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.
Where to Watch Season 1
33 Episodes
Bento
E1
BentoAbout the origins and evolution of the Japanese "boxed lunchset".
Miyazawa Kenji
E2
Miyazawa Kenji
Lacquerware
E3
Lacquerware
Rakugo
E4
Rakugo
Tsukiji Market
E5
Tsukiji MarketA short look on the history, present and future of the famous fishmarket in Tsukiji, Tokyo.
Yoshoku
E6
YoshokuExplaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.
Kyudo
E7
KyudoKyodo (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.
Tea Ceremony Architecture
E8
Tea Ceremony Architecture
Dagashi-ya
E9
Dagashi-yaA 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
Nihon Buyo
E10
Nihon Buyo
Abacus
E11
AbacusThe "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.
Ryukyu Kimono
E12
Ryukyu Kimono
Bamboo
E13
BambooBamboo, a native Japanese plant of the tree family, has many uses. This episode explores a few, such as tools, decoration and even as food.
Shirakawa-go
E14
Shirakawa-go
Fireworks
E15
FireworksDuring the Japanese summer, fireworks are a daily phenomenon, as such, this episode shows it's origin, production and techniques.
Hanging Scrolls
E16
Hanging ScrollsThe 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.
The Tale of Genji: Part 1
E17
The Tale of Genji: Part 1The 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.
The Tale of Genji: Part 2
E18
The Tale of Genji: Part 2Part two continues with a look on the Heian period and the effect the epic had on Japanese cultural history.
Matcha
E19
MatchaMatcha, 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.
Tokyo Tower
E20
Tokyo TowerA key player in the skyline of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower is a source of entertainment and inspiration. A look on it's construction and influence.
Dashi
E21
Dashi
Oribe-yaki (pottery)
E22
Oribe-yaki (pottery)
The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige
E23
The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige
The Seven Gods of Good Fortune
E24
The Seven Gods of Good Fortune
Sushi
E25
SushiThis episodes investigates the staple Japanese food, "Sushi" via it's origins and ingredients.
Mikoshi (portable shrines)
E26
Mikoshi (portable shrines)
Yuzen Kimono
E27
Yuzen Kimono
Buddhist Statues
E28
Buddhist Statues
Hot Springs
E29
Hot Springs
Fish
E30
Fish
Tatami (straw mats)
E31
Tatami (straw mats)
Castles
E32
CastlesDuring Japan's civil war era, many castles were erected as strongholds and displays of power by the local warlords.
Miso
E33
Miso
Cast of Season 1
Peter BarakanSelf - Host
Stuart Varnam-AtkinSelf - Narrator (voice)
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