Watch Begin Japanology (2008) Online!
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.
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Episode 1 - Bento
Release Date: 2008-04-14About the origins and evolution of the Japanese "boxed lunchset".
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Episode 2 - Miyazawa Kenji
Release Date: 2008-04-21 -
Episode 3 - Lacquerware
Release Date: 2008-04-28 -
Episode 4 - Rakugo
Release Date: 2008-05-05 -
Episode 5 - Tsukiji Market
Release Date: 2008-05-12A short look on the history, present and future of the famous fishmarket in Tsukiji, Tokyo.
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Episode 6 - Yoshoku
Release Date: 2008-05-19Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.
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Episode 7 - Kyudo
Release Date: 2008-05-26Kyodo (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.
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Episode 8 - Tea Ceremony Architecture
Release Date: 2008-06-02 -
Episode 9 - Dagashi-ya
Release Date: 2008-06-09A 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
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Episode 10 - Nihon Buyo
Release Date: 2008-06-16 -
Episode 11 - Abacus
Release Date: 2008-06-23The "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.
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Episode 12 - Ryukyu Kimono
Release Date: 2008-06-30 -
Episode 13 - Bamboo
Release Date: 2008-07-14Bamboo, a native Japanese plant of the tree family, has many uses. This episode explores a few, such as tools, decoration and even as food.
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Episode 14 - Shirakawa-go
Release Date: 2008-07-21 -
Episode 15 - Fireworks
Release Date: 2008-07-28During the Japanese summer, fireworks are a daily phenomenon, as such, this episode shows it's origin, production and techniques.
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Episode 16 - Hanging Scrolls
Release Date: 2008-08-17The 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.
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Episode 17 - The Tale of Genji: Part 1
Release Date: 2008-08-24The 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.
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Episode 18 - The Tale of Genji: Part 2
Release Date: 2008-08-31Part two continues with a look on the Heian period and the effect the epic had on Japanese cultural history.
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Episode 19 - Matcha
Release Date: 2008-09-07Matcha, 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.
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Episode 20 - Tokyo Tower
Release Date: 2008-09-14A key player in the skyline of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower is a source of entertainment and inspiration. A look on it's construction and influence.
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Episode 21 - Dashi
Release Date: 2008-09-21 -
Episode 22 - Oribe-yaki (pottery)
Release Date: 2008-09-28 -
Episode 23 - The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige
Release Date: 2008-10-05 -
Episode 24 - The Seven Gods of Good Fortune
Release Date: 2008-10-12 -
Episode 25 - Sushi
Release Date: 2008-10-19This episodes investigates the staple Japanese food, "Sushi" via it's origins and ingredients.
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Episode 26 - Mikoshi (portable shrines)
Release Date: 2008-10-26 -
Episode 27 - Yuzen Kimono
Release Date: 2008-11-02 -
Episode 28 - Buddhist Statues
Release Date: 2008-11-09 -
Episode 29 - Hot Springs
Release Date: 2008-11-16 -
Episode 30 - Fish
Release Date: 2008-11-23 -
Episode 31 - Tatami (straw mats)
Release Date: 2008-12-01 -
Episode 32 - Castles
Release Date: 2008-12-08During Japan's civil war era, many castles were erected as strongholds and displays of power by the local warlords.
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Episode 33 - Miso
Release Date: 2008-12-15