Begin Japanology
Begin Japanology

Begin Japanology (2008)

8.0 (2 votes)
7 Seasons
April 14, 2008
English
Documentary

Synopsis

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.

Network

NHK BS1, NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Episodes

Bento
E1

Bento

Apr 14, 2008
28 min

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

Miyazawa Kenji
E2

Miyazawa Kenji

Apr 21, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Lacquerware
E3

Lacquerware

Apr 28, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Rakugo
E4

Rakugo

May 5, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Tsukiji Market
E5

Tsukiji Market

May 12, 2008
28 min

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

Yoshoku
E6

Yoshoku

May 19, 2008
28 min

Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.

Kyudo
E7

Kyudo

May 26, 2008
28 min

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
E8

Tea Ceremony Architecture

Jun 2, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Dagashi-ya
E9

Dagashi-ya

Jun 9, 2008
28 min

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
E10

Nihon Buyo

Jun 16, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Abacus
E11

Abacus

Jun 23, 2008
28 min

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
E12

Ryukyu Kimono

Jun 30, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Bamboo
E13

Bamboo

Jul 14, 2008
28 min

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
E14

Shirakawa-go

Jul 21, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Fireworks
E15

Fireworks

Jul 28, 2008
28 min

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

Hanging Scrolls
E16

Hanging Scrolls

Aug 17, 2008
28 min

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
E17

The Tale of Genji: Part 1

Aug 24, 2008
28 min

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
E18

The Tale of Genji: Part 2

Aug 31, 2008
28 min

Part two continues with a look on the Heian period and the effect the epic had on Japanese cultural history.

Matcha
E19

Matcha

Sep 7, 2008
28 min

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
E20

Tokyo Tower

Sep 14, 2008
28 min

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
E21

Dashi

Sep 21, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Oribe-yaki (pottery)
E22

Oribe-yaki (pottery)

Sep 28, 2008
28 min

No description available.

The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige
E23

The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

Oct 5, 2008
28 min

No description available.

The Seven Gods of Good Fortune
E24

The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

Oct 12, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Sushi
E25

Sushi

Oct 19, 2008
28 min

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

Mikoshi (portable shrines)
E26

Mikoshi (portable shrines)

Oct 26, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Yuzen Kimono
E27

Yuzen Kimono

Nov 2, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Buddhist Statues
E28

Buddhist Statues

Nov 9, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Hot Springs
E29

Hot Springs

Nov 16, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Fish
E30

Fish

Nov 23, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Tatami (straw mats)
E31

Tatami (straw mats)

Dec 1, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Castles
E32

Castles

Dec 8, 2008
28 min

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

Miso
E33

Miso

Dec 15, 2008
28 min

No description available.

Cast

Details

Original Title

Begin Japanology

Status

Ended

Seasons

7

Episodes

251