Begin Japanology
Begin Japanology
Begin Japanology
Documentary
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Overview
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.
Status: Ended
First Air Date: 2008-04-14
Runtime: 0h 28m
Director: Unknown
Writer: Unknown
Top Cast
Peter Barakan
Peter Barakan
Self - Host
Stuart Varnam-Atkin
Stuart Varnam-Atkin
Self - Narrator (voice)
Episodes - Season 1
Bento
Bento
Episode 1
About the origins and evolution of the Japanese "boxed lunchset".
Miyazawa Kenji
Miyazawa Kenji
Episode 2
Lacquerware
Lacquerware
Episode 3
Rakugo
Rakugo
Episode 4
Tsukiji Market
Tsukiji Market
Episode 5
A short look on the history, present and future of the famous fishmarket in Tsukiji, Tokyo.
Yoshoku
Yoshoku
Episode 6
Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.
Kyudo
Kyudo
Episode 7
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.
Tea Ceremony Architecture
Tea Ceremony Architecture
Episode 8
Dagashi-ya
Dagashi-ya
Episode 9
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
Nihon Buyo
Nihon Buyo
Episode 10
Abacus
Abacus
Episode 11
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.
Ryukyu Kimono
Ryukyu Kimono
Episode 12
Bamboo
Bamboo
Episode 13
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.
Shirakawa-go
Shirakawa-go
Episode 14
Fireworks
Fireworks
Episode 15
During the Japanese summer, fireworks are a daily phenomenon, as such, this episode shows it's origin, production and techniques.
Hanging Scrolls
Hanging Scrolls
Episode 16
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.
The Tale of Genji: Part 1
The Tale of Genji: Part 1
Episode 17
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.
The Tale of Genji: Part 2
The Tale of Genji: Part 2
Episode 18
Part two continues with a look on the Heian period and the effect the epic had on Japanese cultural history.
Matcha
Matcha
Episode 19
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.
Tokyo Tower
Tokyo Tower
Episode 20
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.
Dashi
Dashi
Episode 21
Oribe-yaki (pottery)
Oribe-yaki (pottery)
Episode 22
The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige
The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige
Episode 23
The Seven Gods of Good Fortune
The Seven Gods of Good Fortune
Episode 24
Sushi
Sushi
Episode 25
This episodes investigates the staple Japanese food, "Sushi" via it's origins and ingredients.
Mikoshi (portable shrines)
Mikoshi (portable shrines)
Episode 26
Yuzen Kimono
Yuzen Kimono
Episode 27
Buddhist Statues
Buddhist Statues
Episode 28
Hot Springs
Hot Springs
Episode 29
Fish
Fish
Episode 30
Tatami (straw mats)
Tatami (straw mats)
Episode 31
Castles
Castles
Episode 32
During Japan's civil war era, many castles were erected as strongholds and displays of power by the local warlords.
Miso
Miso
Episode 33
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