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The Best Episodes of Japanology Plus Season 11

Every episode of Japanology Plus Season 11 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Japanology Plus Season 11!

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

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Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 1 - Active Seniors
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #1 - Active Seniors

    S11:E1

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  2. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 2 - Forestry
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #2 - Forestry

    S11:E2

    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.

    Director:Mamoru Abe
    Writer:Unknown

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  3. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 3 - Japanophiles: Matthew Headland
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #3 - Japanophiles: Matthew Headland

    S11:E3

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  4. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 4 - 20th Anniversary Special Part 1
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #4 - 20th Anniversary Special Part 1

    S11:E4

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  5. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 5 - 20th Anniversary Special Part 2
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #5 - 20th Anniversary Special Part 2

    S11:E5

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  6. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 6 - Washing Machines
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #6 - Washing Machines

    S11:E6

    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.

    Director:Mamoru Abe
    Writer:Unknown

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  7. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 7 - New Roles for Vacant Homes
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #7 - New Roles for Vacant Homes

    S11:E7

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  8. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 8 - Japanophiles: Nicoleta Oprisan
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #8 - Japanophiles: Nicoleta Oprisan

    S11:E8

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  9. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 9 - Wakocha: Japanese Black Tea
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #9 - Wakocha: Japanese Black Tea

    S11:E9

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  10. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 10 - Plastic Models
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #10 - Plastic Models

    S11:E10

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  11. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 11 - Food Tech Products
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #11 - Food Tech Products

    S11:E11

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  12. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 12 - Kumano: The Practice of Shugendo
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #12 - Kumano: The Practice of Shugendo

    S11:E12

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  13. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 13 - Kumano: Journey of a Maverick Scholar
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #13 - Kumano: Journey of a Maverick Scholar

    S11:E13

    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.

    Director:James Morimoto Yuya
    Writer:Unknown

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  14. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 14 - Japanophiles: Lekh Raj Juneja
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #14 - Japanophiles: Lekh Raj Juneja

    S11:E14

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  15. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 15 - Eyeglasses
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #15 - Eyeglasses

    S11:E15

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  16. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 16 - Service Areas
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #16 - Service Areas

    S11:E16

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  17. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 17 - Tanuki
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #17 - Tanuki

    S11:E17

    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.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  18. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 18 - Japanophiles: Stephanie Crohin
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #18 - Japanophiles: Stephanie Crohin

    S11:E18

    French journalist and "sento ambassador" Stephanie Crohin promotes sento, or public bathhouses, on social media. She tells Peter Barakan about her love for the heartwarming world of public baths.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  19. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 19 - Heavy Machinery
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #19 - Heavy Machinery

    S11:E19

    The world loves Japan's heavy machinery. We explore the secrets of its popularity and learn about items ranging from small excavators to cranes that erect skyscrapers in cramped urban spaces.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  20. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 20 - Graves and End-of-Life Planning
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #20 - Graves and End-of-Life Planning

    S11:E20

    End-of-life planning is spreading in Japan, with many people now thinking hard about what to do with their cremated remains. We learn about diverse graves, including options such as "tree burials."

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  21. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 21 - Under Elevated Train Tracks
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #21 - Under Elevated Train Tracks

    S11:E21

    The spaces under Japan's elevated train tracks are now being used not just for pubs and restaurants but in many new ways, in various urban settings. We explore the economic and community benefits.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  22. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 22 - Japanophiles: Adam Smith
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #22 - Japanophiles: Adam Smith

    S11:E22

    Adam Smith is a potter from England who follows a self-sufficient lifestyle in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture. He creates rich natural colors by using handmade glazes made from local plants.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  23. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 23 - Uesugi Yozan: An Economic Miracle
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #23 - Uesugi Yozan: An Economic Miracle

    S11:E23

    Admired by John F. Kennedy, Uesugi Yozan was a feudal lord who took over the Yonezawa Domain at the age of 15. He enacted financial reforms that led the destitute domain to a miraculous recovery.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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  24. Japanology Plus Season 11 Episode 24 - Uesugi Yozan: All for His People
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #24 - Uesugi Yozan: All for His People

    S11:E24

    A feudal lord admired by John F. Kennedy, Uesugi Yozan prioritized the well-being of his people. This time, in part two, we look at how his policies guided his domain along the path to sustainability.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

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Season 11 Ratings Summary

"Active Seniors" is the best rated episode of "Japanology Plus" season 11. It scored /10 based on 0 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/4/2024. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Forestry".