Every season of Begin Japanology ever, ranked from best to worst by thousands of votes from fans of the show. The best seasons of Begin Japanology!

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

Bento

Miyazawa Kenji

Lacquerware

Rakugo

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

Tsukiji Market

Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.

Yoshoku

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.

Kyudo

Tea Ceremony Architecture

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

Dagashi-ya

Nihon Buyo

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.

Abacus

Ryukyu Kimono

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.

Bamboo

Shirakawa-go

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

Fireworks

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.

Hanging Scrolls

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 1

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

The Tale of Genji: Part 2

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.

Matcha

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.

Tokyo Tower

Dashi

Oribe-yaki (pottery)

The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

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

Sushi

Mikoshi (portable shrines)

Yuzen Kimono

Buddhist Statues

Hot Springs

Fish

Tatami (straw mats)

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

Castles

Miso

Nishijin-ori

Kyoto Lacquerware

Sake

Katsura Rikyu

Bonsai

The Four Seasons

Hina Dolls

Nagasaki

Five-Storey Pagodas

Cherry Blossoms

Chopsticks

Aizome

Bunraku

Kiriko Cut Glass

Traditional Folk Houses

Tea Ceremony

Soba

Origami

Imari Porcelain

Folding Fan

Kaiseki Cuisine

The Sounds of Japan

Masks

Satoyama

Kendo

The Fragrances of Japan

Spinning Tops

Rock and Stone

Since ancient times, people in Japan have devoted themselves to the traditional art of calligraphy, shodo. Writing characters with ink on paper, they create works that express the inherent beauty of the Japanese written language. In shodo, brushes are used for applying the ink to the paper. The expressiveness of the characters derives from variations in the speed and force that the calligrapher uses to move the brush. The brushes themselves are simple objects, made from bundles of animal hair or other materials bundled together and fixed to a shaft. The actual materials used will depend on the style of calligraphy that is desired. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we examine the history, development and contemporary applications of ink brushes, introducing these simple implements that have been so essential to the development of Japanese writing and painting.

Ink Brushes

Tsukemono

Dogs

Ramen

Rice

Shinto Shrine

In Japan, festivals are known as matsuri. Many matsuri are colorful and boisterous occasions. Matsuri are typically associated with a Shinto shrine. Local people gather to pray and give thanks to the enshrined deity for agricultural bounty, health, safety and security. Over the years, these gatherings have evolved into elaborate events that frequently feature dancing, masks and magnificent floats. Entire local communities may be drawn into the preparations for festivals, which have nurtured some of the most refined arts and crafts in Japan. Even the sophisticated Noh theatre has festival origins, and, in some communities, apprentices will spend years learning a craft such as woodcarving specifically for its application in an annual matsuri. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we present some of the most famous festivals in Japan and consider the links to community and culture.

Festivals

Shinkansen

Gagaku

Marriage

Shogi

Nabe Cuisine

Sword

Sentou

Karuta

Taiko

Cram School

Light

Footwear

Monkey

Soy Sauce

Tuna

Fusuma

Pearl

Todaiji

School Lunches

Geiko and Maiko

Robots

Wasabi

Women's Fashion Magazines

Izakaya

Apartments and Condominiums

Towns and Neighbourhoods

Tempura

Subways

Hairstyles

Home Appliances

Roof Tiles

Miniaturization

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.

The Best Seasons of Begin Japanology

The Best Seasons of Begin Japanology

The Best Seasons of Begin Japanology

Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

Season 5

Season 6

Season 7