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April 14, 2008

Season 1

01. Bento

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

28min
April 14, 2008

02. Miyazawa Kenji

No details

28min
April 21, 2008

03. Lacquerware

No details

28min
April 28, 2008

04. Rakugo

No details

28min
May 5, 2008

05. Tsukiji Market

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

28min
May 12, 2008

06. Yoshoku

Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.

28min
May 19, 2008

07. 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.

28min
May 26, 2008

08. Tea Ceremony Architecture

No details

28min
June 2, 2008

09. 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

28min
June 9, 2008

10. Nihon Buyo

No details

28min
June 16, 2008

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.

28min
June 23, 2008

12. Ryukyu Kimono

No details

28min
June 30, 2008

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.

28min
July 14, 2008

14. Shirakawa-go

No details

28min
July 21, 2008

15. Fireworks

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

28min
July 28, 2008

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.

28min
August 17, 2008

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.

28min
August 24, 2008

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.

28min
August 31, 2008

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.

28min
September 7, 2008

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.

28min
September 14, 2008

21. Dashi

No details

28min
September 21, 2008

22. Oribe-yaki (pottery)

No details

28min
September 28, 2008

23. The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

No details

28min
October 5, 2008

24. The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

No details

28min
October 12, 2008

25. Sushi

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

28min
October 19, 2008

26. Mikoshi (portable shrines)

No details

28min
October 26, 2008

27. Yuzen Kimono

No details

28min
November 2, 2008

28. Buddhist Statues

No details

28min
November 9, 2008

29. Hot Springs

No details

28min
November 16, 2008

30. Fish

No details

28min
November 23, 2008

31. Tatami (straw mats)

No details

28min
December 1, 2008

32. Castles

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

28min
December 8, 2008

33. Miso

No details

28min
December 15, 2008