love to enjoy a cup of coffee in a cafe. Japan is no different. Cafes first appeared in Japan in the late 19th century, and they have continued to evolve with changes in society. The country currently has 80,000 cafes and consumes more coffee than either France or Italy! But Japanese cafes don't just serve coffee; many offer a wide range of special themes and extra features - like "cat cafes," where you can enjoy some feline companionship, or "maid cafes," where customers are served and entertained by women in maid outfits. As Japanese society ages, "community cafes" are becoming a vital way for older citizens to find good company. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at cafes. In Japan, they are more than just a place to have a cup of coffee; they are a unique and fascinating world in their own right.

S05 E05 · 2012-02-09 · 28 min

Ikebana

Ikebana: the traditional Japanese art of flower arranging. Each elegant arrangement is made with seasonal flowers and plants cut to perfection. The idea of using flowers as decoration first came to Japan 1,500 years ago, along with Buddhism. Flower arrangements were given as offerings to the Buddha, and Buddhist priests formalized the techniques that would become known as ikebana. In time, flower arranging became deeply rooted in Japanese life. Today, Japan has more than 2,000 schools of ikebana. Inside the home, people arrange flowers in ways that embody the changing seasons. Ikebana has a saying: "The flowers are your soul." Like other traditional Japanese arts, ikebana attaches great importance to formal etiquette and self-reflection. But that doesn't mean modern ikebana artists aren't creating bold new arrangements. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is ikebana. We'll trace ikebana's history and explore the Japanese aesthetic that comes to life in this art form.

S05 E07 · 2012-02-23 · 28 min

Woods & Forests

Forests have covered Japan since ancient times, and today they make up about 70% of the country's land area. Forests have long been vital to the Japanese way of life. Even the center of Tokyo has a large and famous man-made forest! It was created almost 100 years ago, meticulously designed and planted to keep itself going just like a natural forest. For centuries in Japan, cutting down trees has led to environmental degradation and even natural disaster. But the Japanese have always responded with passionate efforts to save and revive their forests. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is woods and forests. By exploring the long relationship between the Japanese and their forests, and their efforts to protect them, we'll discover how the Japanese think about nature.

S05 E08 · 2012-03-01 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Dhugal Lindsay

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. Dhugal Lindsay is an Australian haiku poet. Lindsay's haiku, written in Japanese, have been acclaimed even by other Japanese haiku poets. But there is a very different side to Lindsay. He is also a marine biologist. Lindsay specializes in research on organisms that live thousands of meters under the sea. Jellyfish are one example. Lindsay first visited Japan in 1991 as an exchange student. By sheer coincidence, the mother of his homestay family was a famous haiku poet. Lindsay composed haiku as he studied the Japanese language. His first haiku collection was published in 2001 and won him a prestigious poetry prize. The worlds of marine biology and haiku might seem unrelated. But to Lindsay, both are essential parts of his identity.

S05 E09 · 2012-03-08 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Richard Emmert

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. Noh theater is one of Japan's great traditional performing arts. Today's Japanophile is Richard Emmert, an American Noh actor. Emmert has lived in Japan for 39 years, and Noh has been his overriding passion. He himself says that he is "married to Noh." Emmert first became interested in Noh theater as an undergraduate in the States. He took a seminar about Noh and ended up playing the lead in a production put on by the instructor. Now a professor of the performing arts in Japan, Emmert has written books about Noh, led international Noh workshops, and even directed English-language Noh plays. He's actually working on one now about Elvis Presley! Drawing on his boundless love of Noh, Richard Emmert offers fascinating insights into this unique and profound art form.

S05 E10 · 2012-03-15 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Art Lee

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. The taiko is Japan's own traditional style of drum. These days, it's widely performed on occasions ranging from religious festivals to concerts for paying audiences. And Art Lee, an American, is a master of this percussion instrument. Lee began taiko drumming when he was 17 years old. His talent soon led to recruitment by a prominent Japan-based taiko troupe. Just a year after taking up the instrument, Lee found himself performing in Carnegie Hall. In 2005, Lee was the first foreigner to be awarded the highest prize at the prestigious Tokyo International Taiko Contest. Behind his success, you'll find a rigorous training regimen and his supportive wife, Yukari, who worked hard to become a member of Lee's own taiko troupe. This time, we meet Art Lee, listen to his unique sound, and experience his passion for percussion.

S05 E11 · 2012-03-29 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Philip Harper

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. Sake is an alcoholic drink brewed from rice and water. It is quintessentially Japanese, but with its rich flavor, refined over centuries, it has recently achieved worldwide popularity. Brewers create sake's characteristic flavor using traditional techniques that date back to the 1600s. The master brewer is the boss of a brewery, and Philip Harper is the only foreign master sake brewer in all of Japan. Harper was born in 1966 in England. At the age of 22, while teaching English in Japan, he drank a glass of sake that changed his life. He has now been involved in sake brewing for over two decades. Harper's prize-winning sake is known for its fruity bouquets and for how it captures the sweetness of rice. Harper uses every ounce of his skill to make the sake he sees in his mind's eye a reality. His quest is to produce the ultimate Japanese sake.

S05 E12 · 2012-04-05 · 28 min

Kabuki

Kabuki is one of Japan's best-known traditional performing arts. It combines elements of theater, dance, and music. In 2009, it was recognized as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Dazzling costumes, striking makeup, and graceful movement... Kabuki acting is highly stylized, and the audience appreciates the many conventions. But Kabuki isn't stuffy. There are thrilling fight scenes and elaborate set designs. Audience members call out the names of the various houses of Kabuki actors. Kabuki was born in the early 17th century. It can be traced to a former shrine maiden with a very unusual style of dancing. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at Kabuki. Its timeless appeal rests on a unique sense of beauty and a great generosity of spirit.

S05 E13 · 2012-04-12 · 28 min

Wild Vegetables

Wild vegetables have long been served at the Japanese dining table. With their great variety and low calorie count, they have recently become popular as health foods. But they also play important roles in long-established annual and seasonal rituals. In the 18th century, during a period of famine, one feudal lord realized that although crops were not sprouting, wild vegetables were. He commissioned a guidebook that gave people life-saving advice on how to gather and eat plants found in the wild. Wild vegetables don't only grow in the wilderness; some people enjoy gathering them in urban areas. There are even schools that share traditional knowledge about wild vegetables with their students. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is wild vegetables. We'll see how Japan's food culture has embraced what nature has to offer.

S05 E14 · 2012-04-19 · 28 min

Horses

Since ancient times, there has been a belief in Japan that horses are messengers of the gods, or even gods themselves. Samurai shared their fate with their loyal horses; riding a brave steed was a great honor. The horse breeds that have been in Japan the longest are small in stature. They are known for their gentle nature, and people have always loved them. These days, the focus is on thoroughbreds. Horse racing in Japan boasts the world's highest revenues and has created many famous horses. The Japanese see parallels between horse racing and life, and they identify closely with stirring stories. One crowd favorite was a horse that racked up a perfect career record...of zero wins! On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is horses. We look at horse-related rituals and traditions, and the way the Japanese have interacted with horses, as we seek a deeper understanding of their importance in Japanese culture.

S05 E16 · 2012-05-03 · 28 min

Shikoku Pilgrimage

The Shikoku Pilgrimage involves visiting 88 Buddhist temples spread across Shikoku, the smallest of Japan's four main islands. The route is 1,200 kilometers long, and to walk it takes around 50 days, although most people today ride in a car or bus for at least part of the journey. The pilgrimage can be traced back to Kukai, a 9th-century Buddhist high priest who reached enlightenment in the wilds of Shikoku. These days, many older people undertake the pilgrimage as a way of reflecting on their lives. Many young people do it to find out more about themselves. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is the Shikoku Pilgrimage. We'll look at traditional expressions of religious faith and examine the challenges of modern life.

S05 E19 · 2012-05-24 · 28 min

Kimonos

The kimono is the traditional costume of Japan. Yet even the most sumptuous kimono is constructed quite simply: just a few strips of fabric sewn together. With their wide variety of seasonal designs, kimonos reflect Japan's rich natural beauty. And the obi - the sash - makes a kimono even more gorgeous. Typically more than three meters long, the obi is tied in a beautiful and often elaborate knot. The origin of the kimono as we know it today is an undergarment worn by ancient Japanese nobles. Later, during the days of the samurai, authorities tried to ban extravagant kimonos; they unwittingly inspired a kimono fashion revolution. In the early 20th century, mass-produced kimonos with bold new designs appeared. They look fresh even today and are now enjoying popularity with a new generation of young women. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at kimonos, which fully embody the Japanese sense of beauty.

S05 E23 · 2012-07-05 · 28 min

Moss

Mosses are some of the most primitive terrestrial plants. They have no roots - only leaves and stems. But moss is deeply embedded in the Japanese way of life. You'll even find the word for moss in the Japanese national anthem. It is an essential element of bonsai and of Japanese-style landscape gardens. One temple garden was originally designed as a large bed of white gravel. But war and natural disaster left it in ruins. The garden was neglected for centuries and became overgrown with moss. It took on a new kind of beauty and is one of the most famous and beloved gardens in Japan today. Moss is the home of tiny forest creatures. Water bears and trapdoor spiders are just two of the fascinating creatures that rely on moss. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at moss - its remarkable ecology and some of the uniquely Japanese ways of enjoying it.

S05 E24 · 2012-07-12 · 28 min

High School Baseball

Each summer, Hanshin Koshien Stadium in Nishinomiya City, Hyogo Prefecture, becomes the stage for a drama that grips the entire nation. Here, high school baseball teams from across the country assemble to compete for the national championship. Fans, in the stands and at home, go wild with excitement. Yu Darvish, Hideki Matsui, Daisuke Matsuzaka, and many other Japanese players who have gone on to play Major League baseball in the US made their names at Koshien as youth players. One epic 18-inning game is considered Koshien's greatest ever. Where are the players now? Some men continue to chase the dream of playing at Koshien Stadium decades after finishing high school. But how? On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at high school baseball - how it is more than just a sport and why it captivates the Japanese imagination like nothing else.

S05 E26 · 2012-08-16 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Adam Booth

Adam Booth is an English-born master of Nihonga, a kind of painting that uses traditional Japanese methods and styles. Nihonga requires special materials, including unprocessed natural pigments used in making the paint. It can take a week to fully apply just one color to a painting. In 2002, Booth came to Japan and began studying Nihonga painting in earnest. Part of what makes his own Nihonga style so unique is his use of fables and allegories in his work. Booth lives in the old heart of Tokyo and draws inspiration from the area's traditional festivals and friendly people. Recently, he served as the chief artist of a giant mural of Tokyo packed with detailed illustrations of more than 80,000 buildings. It sits inside the newly opened Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest communications tower. Today, we meet Adam Booth, whose paintings embody the appeal of Nihonga and reveal his love of Tokyo.

S05 E27 · 2012-08-23 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Dave Spector

Just about everyone in Japan knows Dave Spector. It's been almost 30 years since this American first appeared on Japanese television. He currently makes more than 10 TV appearances a week, sharing the latest gossip and video clips from overseas. He has also helped introduce Japanese television and culture to the West. Spector grew up in Chicago, where he began learning Japanese as a child, largely on his own. He memorized 30 words every day and eventually mastered the language. Spector's rapid-fire Japanese wordplay has been his trademark on Japanese television. Spector also has 420,000 followers on Twitter, where he posts several jokes a day. In the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, he began focusing his jokes on the disaster, making people smile in difficult times. Dave Spector, a man who has bridged the worlds of Japanese and American television. We'll discover what makes Japanese broadcasting so unique through his eyes.

S05 E28 · 2012-08-30 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Euan Craig

Australian-born potter Euan Craig is a master of Mashiko ware. Mashiko ware originated in the town of Mashiko. Most Mashiko-ware ceramics are practical vessels like dishes. Craig first encountered Mashiko ware at age 18. Captivated by its rustic beauty, he has been making his own Mashiko ware for the past 22 years. Craig aims to craft objects that will be part of everyday life. His pottery is made to be used, not admired from afar. He says the beauty of his dishes only truly emerges when food is placed on them. In March 2011, Craig's kiln was destroyed in the Great East Japan Earthquake. But in June 2012, having relocated his family, he completed a new kiln and restarted his career. Today, we learn about Craig's daily life and work as an artisan, and we witness his passion for Mashiko ware and the beauty of functionality.

S05 E29 · 2012-09-06 · 28 min

Shamisen

The shamisen is a traditional three-stringed Japanese musical instrument. Its unique sound has been enjoyed in Japan for centuries. When you play the shamisen, you strike the body along with the strings. The strings and body vibrating together create a distinctive tone. The history of the shamisen goes back about 500 years. It has long given traditional performing arts, like Kabuki and Bunraku, a lively musical accompaniment. In recent years, many children have begun taking shamisen lessons, and some musicians are adapting the shamisen to modern musical genres like rock and punk. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at the shamisen and what this traditional instrument reveals about Japanese musical tastes.

S05 E30 · 2012-09-13 · 28 min

Crested Ibises

The crested ibis (scientific name Nipponia nippon) has beautiful pale rosy feathers that have been loved in Japan for centuries. The crested ibis used to live all over Japan, but at one point, because of overhunting and the destruction of its natural habitat, it disappeared from the wild. After a lot of hard work, crested ibises were successfully bred in captivity. And several years ago, they were reintroduced into the wild in Japan. Currently, the crested ibis lives in just one place in Japan: Sado Island. Farmers in Sado are working hard to create a pure natural habitat for the ibises. Some of them are tending their rice fields without any agricultural chemicals. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is crested ibises. The story of this bird's disappearance and eventual revival reveals various ways in which people are learning to coexist with the natural world.

S05 E31 · 2012-09-20 · 28 min

Abalone

The abalone is a shellfish found along Japan's rocky coastline. Abalone have shallow, spiral shells that look like dishes, and they have been treasured by the Japanese since ancient times. Abalone is delicious raw, boiled, or grilled. Dried abalone in particular is a fine delicacy, and it was once such an important export to China that the shoguns outlawed its consumption within Japan. Abalone have long been considered auspicious. They are an essential part of sacred Shinto offerings on festive occasions. Centuries ago, samurai ate abalone before heading off to battle. In the late 19th century, Japanese entrepreneurs brought abalone cuisine to the world. And today, methods to increase abalone production are being tried out in many parts of Japan. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is abalone. We'll trace the long history of this shellfish in Japan and what it tells us about Japanese culture and cuisine.

S05 E32 · 2012-10-04 · 28 min

Tokyo Station

Tokyo Station's 100th anniversary is approaching. With 28 tracks, and 3,000 trains arriving and departing each day, it is Japan's largest rail terminal. Over the years, Tokyo Station has been the site of countless hellos and goodbyes, and the station building is an Important Cultural Property in Japan. The third floor and two striking domes burned down in 1945 during the Second World War, and for 60 years Tokyo Station remained a two-story building. Five years ago, work began to restore the station to its original appearance. The restoration project not only meticulously re-created the craftsmanship of a bygone century, it also included a state-of-the-art seismic-safety retrofitting. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is Tokyo Station. This is part of our special Tokyo trilogy. We trace the station's history and explore its latest features.

S05 E33 · 2012-10-11 · 28 min

Tokyo Skytree

Tokyo Skytree, completed this year, rises 634 meters. The world's tallest broadcasting tower, it's packed with the finest in Japanese engineering. Its steel framework was assembled with millimeter precision from sections lifted to dizzying heights. Special construction methods were needed to cope with the wind. And Japan is an earthquake-prone country, so Skytree has the latest seismic defenses, including one inspired by pagodas. The construction company that built Skytree commissioned an architectural photographer to record the building process. He was the only photographer permitted on the construction site, and the 40,000 photographs he took are an epic chronicle of this once-in-a-lifetime building project. Tokyo Skytree sits in an old-fashioned part of Tokyo with a tradition of small manufacturing enterprises. But now, an entirely new venture is emerging. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is Tokyo Skytree. This is part of our special Tokyo trilogy.

S05 E34 · 2012-10-18 · 28 min

Tokyo Bay

Right on the doorstep of Japan's capital is Tokyo Bay. The shores of the bay are packed with industrial complexes and some of the world's most densely populated areas, but it boasts a rich biological diversity that nurtures a wide variety of seafood for the city's inhabitants. In samurai times, the fish caught here were used for tempura and sushi, which are popular to this day. In recent decades when the Japanese economy was booming, Tokyo Bay became badly polluted. But countless initiatives have been undertaken to restore its natural beauty. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is Tokyo Bay. This is part of our special Tokyo trilogy. Clarifying the role the bay has played over the years in Tokyo life casts the city itself in a new light.

S05 E35 · 2012-11-01 · 28 min

Potatoes, Taros, and Yams

Potatoes, sweet potatoes, taros, yams - these are just some of Japan's imo, a word that describes starchy vegetables with enlarged underground roots and stems. Sweet potatoes saved countless lives during the great famines of the samurai era and the food shortages of the Second World War. Konjac is a food with a unique appeal. It has practically no nutrients or calories, and little flavor, but its unique texture is widely enjoyed in Japan. It also, believe it or not, played a role in a Japanese wartime plan to terrorize the United States with fire balloons. Japanese mountain yams are prized for their viscous texture, and some people trek through the woods in search of the very largest ones. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is potatoes, taros, and yams. By exploring this wide variety of tubers, we will dig deep into a rich Japanese culinary tradition.

S05 E36 · 2012-11-08 · 28 min

Name Seals

Many countries require signatures on contracts. But in Japan, name seals are used instead. From marriage registrations to car registrations, from birth certificates to death certificates, the stamp of a name seal is required on many public documents. Carving the face of a name seal is a task that requires painstaking workmanship. Seals with beautiful decorative designs can be artistic masterpieces in their own right. The samurai competed among themselves to have the most exquisite name seals, which were vital symbols of identity. Japan's imperial seal, the mark of the emperor, has been in use for more than 130 years. Even in our high-tech times, demand for name seals remains strong. Advances in digital technology have led to an entirely new type of name seal with some fascinating features. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is name seals. We investigate the large role that these small carved stamps play in Japanese life.

S05 E37 · 2012-11-15 · 28 min

Mushrooms

About 5,000 species of mushroom can be found in Japan, a quarter of the world's known species. The matsutake is the gold standard of edible mushrooms. And whether it's a broth of shimeji mushroom, or tempura-fried hen-of-the-woods, mushrooms are a quintessential autumn food in Japan, and have been for centuries. There are also some very rare mushrooms, like the caterpillar fungus - which grows on insects and which has been used medicinally since ancient times - or the glow-in-the-dark mushrooms of Hachijojima. In recent years, Japan has seen a decline in the number of wild mushrooms. Intense efforts have been made to revive matsutake harvests. Some efforts to stimulate mushroom growth are even using artificial lightning strikes - quite a shocking idea! On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is mushrooms. We'll see how Japan's climate and culture have made it the nation that eats a wider variety of fungi than any other.

S05 E38 · 2012-11-22 · 28 min

Vending Machines

Japan is a nation of vending machines - 5.2 million of them! You find them everywhere, selling all sorts of products. And many vending machines do much more than simply sell things. There are ultra-energy-efficient vending machines, vending machines with lifesaving equipment, vending machines that give you the option to donate your change to charity, and vending machines that can evaluate a customer's age and gender in order to recommend specific drinks. Japan pioneered vending machines that could dispense hot drinks in cans. The inspiration behind their development might surprise you. Retro, low-tech vending machines still exist, and they have ardent fans. One man has made 150 short documentaries about these old machines that receive hundreds of thousands of views online. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is vending machines. We'll examine the unique history of how they developed in Japan, as well as their latest cutting-edge features.

S05 E39 · 2012-12-06 · 28 min

Scissors

Scissors were first created in Europe and reached Japan in the 6th century. Japan has scissors for making kimonos and for preparing sweets. It has pruning shears that make a distinctive clack and scissors that help the world's hairstylists snip with style. Japan also makes fabric shears forged like samurai swords. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is scissors, an everyday tool that offers insights into Japanese culture.

S05 E40 · 2012-12-13 · 28 min

Satsuma Mandarins

The satsuma mandarin is a citrus fruit grown in Japan's warmer regions. Its perfect blend of sweet and sharp is loved by the Japanese, who consume 60 satsumas per person per year! On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is satsuma mandarins. By looking at this iconic fruit, we'll find out more about food in Japan and recent developments in agriculture there.

S05 E41 · 2012-12-20 · 28 min

Gift-giving

In summer and winter, seasonal gifts are sent to friends. At the New Year, young people receive envelopes with money inside. These are just some of the occasions throughout the year when the Japanese exchange gifts. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is gift-giving, which oils the wheels of social interaction in Japan. From traditional customs to the latest trends, we'll look at Japan's unique and diverse gift-giving culture.

S06 E01 · 2013-01-10 · 28 min

Sumo

Sumo is often called Japan's national sport. Wrestlers, naked except for a special loincloth, face off, smash into each other, and battle for victory. Sumo is both a martial art and a highly stylized slice of traditional Japanese culture, with its own codes of appearance and conduct. Sumo originated centuries ago as a test of strength. It evolved over time into a harvest divination ritual. And in the 18th century, it developed into a popular form of mass entertainment. Sumo is more than just the "grand sumo" contested by professional wrestlers. Youth sumo toughens young minds and bodies, and there is women's sumo too. In recent years, a growing number of foreign wrestlers have internationalized sumo. Sumo is widely enjoyed in Japan, regardless of age or gender. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is sumo. We examine the deep appeal of a sport that dates back over 1,500 years.

S06 E02 · 2013-01-17 · 28 min

Bathroom Scales

Bathroom scales are a part of everyday life in Japan. Men, women, babies, and children all use them. There are even scales specially designed to weigh your pets. In samurai times, accurate scales were made by artisans who specialized in fine work, like comb-makers and engravers. A relentless quest for ever more accurate weight measurements was behind a shift from analog scales with springs and needles to digital scales. But today's scales measure more than just weight. They can collect information on various aspects of your health. Thanks to dogged data-gathering efforts by researchers, these high-tech scales can quickly measure body fat percentage or basal metabolic rate. Meanwhile, research is now underway into making accurate body weight measurements in space. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is bathroom scales. By looking at bathroom scales in Japan, we'll take the measure of how Japanese lifestyles and ideas about health have changed over the years.

S06 E03 · 2013-01-24 · 28 min

Enka

Songs of tragic love, driven by strong emotions, are at the heart of enka, often called "the Japanese blues." Enka songs take up romantic, nostalgic, and melancholy themes. The roots of enka lie in the protest songs of Japan's "freedom and popular rights movement" of the late 19th century. Later, these protest songs evolved into a type of popular music that has captivated Japanese listeners for generations. Enka's sentimental ballads about our everyday struggles and weaknesses really strike a chord. Enka has developed while preserving a traditional Japanese musical scale and unique vibrato singing style that are quite different from most Western music. And because enka ballads are easier to sing than pop or rock songs, enka is an especially popular karaoke choice among middle-aged and elderly singers. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is enka. We explore the distinctly Japanese sensibility and sentimentality that give the Japanese blues its enduring appeal.

S06 E04 · 2013-01-31 · 28 min

Small Factories

From electronics to motor vehicles, Japanese industrial products are renowned for their high performance. And they wouldn't be possible without the "small factories" that make the parts. About 90% of all factories in Japan today have no more than 30 employees. These small factories are treasure troves of technical know-how. A single steel bar is all a machinist needs to shape parts for a rocket. Other experts use their sense of touch to machine metal to within hundredths of a millimeter. In 2009, many small factories worked together to launch a small satellite called Maido-1. In the midst of a tough recession, it was built to be a beacon of hope. Now, a separate group of small factories has pooled its technical know-how to develop an underwater survey device that can dive to 8,000 meters. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is small factories. By exploring them, we will gain insights into Japanese manufacturing expertise.

S06 E05 · 2013-02-07 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Azby Brown

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. Making skillful use of small spaces, Japanese architecture unites beauty and functionality. And American architect Azby Brown is at the vanguard of sharing Japanese people's distinctive design philosophies with the world. Brown's studies are not limited to simply architecture. They also delve into the lifestyle of Japan's Edo period, 200 or 300 years ago. Azby Brown was born in 1956 in New Orleans, and he went on to study architecture at Yale University. He came to Japan for the first time in 1983 and ultimately spent 3 years observing the restoration of a 1,300-year-old temple. In 2010, Brown started a research project devoted to sharing Japanese culture with Africa. He is planning to use recycled materials to make traditional Japanese ovens that will be useful in many African villages.

S06 E06 · 2013-02-14 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Ernst Seiler

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. Originally from Germany, Ernst Seiler, who has been living in Japan for decades, is a professional pianist and a proponent of a self-sufficient lifestyle. Seiler met his wife Kazuko when she was studying in Europe, and eventually they settled in the Goma district of Kyoto, where they live in an old country home and perform as a piano duo. Their concerts in a converted Zen temple hall have drawn a running total of more than 70,000 people. Seiler's rediscovery of many forgotten piano-duo pieces has established him as a world leader in this genre. Seiler is also a dedicated farmer who grows rice and many vegetables. He shares the bounty of the land with friends, acquaintances, and members of the audience. Today, we get a glimpse of life in the Kyoto countryside in the company of Ernst Seiler, a piano player and teacher with a deep love of the land.

S06 E07 · 2013-02-21 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Yasokichi Konishiki

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. Yasokichi Konishiki from Hawaii was a "big hit" as a sumo wrestler in Japan. He was recruited in Hawaii for sumo when he was 18. In 1987, he became the first foreign wrestler to be promoted to ozeki, the second-highest rank in the sport. The heaviest sumo wrestler ever, he overpowered opponents with his 284-kilo frame and stormed to the top of the sport. After retirement, he became a TV personality. Now he's a popular figure in children's programming. And these days, one of Konishiki's greatest passions is doing charity work related to children. Right after the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011 in northeastern Japan, Konishiki swung into action to help the kids of the region. In 2012, he toured the disaster area as Santa Claus and gave out thousands of presents.

S06 E08 · 2013-03-07 · 28 min

Ume Plums

The flowers of the ume plum are a harbinger of spring. While the winter chill still lingers in Japan, the blossoming of the ume plum is a sign that spring is on the way. At this time of year, famous plum-viewing spots around Japan attract lots of visitors. The ume plum originally comes from China. It is said to have been brought to Japan about 2,000 years ago, along with rice agriculture. The fruit of the ume plum has long been used as food, flavoring, and medicine. And its charming flowers are so loved in Japan that they have been widely employed as a motif in confections, kimono, and crafts. Recently, a number of new businesses based on ume have also blossomed. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is ume plums. We will explore the charms of a tree that has figured prominently in Japanese culture for countless generations.

S06 E09 · 2013-03-14 · 28 min

Storehouses

Traditional Japanese storehouses were constructed using special methods, so as to protect valuables. They have thick earthen walls covered in white plaster, they maintain a stable level of humidity, and they can withstand temperatures up to 900℃. People used them to protect their important possessions from Japan's warm, humid climate and from the fires that raged in Japan's towns and cities, where houses were mainly made of wood. And storehouses were not just for storing goods; some were used for making sake, miso, or other items that required fermentation. Over the years, storehouses came to be symbols of wealth, even evolving into luxurious homes. As Japan's architecture modernized, the number of storehouses declined, but these days many people are converting old storehouses into restaurants, galleries, and living spaces. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is storehouses. These buildings reveal a great deal about Japan's architecture and everyday ingenuity.

S06 E10 · 2013-03-21 · 28 min

Wagyu

Japan today is home to 4.17 million cattle. 2.7 million are classified as beef cattle, and two-thirds of these are classified as wagyu. There are 4 unique Japanese wagyu breeds, which were created by crossbreeding older Japanese breeds with larger foreign ones. Wagyu is known for its distinctive web of marbling. This tender, melt-in-your-mouth beef can be enjoyed in many ways, including sukiyaki, shabu-shabu, and as steak. Every 5 years, a competition known as the Wagyu Olympics is held to find out which Japanese prefecture breeds the finest wagyu cattle. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is wagyu. We'll reveal the relationship the Japanese have with cows by looking at how this world-famous beef is produced.

S06 E11 · 2013-04-04 · 28 min

Uniforms

The Japanese love uniforms. Uniforms are first worn in preschool. Most Japanese teenagers wear one at school, and uniforms are also required in various professions. They're even worn away from work. Uniforms are ubiquitous in Japan. School uniforms were originally introduced as a tool to manage students, but they have evolved into a trendy fashion item popular even outside Japan. The sailor suit with skirt that is the typical style of Japanese schoolgirl uniform first appeared in Japan in the early 20th century, introduced by an American school principal. Uniforms increase group consciousness and preserve a sense of responsibility on the job. Some companies have used the power of uniforms to improve job performance. One example involves the cleaning crews of Japan's bullet trains. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is uniforms. Through uniforms, we will explore Japanese identity at the intersection of the individual and the group.

S06 E12 · 2013-04-11 · 28 min

Rice Cookers

Of the world's many household appliances, one stands out as a Japanese original: the electric rice cooker. Before electric appliances came along, rice was cooked in wood-fired clay stoves, but in the late 1950s and early '60s, rice cookers became explosively popular in Japan. These days, virtually every Japanese household has one, and Japan also exports about 400,000 rice cookers each year. The Japanese just love freshly steamed rice. That craving drove the evolution of the rice cooker into a high-tech appliance with a host of functions. Rice cookers can do more than just cook rice. Homemakers have begun using them to put together amazing dishes. The latest rice cookers are even being used to bake cakes. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is rice cookers. We'll investigate the challenges that were overcome in developing them, and the creativity that the Japanese have lavished on making and using them.

S06 E13 · 2013-04-18 · 28 min

Burial Mounds

More than 200,000 ancient burial mounds are known to exist in Japan, and they are located all over the country. They were built for kings and powerful nobles. Along with the bodies of the dead, Japan's barrows contain many artifacts. By studying them, much can be learned about the ancient Japanese way of life. Surveys of burial mounds have employed many state-of-the-art technologies. There are constant advances in techniques to study artifacts without damaging them, and to restore excavated objects to their original condition. But archaeologists and historians are not the only people fascinated by barrows. Many members of the public visit burial mounds to appreciate their historical mystique. There is at least one "burial mound club," whose members enthusiastically visit sites around Japan. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is burial mounds. We will explore the mysteries of ancient Japan and how they continue to intrigue the Japanese.

S06 E14 · 2013-04-25 · 28 min

Stationery

Japanese stationery goods are popular all over the world. Most stationery goods used today are originally Western in origin, but Japanese companies have continued to churn out new and improved versions. The ballpoint pen, for example, first came to Japan along with post-WWII US occupation forces, but in the decades that followed the Japanese pioneered water-based ink, erasable ink, gel ballpoints, and ballpoints that can write even when facing upwards. One stationery fad sweeping Japan right now is "girls' stationery": cute, stylish products, like decorative masking tape, that appeal to female consumers. Some Japanese people use pens in a way that has nothing to do with writing: they spin them! A man known as the "father of pen spinning" gave a previously informal pastime a formal public identity. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is stationery. We'll explore the technology, design appeal, and sense of fun in Japanese stationery goods.

S06 E15 · 2013-05-02 · 28 min

Bread

It is said that Japan has more types of bread than any other country. Buns in Japan are filled with custard cream, sweet bean paste, or even curry. Bread made its first appearance in Japan in the 16th century. It probably came along with a shipment of firearms, from a Portuguese ship that drifted ashore in southern Japan. In fact, the Japanese word for bread is "pan," which comes from the Portuguese. A new bread product in the late-19th century incorporated a traditional Japanese sweet into Western bread. It led to a surge in bread's popularity with the masses. Since then, Japanese bakers have continued to create recipes that suit Japanese tastes, making bread an integral part of the Japanese diet. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is bread. We'll see how bread worked its way into a country that has a culture founded on rice, and explore the latest trends in Japanese baking.

S06 E16 · 2013-05-09 · 28 min

Pine Trees

Pine trees grow all around Japan, and make essential contributions to the Japanese way of life. From pine trees come gourmet matsutake mushrooms and fine calligraphy ink. Since pines can grow in harsh conditions, they are frequently used as windbreaks for homes. Pine trees are also symbols of longevity and abundance. They are often called the "luckiest" tree in Japan. Unfortunately, pine trees have recently come under attack from a damaging pest that eats away their resin ducts. The search for ways to protect the pines is going on in various parts of Japan. In one city on Japan's northeastern coast, the tsunami that struck on March 11, 2011, swept away a historic pine grove...except for one single tree. This lone pine became a symbol of hope for the survivors of the disaster. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is pine trees. They provide a window on Japanese lifestyles and ideas of beauty.

S06 E18 · 2013-05-23 · 28 min

Pro Wrestling

Pro wrestling battles take place every evening in rings across Japan-over 150 pro wrestling events are held every month. Japanese pro wrestling was launched by the popularity of one wrestler: Rikidozan. 60 years ago, he drove the Japanese people wild, lifting the country's spirits after its demoralizing defeat in the Second World War. The Japanese have been hooked on this thrilling form of entertainment ever since. There are many "student pro wrestlers" in universities across Japan. Every March, they take part in an intense "Student Pro Wrestling Summit." There is currently a large number of pro wrestling organizations in Japan, each with its own niche. But some of these organizations struggle to make ends meet, and some wrestlers now also work outside the ring. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is pro wrestling. We'll explore the appeal of this popular entertainment, which blurs the line between fantasy and reality.

S06 E19 · 2013-05-30 · 28 min

Strawberries

For the past quarter of a century, strawberries have been Japan's best-loved fruit. Distinctively sweet, plump and delicious, Japanese strawberries started to be grown for eating around the year 1900, thanks to the patient efforts of one man. Today, Japan grows about 170,000 tons of strawberries per year. In Japan, strawberry shortcake is the definitive Christmas treat. Strawberry cultivation methods honed in Japan are now contributing to the development of a remote region in Southeast Asia.

S06 E20 · 2013-06-13 · 28 min

Calculators

Japan is the world's calculator superpower. Rivalries between Japanese companies to make calculators ever slimmer, lighter and cheaper eventually propelled Japan to the top, and Japanese manufacturers have led sales of calculators for over 30 years in many countries. Before the calculator came along, Japanese people did arithmetic on the abacus, and then used hand-cranked calculating machines. Even now, in the age of PCs and tablets, calculators are still essential in accounting jobs.

S06 E21 · 2013-06-27 · 28 min

Television

This year, Japanese television broadcasting celebrates its 60th anniversary. The world's very first cathode ray tube TV was made in Japan, and Japanese TV technology continues to set the pace with televisions that offer super high definition, 3D images, and Internet connectivity. TV was long a focal point of family life, but as programming diversified many Japanese came to have their own personal TV set. These days, TV can even be enjoyed on mobile phones and car navigation systems.

S06 E22 · 2013-07-04 · 28 min

Lake Biwa

Japan's biggest lake: Lake Biwa. It is 4 million years old, a source of water for 14 million people, and home to over 10 aquatic creatures that are only found there. Lake Biwa contains rare freshwater pearls, its scenic landscape has captivated artists for centuries, and it also has spiritual significance. The lake's ecosystem has been threatened by water pollution and the introduction of invasive species, but locals have come up with some creative ideas to reclaim the environment.

S06 E23 · 2013-07-11 · 28 min

Expressways

Tasty regional food, an amusement park or even a beach-you can find all of these things along Japanese expressways. Japan's first expressways were built in the 1960's, and half a century later the network reaches all of the nation's prefectures, from Hokkaido to Okinawa. But Japan's expressways do have at least one unpopular feature: they're expensive to use. On the plus side, they have sophisticated service areas with truly impressive leisure facilities offering refreshment to auto travelers.

S06 E24 · 2013-07-18 · 28 min

Beer

In Japan, summertime is beer time. The Japanese like smooth, ice-cold beer that really hits the spot as you gulp it down. Beer came to Japan from the Netherlands in the 18th century. As the country modernized, beer gradually put down roots in Japanese life. It became the after-work drink of choice for the corporate warriors who supported Japan's post-war economic growth. But in recent years, beer consumption has dropped, and brewers are trying to engineer a revival in the drink's popularity.

S06 E25 · 2013-08-01 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Mike Harris

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. River sports have recently become much more popular in Japan, and one such sport is called "canyoning". In it, participants plummet down steep river gorges without a boat. Behind Japan's canyoning boom is Mike Harris, originally from New Zealand. Now Harris hopes to use canyoning and other outdoor sports to boost the local economy of the town he is based in.

S06 E26 · 2013-08-08 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Karl Bengs

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. Many of Japan's mountain communities suffer from aging, shrinking populations. Karl Bengs is a German who moved 20 years ago to one such community, Takedokoro. Bengs is an architectural designer who specializes in renovating old Japanese houses. He has rebuilt several homes in Takedokoro so far, attracting new residents and breathing fresh life into the village.

S06 E27 · 2013-08-15 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Kenny Omega

This month, we present a special talk-show series called Japanophiles, featuring lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. Kenny Omega is a professional wrestler enjoying a successful career in Japan. As well as embracing the unique appeal of Japanese pro-wrestling, he is also a fan of Japan's popular culture. An ardent fan of manga, anime and video games, Omega even makes use of pop culture motifs in his wrestling moves - which are sometimes performed outside the confines of the ring.

S06 E28 · 2013-09-05 · 28 min

Shakuhachi

Japan has various traditional wind instruments. Among the most familiar of them is the shakuhachi, which is essentially a hollowed-out length of bamboo. The sounds of the shakuhachi - reminiscent of such natural sounds as the wind through the trees, birdsong and the chirping of insects - have captivated the hearts of music lovers the world over. But in modern Japan the number of shakuhachi players is decreasing, and ingenious efforts are being made to keep the tradition going.

S06 E29 · 2013-09-12 · 28 min

Convenience Stores

Wherever you go to Japan, you will never be far from a convenience store and its vast range of products. An endeavor led by a Japanese businessman brought convenience stores to Japan from the US in the 1970's, and they have since acquired a clear Japanese identity. Each company invests heavily in private label products that can win in a fiercely competitive market. Recently, some convenience stores have begun offering services especially for mothers with small children, and for senior citizens.

S06 E30 · 2013-09-19 · 28 min

Used Books

The culture and business of used books has been important in Japan since around the 17th century. Today, the Jimbocho neighborhood of Tokyo has some 160 book dealers, many of them specialists, with a combined stock of 10 million volumes. Mass-market retailers that have simple systems for buying and selling used books are also part of the industry. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is used books. We'll see how Japan's used book business has evolved in its own fascinating way.

S06 E31 · 2013-10-03 · 28 min

Women's Nylons

S06 E32 · 2013-10-10 · 28 min

Remote Islands

S06 E33 · 2013-10-17 · 28 min

Characters and Mascots

S06 E34 · 2013-10-24 · 28 min

Grapes

S06 E35 · 2013-11-07 · 28 min

Makeup

S06 E36 · 2013-11-14 · 28 min

Ukiyo-e

S06 E38 · 2013-12-05 · 28 min

Parties and Gatherings

S06 E39 · 2013-12-12 · 28 min

Conveyor Belt Sushi

S06 E40 · 2013-12-19 · 28 min

Pets

S07 E02 · 2014-01-16 · 28 min

Nighttime Scenery

S07 E03 · 2014-01-23 · 28 min

Ise Jingu

S07 E05 · 2014-02-13 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Nancy Singleton Hachisu

S07 E06 · 2014-02-20 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Chris Hart

S07 E07 · 2014-02-27 · 28 min

Japanophiles - Rogier Uitenboogaart

S07 E08 · 2014-03-06 · 28 min

Railways

S07 E09 · 2014-03-13 · 28 min

Pianos

S07 E10 · 2014-03-20 · 28 min

Squid