Episodes List
Ep.1 Bento
Air Date: 2008-04-14
About the origins and evolution of the Japanese "boxed lunchset".
Ep.2 Miyazawa Kenji
Air Date: 2008-04-21
Ep.3 Lacquerware
Air Date: 2008-04-28
Ep.4 Rakugo
Air Date: 2008-05-05
Ep.5 Tsukiji Market
Air Date: 2008-05-12
A short look on the history, present and future of the famous fishmarket in Tsukiji, Tokyo.
Ep.6 Yoshoku
Air Date: 2008-05-19
Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.
Ep.7 Kyudo
Air Date: 2008-05-26
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.
Ep.8 Tea Ceremony Architecture
Air Date: 2008-06-02
Ep.9 Dagashi-ya
Air Date: 2008-06-09
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
Ep.10 Nihon Buyo
Air Date: 2008-06-16
Ep.11 Abacus
Air Date: 2008-06-23
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.
Ep.12 Ryukyu Kimono
Air Date: 2008-06-30
Ep.13 Bamboo
Air Date: 2008-07-14
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.
Ep.14 Shirakawa-go
Air Date: 2008-07-21
Ep.15 Fireworks
Air Date: 2008-07-28
During the Japanese summer, fireworks are a daily phenomenon, as such, this episode shows it's origin, production and techniques.
Ep.16 Hanging Scrolls
Air Date: 2008-08-17
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.
Ep.17 The Tale of Genji: Part 1
Air Date: 2008-08-24
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.
Ep.18 The Tale of Genji: Part 2
Air Date: 2008-08-31
Part two continues with a look on the Heian period and the effect the epic had on Japanese cultural history.
Ep.19 Matcha
Air Date: 2008-09-07
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.
Ep.20 Tokyo Tower
Air Date: 2008-09-14
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.
Ep.21 Dashi
Air Date: 2008-09-21
Ep.22 Oribe-yaki (pottery)
Air Date: 2008-09-28
Ep.23 The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige
Air Date: 2008-10-05
Ep.24 The Seven Gods of Good Fortune
Air Date: 2008-10-12
Ep.25 Sushi
Air Date: 2008-10-19
This episodes investigates the staple Japanese food, "Sushi" via it's origins and ingredients.
Ep.26 Mikoshi (portable shrines)
Air Date: 2008-10-26
Ep.27 Yuzen Kimono
Air Date: 2008-11-02
Ep.28 Buddhist Statues
Air Date: 2008-11-09
Ep.29 Hot Springs
Air Date: 2008-11-16
Ep.30 Fish
Air Date: 2008-11-23
Ep.31 Tatami (straw mats)
Air Date: 2008-12-01
Ep.32 Castles
Air Date: 2008-12-08
During Japan's civil war era, many castles were erected as strongholds and displays of power by the local warlords.
