Begin Japanology

8.0
200828m

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.

Seasons

33 Episodes • Premiered 2008

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 1: Bento

1. Bento

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

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 2: Miyazawa Kenji

2. Miyazawa Kenji

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 3: Lacquerware

3. Lacquerware

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 4: Rakugo

4. Rakugo

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 5: Tsukiji Market

5. Tsukiji Market

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

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 6: Yoshoku

6. Yoshoku

Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 7: Kyudo

7. 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.

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 8: Tea Ceremony Architecture

8. Tea Ceremony Architecture

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 9: Dagashi-ya

9. 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

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 10: Nihon Buyo

10. Nihon Buyo

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 11: Abacus

11. 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.

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 12: Ryukyu Kimono

12. Ryukyu Kimono

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 13: Bamboo

13. 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.

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 14: Shirakawa-go

14. Shirakawa-go

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 15: Fireworks

15. Fireworks

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

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 16: Hanging Scrolls

16. 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.

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 17: The Tale of Genji: Part 1

17. 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.

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 18: The Tale of Genji: Part 2

18. 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.

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 19: Matcha

19. 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.

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 20: Tokyo Tower

20. 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.

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 21: Dashi

21. Dashi

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 22: Oribe-yaki (pottery)

22. Oribe-yaki (pottery)

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 23: The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

23. The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 24: The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

24. The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 25: Sushi

25. Sushi

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

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 26: Mikoshi (portable shrines)

26. Mikoshi (portable shrines)

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 27: Yuzen Kimono

27. Yuzen Kimono

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 28: Buddhist Statues

28. Buddhist Statues

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 29: Hot Springs

29. Hot Springs

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 30: Fish

30. Fish

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 31: Tatami (straw mats)

31. Tatami (straw mats)

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 32: Castles

32. Castles

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

Still image for Begin Japanology season 1 episode 33: Miso

33. Miso

Cast

Photo of Peter Barakan

Peter Barakan

Self - Host

More Like This

Reviews

No reviews available yet.