Japanology Plus
NR
8.6
2014
Documentary
, Talk
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.
-
- Cast：
- Peter Barakan , Emma Howard
Episode 26 : Ainu: A National Museum of Ainu Culture
December. 23,2021
The Ainu are an indigenous people who live in and around northern Japan. Traditionally, they are hunter-gatherers who share a close relationship with the natural world. In the first of 2 editions about the Ainu, we look at the National Ainu Museum. The facility opened in 2020 as a hub for the protection and promotion of Ainu traditions. Our guest is its Executive Director, Sasaki Shiro. He introduces several exhibits, and talks about the museum's goals.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 24 : Japanophiles: Nicholas Rennick
December. 02,2021
In a Japanophiles interview, Peter Barakan meets Nicholas Rennick, an Australian doctor working at a Tokyo hospital. He started in April 2020, at the very beginning of the pandemic, and was immediately treating patients with COVID-19. Now, he performs various roles. Besides seeing patients, Rennick offers advice on improving service for foreigners, and gives English lessons to hospital staff. He talks about his inspiration for coming to Japan, and the challenges he has faced so far.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 23 : Chests & Cabinets
November. 11,2021
Traditionally, wooden chests and cabinets are built and maintained by master artisans, using time-honored techniques and materials. Items are often passed down through multiple generations of a family, as heirlooms. Our main guest, antique shop owner Yamamoto Akihiro, introduces several unusual examples, and talks about how traditional furniture fits into the lives of young, modern Japanese.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 20 : Japanophiles: Marty Friedman
September. 30,2021
In a Japanophiles interview, Peter Barakan meets Marty Friedman, a legendary guitarist from the USA. As a member of a well-known heavy metal band, Friedman toured the world. But a deep love for Japanese music led him to move to Tokyo. He went on to perform with major J-pop artists, and in 2016 he became an official ambassador to Japan Heritage. Friedman takes us through his journey, and explains what it is about Japanese music that he finds so appealing.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 12 : Japan vs. Epidemics, Part 2: Modern History
June. 17,2021
Over the centuries, Japan has suffered from repeated outbreaks of diseases like smallpox, measles and cholera. Part 1 of "Japan vs. Epidemics" covered the history of epidemics up to the mid-19th century. In Part 2, we look at modern history, including outbreaks of cholera and Spanish flu. Our guest is historian Utsumi Takashi. He explains how Japan dealt with epidemics, and talks about several people who made important contributions to the evolution of the country's medical knowledge.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 11 : Furoshiki: Wrapping Cloths
June. 03,2021
Furoshiki are traditional Japanese wrapping cloths. For hundreds of years, these square pieces of fabric have been used to protect, store and carry various objects. They often feature beautiful, colorful designs, and are works of art in their own right. Our main guest, Yamada Etsuko, is the art director for a Furoshiki-making company. She teaches Peter Barakan some common wrapping technique, and introduces both traditional and modern designs.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 10 : Japanophiles: Chad Mullane
May. 27,2021
In a Japanophiles interview, Peter Barakan meets Chad Mullane, a comedian from Perth, Australia. Chad talks about Japanese comedy, and explains how he fell in love with it. We see some of his routines, and learn just how much hard work it took to become a professional in the industry. We also meet Tea Kato, Chad's long-term comedy partner, and Bonchi Osamu, a veteran performer who took Chad under his wing.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 5 : Japanophiles: Richard Halberstadt
March. 16,2021
On March 11, 2011, a magnitude 9 earthquake off the coast of northeast Japan caused a devastating tsunami that left around 18,000 people dead or unaccounted for. Ishinomaki, in Miyagi Prefecture, was one of the worst-affected areas. In a Japanophiles interview, Peter Barakan meets a long-term resident of the city: Richard Halberstadt, from the UK. Halberstadt talks about the disaster and its aftermath, and explains why he decided to stay and help Ishinomaki recover.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Episode 3 : Japanophiles: Sheila Cliffe
January. 26,2021
The kimono, Japan's national garment, is generally seen as traditional clothing -- something to wear on special occasions. But these days, modern and stylish kimono are making an impact in the fashion world. In a Japanophiles interview, Peter Barakan meets Sheila Cliffe, from the UK, who fell in love with kimono during a trip to Japan, and went on to become an authority on the subject. She talks about her life journey, and presents some contemporary styles.
Watch Now
Stream in HD
Seasons
Similar titles
Seasoning the Seasons
This program visits places across Japan to introduce the charms of their local daily life and festivals fostered by the nation's long history.
Cycle Around Japan
Come ride with us! Bicycle through the scenery of Japan, stay with locals and discover hidden traditions in a Japan you didn't know existed.
Jonathan Meades - Magnetic North
Jonathan Meades travels from the flatlands of Flanders to Germany's spectacular Baltic coast in an attempt to decipher exactly what northernness entails.
Jonathan Meades On France
Jonathan Meades scrutinises the 95 per cent of France that Brits drive through and don't notice en route to the 5 per cent that conforms to their expectation
The Real Marigold on Tour
Having road-tested retirement in India, Miriam Margoyles, Wayne Sleep, Bobby George and Rosemary Shrager are reunited to discover what it is like to grow old in other countries around the world.
Joel & Nish Vs The World
Best friends Joel Dommett and Nish Kumar travel to locations across the globe to immerse themselves in the lives of the toughest, strongest, fittest people in the world.
Make Your Mark
This do-it-yourself series features the creative talents and enthusiastic personality of the top-selling craft book author Mark Montano. The trend-setting former fashion designer and his guest experts create affordable, accessible and customizable projects for the whole family. Each episode allows Mark to explore a fun theme — from Halloween and Downton Abbey to Fashion Week.
Departures
From epic landscapes and unforgettable culture, to the often trying times that come with international travel, Departures chronicles the unforgettable friendships, personal successes and sometimes crushing disappointments that befall travellers Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach on their journey. Departures is as much about the journey as it is the destination.
Hometown Stories
Stories about people, stories about life. Intimate portraits of people from around Japan, each leading diverse lives while enriching lives of others.
