Japanology Plus

Japanology Plus

2014
Japanology Plus
Japanology Plus

Japanology Plus

8.6 | NR | en | Documentary

Host Peter Barakan delves into various aspects of Japanese culture; exploring practices, history, and modern innovations in such areas as ramen, rice, sushi, geisha, bonsai, and so much more. Local experts discuss their passions at fascinating length, and American Japanophile Matt Alt experiences the food, practices, and cultures in each episode in depth. Viewers will finish each half hour episode with a new understanding of an area of Japanese life through demonstrative videos and explanations, all delivered respectfully and true to the Japanese way of life.

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Seasons & Episodes

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EP17  Tanuki
Sep. 12,2024
Tanuki

Japanese raccoon dogs, or tanuki, are globally rare but have increasingly been seen in Japan's cities since the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigate their long history in tradition and folklore.

EP16  Service Areas
Aug. 29,2024
Service Areas

About 900 service areas provide amenities to drivers on Japan's expressway toll roads, generating 530 billion yen in annual sales. We examine their evolution and links with local communities.

EP15  Eyeglasses
Aug. 15,2024
Eyeglasses

One of the world's top three production centers for eyeglasses is Sabae, in Fukui Prefecture. We trace the history of Japanese glasses, from the earliest examples to cutting-edge technology.

EP14  Japanophiles: Lekh Raj Juneja
Aug. 01,2024
Japanophiles: Lekh Raj Juneja

Lekh Raj Juneja, from India, leads Japan's largest manufacturer of rice snacks. In a Japanophiles interview, he talks about the international potential of Japan's rice processing craftsmanship.

EP13  Kumano: Journey of a Maverick Scholar
Jul. 18,2024
Kumano: Journey of a Maverick Scholar

Scholar Minakata Kumagusu made contributions to biology, folklore and other fields. He laid the foundation for environmental conservation in Japan. We explore the environments that inspired his work.

EP12  Kumano: The Practice of Shugendo
Jul. 11,2024
Kumano: The Practice of Shugendo

Shugendo is a uniquely Japanese spiritual tradition known for its grueling ascetic practices. We explore its origins in the heavily forested mountains of Kumano, and learn about practitioners.

EP11  Food Tech Products
Jun. 20,2024
Food Tech Products

Japanese food tech products such as soybean-based meat substitutes are made using new technology. Land-based aquaculture and 3D food printing are also in the spotlight. We look at the latest products.

EP10  Plastic Models
Jun. 06,2024
Plastic Models

Roughly 90% of Japan's plastic models are made in Shizuoka, a city whose manufacturing roots date back to shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. We explore the latest developments for Japan's superb plastic models.

EP9  Wakocha: Japanese Black Tea
May. 23,2024
Wakocha: Japanese Black Tea

Wakocha, black tea grown and processed in Japan, is winning major international awards. To discover why, Peter Barakan speaks to tea farmers, picks tea leaves, and tastes different varieties.

EP8  Japanophiles: Nicoleta Oprisan
May. 09,2024
Japanophiles: Nicoleta Oprisan

Nicoleta Oprisan from Romania is highly skilled at ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. In a Japanophiles interview, she speaks about ikebana's power to communicate without words.

EP7  New Roles for Vacant Homes
Apr. 25,2024
New Roles for Vacant Homes

Japan's many vacant homes are being used as investments, hotel rooms and opportunities for creative renovation. We discover ways to reimagine properties that were once regarded as almost worthless.

EP6  Washing Machines
Apr. 11,2024
Washing Machines

After a slow start, Japanese washing machines have become some of the most advanced in the world. We look at their development and the latest innovations.

EP5  20th Anniversary Special Part 2
Mar. 28,2024
20th Anniversary Special Part 2

It's a 20th anniversary special! Presenters and viewers join Peter Barakan to look back at some highlights. Part two features fans from around the world discussing great moments from the show's past.

EP4  20th Anniversary Special Part 1
Mar. 21,2024
20th Anniversary Special Part 1

It's a 20th anniversary special! Presenters and viewers join Peter Barakan to look at some highlights. Part one features musician and Japanology fan Todd Rundgren, sake tasting and taiko drumming.

EP3  Japanophiles: Matthew Headland
Mar. 07,2024
Japanophiles: Matthew Headland

Matthew Headland, a Canadian, works in marketing at a hand-hammered copperware workshop. In a Japanophiles interview, he shares his enthusiasm for the craft with Peter Barakan.

EP2  Forestry
Jan. 25,2024
Forestry

Two-thirds of Japan is covered in forest, and wood has long been the building material of choice. But today, forests are in poor condition. We look at current efforts to revitalize forestry in Japan.

EP1  Active Seniors
Jan. 04,2024
Active Seniors

While Japan's population ages, many "active seniors" energetically participate in work and hobbies. An 88-year-old programmer and 104-year-old timepiece repairer show the secrets of senior success.

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8.6 | NR | en | Documentary , Talk
Synopsis

Host Peter Barakan delves into various aspects of Japanese culture; exploring practices, history, and modern innovations in such areas as ramen, rice, sushi, geisha, bonsai, and so much more. Local experts discuss their passions at fascinating length, and American Japanophile Matt Alt experiences the food, practices, and cultures in each episode in depth. Viewers will finish each half hour episode with a new understanding of an area of Japanese life through demonstrative videos and explanations, all delivered respectfully and true to the Japanese way of life.

...... View More
Cast

Peter Barakan , Emma Howard

Director

Tetra Tanizaki

Producted By

NHK , NHK Educational

Trailers