
Episodes List

Ep.1 Nishijin-ori
Air Date: 2009-01-19

Ep.2 Kyoto Lacquerware
Air Date: 2009-01-26

Ep.3 Sake
Air Date: 2009-02-02

Ep.4 Katsura Rikyu
Air Date: 2009-02-09

Ep.5 Bonsai
Air Date: 2009-02-16

Ep.6 The Four Seasons
Air Date: 2009-02-23

Ep.7 Hina Dolls
Air Date: 2009-03-02

Ep.8 Nagasaki
Air Date: 2009-03-09

Ep.9 Five-Storey Pagodas
Air Date: 2009-03-16

Ep.10 Cherry Blossoms
Air Date: 2009-03-23

Ep.11 Chopsticks
Air Date: 2009-04-03

Ep.12 Aizome
Air Date: 2009-04-10

Ep.13 Bunraku
Air Date: 2009-04-17

Ep.14 Kiriko Cut Glass
Air Date: 2009-04-24

Ep.15 Traditional Folk Houses
Air Date: 2009-05-08

Ep.16 Tea Ceremony
Air Date: 2009-05-15

Ep.17 Soba
Air Date: 2009-05-22

Ep.18 Origami
Air Date: 2009-05-29

Ep.19 Imari Porcelain
Air Date: 2009-06-05

Ep.20 Folding Fan
Air Date: 2009-06-19

Ep.21 Kaiseki Cuisine
Air Date: 2009-07-10

Ep.22 The Sounds of Japan
Air Date: 2009-07-17

Ep.23 Masks
Air Date: 2009-07-24

Ep.24 Satoyama
Air Date: 2009-07-31

Ep.25 Kendo
Air Date: 2009-08-29

Ep.26 The Fragrances of Japan
Air Date: 2009-09-04

Ep.27 Spinning Tops
Air Date: 2009-09-11

Ep.28 Rock and Stone
Air Date: 2009-09-18

Ep.29 Ink Brushes
Air Date: 2009-09-25
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.

Ep.30 Tsukemono
Air Date: 2009-10-02

Ep.31 Dogs
Air Date: 2009-10-09

Ep.32 Ramen
Air Date: 2009-10-16

Ep.33 Rice
Air Date: 2009-10-23

Ep.34 Shinto Shrine
Air Date: 2009-10-30

Ep.35 Festivals
Air Date: 2009-11-06
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.

Ep.36 Shinkansen
Air Date: 2009-11-13

Ep.37 Gagaku
Air Date: 2009-11-20

Ep.38 Marriage
Air Date: 2009-11-27

Ep.39 Shogi
Air Date: 2009-12-04

Ep.40 Nabe Cuisine
Air Date: 2009-12-11
