Begin Japanology - Season 2 / Year 2008

Season 2 / Year 2008
Episodes

The Lifestyle of Heian Aristocrats
About the origins and evolution of the Japanese "boxed lunchset"

Washi

Japanese Landscape Gardening

Go

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

Ceramics
Explaining the intergration of Western meals into the Japanese diet

Wagashi
Kyudo (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. A look on the beginning, decline and revival of kyudo

Yokai

Ninja
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

Zen and Japanese Culture

Goldfish
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. Not only are skilled users faster than an electronic calculator, it also teaches students amazing mathematical skills

The Changing Seasons

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

Miyazawa Kenji

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

Rakugo
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.

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

Yoshoku
Explaining the intergration of Western meals into the Japanese diet

Kyudo
Kyudo (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. A look on the beginning, decline and revival of kyudo

Tea Ceremony Architecture
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.

Dagashi-ya
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

Abacus
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. Not only are skilled users faster than an electronic calculator, it also teaches students amazing mathematical skills

Ryukyu Kimono

Bamboo
Bamboo, a native Japanese plant of the tree family, has many uses. This episode explores a few, such as ftools, decoration and even as food

Shirakawa-go

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

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

Matcha
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
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

Oribe-yaki (pottery)

The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

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

Mikoshi (portable shrines)

Yuzen Kimono

Buddhist Statues

Hot Springs

Fish

Tatami (straw mats)

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

Miso
Recently Updated Shows

Elsbeth
Elsbeth follows Elsbeth Tascioni, an astute but unconventional attorney who utilizes her singular point of view to make unique observations and corner brilliant criminals alongside the NYPD. After leaving her successful legal career in Chicago to tackle a new investigative role in New York City, Elsbeth finds herself jockeying with the toast of the NYPD, Captain C.W. Wagner, a charismatic and revered leader. Working alongside Elsbeth is Officer Kaya Blanke, a stoic and ethical officer who quickly develops an appreciation for Elsbeth's insightful and offbeat ways.

Daredevil: Born Again
Matt Murdock finds himself on a collision course with Wilson Fisk when their past identities begin to emerge.

Reacher
Reacher follows Jack Reacher, a veteran military police investigator who has just recently entered civilian life. Reacher is a drifter, carrying no phone and the barest of essentials as he travels the country and explores the nation he once served. When Reacher arrives in the small town of Margrave, Georgia, he finds a community grappling with its first homicide in 20 years. The cops immediately arrest him and eyewitnesses claim to place Reacher at the scene of the crime. While he works to prove his innocence, a deep-seated conspiracy begins to emerge, one that will require Reacher's keen mind and hard-hitting fists to deal with. One thing above all is for sure: They picked the wrong guy to take the fall.

Jeopardy!
Jeopardy! is a classic game show -- with a twist. The answers are given first, and the contestants supply the questions. Three contestants, including the previous show's champion, compete in six categories and in three rounds (with each round's "answers" being worth more prize money).
