Season 1

1. Bento

2008-04-14 · 28m

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

2. Miyazawa Kenji

2008-04-21 · 28m

3. Lacquerware

2008-04-28 · 28m

4. Rakugo

2008-05-05 · 28m

5. Tsukiji Market

2008-05-12 · 28m

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

6. Yoshoku

2008-05-19 · 28m

Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.

7. Kyudo

2008-05-26 · 28m

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.

8. Tea Ceremony Architecture

2008-06-02 · 28m

9. Dagashi-ya

2008-06-09 · 28m

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

10. Nihon Buyo

2008-06-16 · 28m

11. Abacus

2008-06-23 · 28m

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.

12. Ryukyu Kimono

2008-06-30 · 28m

13. Bamboo

2008-07-14 · 28m

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.

14. Shirakawa-go

2008-07-21 · 28m

15. Fireworks

2008-07-28 · 28m

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

16. Hanging Scrolls

2008-08-17 · 28m

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.

17. The Tale of Genji: Part 1

2008-08-24 · 28m

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.

18. The Tale of Genji: Part 2

2008-08-31 · 28m

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

19. Matcha

2008-09-07 · 28m

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.

20. Tokyo Tower

2008-09-14 · 28m

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.

21. Dashi

2008-09-21 · 28m

22. Oribe-yaki (pottery)

2008-09-28 · 28m

23. The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

2008-10-05 · 28m

24. The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

2008-10-12 · 28m

25. Sushi

2008-10-19 · 28m

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

26. Mikoshi (portable shrines)

2008-10-26 · 28m

27. Yuzen Kimono

2008-11-02 · 28m

28. Buddhist Statues

2008-11-09 · 28m

29. Hot Springs

2008-11-16 · 28m

30. Fish

2008-11-23 · 28m

31. Tatami (straw mats)

2008-12-01 · 28m

32. Castles

2008-12-08 · 28m

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

33. Miso

2008-12-15 · 28m