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The Best Episodes of Magical Japanese

Every episode of Magical Japanese ranked from best to worst. Let's dive into the Best Episodes of Magical Japanese!

Explore the richness and depth of the Japanese language and discover how words and expressions reflect history, culture and the natural world.

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NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Seasons5

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#1 - Rain
S1:E13/28/2021
The Japanese language is rich in words and expressions influenced by nature, history and culture. This episode looks at words related to rain. Japan's annual rainfall is about twice the global average. Japanese people are sensitive to minute variations in rain, and it's said that there are some 400 Japanese expressions about rain. Join poet, literary translator and long-time Japan resident Peter MacMillan and explore unique words and the culture behind them.
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#2 - Cherry Blossoms
S1:E24/28/2021
This episode looks at words related to cherry blossoms. Cherry trees have thrived in Japan for thousands of years, and they hold a special place in the hearts of many Japanese people. Various expressions relating to cherry blossoms have developed over time. Join poet, literary translator and long-time Japan resident Peter MacMillan and explore unique words and the culture behind them.
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#3 - Trees
S1:E310/27/2021
This episode looks at words related to trees. Japan is a land of trees - two-thirds of the country is covered by forests. Trees support people's lives, and in turn, they have a deep respect for trees. Various expressions relating to trees have developed over time. Join poet, literary translator and long-time Japan resident Peter MacMillan and explore unique words and the culture behind them.
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#4 - Morning
S1:E411/24/2021
This episode looks at words related to the morning. Japanese people cherish the subtle changes in nature, and they have been particularly fond of the quiet hours in the early morning. The moment of sunrise alone has produced many beautiful expressions. Poet, literary translator, and long-time Japan resident Peter MacMillan guides us through unique words and the culture behind them.
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#5 - Water
S1:E512/22/2021
This episode introduces words associated with water. Water has long been regarded as plentiful and accessible in Japan. It is deeply embedded in Japanese culture and is even used to describe human relationships and life itself. Poet, literary translator and long-time Japan resident Peter MacMillan guides us through these unique words and the culture behind them.
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#6 - Night
S1:E612/29/2021
This episode looks at words related to the night. In ancient Japan, people appreciated the quiet and darkness of nighttime, and had different names for different times of the evening. The night was also associated with mysterious beings. From his home in Kyoto, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.
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The 20 WORST Episodes of Magical Japanese

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#7 - House
S2:E11/19/2022
This episode looks at words related to houses. Traditional Japanese homes give us a glimpse of the Japanese love for the changing seasons and how the Japanese developed a temperament that values cooperation. From his home in Kyoto, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.
Director:Unknown
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#8 - Mount Fuji
S2:E21/26/2022
This episode introduces words related to Mount Fuji. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this iconic symbol of the beauty and culture of Japan has inspired a number of memorable words and expressions. Join poet, literary translator and long-time Japan resident Peter MacMillan and explore unique words and the culture behind them.
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#9 - Snow
S2:E32/23/2022
This episode introduces words related to snow. Designated heavy snowfall areas cover fifty-one percent of Japan. In such an environment, many words related to snow were born. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.
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#10 - Moon
S2:E43/16/2022
This episode looks at words related to the moon. The Japanese have always been captivated by the moon, interpreting closely its many expressions and generating new words to describe its many faces. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.
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#11 - Kimono
S2:E54/27/2022
This episode introduces words related to the kimono. Once used as everyday wear, the traditional and iconic garment is now generally reserved for special occasions. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.
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#12 - Washi
S2:E65/18/2022
This episode looks at words and phrases related to washi, or traditional Japanese paper. Refined and durable, washi continues to be used as a daily item in Japan and has many applications. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.
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#13 - Tea
S2:E75/25/2022
This episode looks at words related to tea. An integral part of Japan's food culture, it's celebrated in the tea ceremony and has inspired a uniquely Japanese aesthetic. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.
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#14 - Cat
S2:E86/22/2022
This episode looks at words and phrases related to cats. Cats have been treasured in Japan for a long time as a way to deal with mice. This long history is reflected in the many expressions related to cats in Japanese. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.
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#15 - Oni
S2:E96/29/2022
This episode explores words and phrases inspired by Oni: demons, ogres and evil spirits that are a fixture of Japanese folklore. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.
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#16 - Ship
S2:E107/27/2022
This episode focuses on ships and boats. Japan is an island nation, and ships have been an integral part of Japanese life. This is reflected in the many expressions related to ships and boats. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.
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#17 - Fish
S2:E118/31/2022
This episode looks at words related to fish. Surrounded by the sea, Japan is home to rich fishing grounds. Fish has long had a central role in Japan's culinary culture, and there are many unique expressions that feature fish. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.
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#18 - Red
S2:E1210/5/2022
This episode looks at words related to the color red. Red is deeply embedded in Japanese culture. Not only are there said to be over 100 different names for red in the Japanese language, but the color is also used to describe nonvisual concepts. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.
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#19 - Fire
S2:E1310/19/2022
This episode looks at words related to fire. Fire has both practical and spiritual significance in cultures around the world, and Japan is no exception. This gave birth to many unique expressions. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.
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#20 - Horse
S2:E1411/23/2022
This episode looks at words related to horses. Since arriving from the Asian mainland around the 5th century, horses have played a major role in transportation and farming in Japan. The Japanese considered their horses as a part of their family. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through words involving horses and the culture behind them.
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#21 - Wind
S2:E1511/30/2022
This episode looks at words related to wind. Due to its geographical location, Japan experiences different types of wind depending on the season. If you include regional words for wind, there are said to be over 1,000 different names for the wind in Japanese, and people have had a rich relationship with wind. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through words that were born from this culture.
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#22 - Sword
S2:E1612/21/2022
This episode looks at words related to swords. Since ancient times, the evolution of Japanese swords has followed a unique path. During the rule of the samurai, or bushi, swords were a part of daily life, and this resulted in many Japanese expressions related to swords. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words.
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#23 - Shogi
S3:E11/18/2023
This episode looks at words related to shogi, also known as Japanese chess. Shogi is believed to have originated in ancient India, and shares roots with Western chess. The game has been enjoyed in Japan for more than 1,000 years. Many of the expressions born from shogi are used widely today in business and daily conversation. From his home in Kyoto Prefecture, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.
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#24 - Ghost
S3:E22/15/2023
In this episode, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan travels to Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, where the writer and journalist Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904) lived. Hearn is known for his compilation of Japanese ghost stories, Kwaidan, and had a deep interest in Japanese spirituality and folk religion. We visit the places that inspired Hearn in Matsue and look at some expressions related to ghosts along the way.
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#25 - Insect
S3:E32/22/2023
In this episode, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan travels to Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, where the writer and journalist Lafcadio Hearn (1850-1904) lived. Hearn is known for Kwaidan, a collection of ghost stories, and other works that explore the essence of Japan. He also loved insects and resonated deeply with Japanese insect culture. From the Lafcadio Hearn Memorial Museum in Matsue, we introduce some expressions related to insects, or mushi.
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Best Episodes Summary

"Rain" is the best rated episode of "Magical Japanese". It scored /10 based on 0 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 3/28/2021. This episode scored 0.0 points higher than the second highest rated, "Cherry Blossoms".