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.
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- Cast:
- Peter Barakan , Emma Howard
Episode 23 : Izumo: Land of the Supernatural
December. 14,2023
In the late 19th century, writer Lafcadio Hearn (Japanese name: Koizumi Yakumo) helped introduce Japan to the wider world. We visit the Izumo area to learn about the supernatural realm that he loved.
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Episode 22 : Izumo: Home of the Gods
December. 07,2023
Each year, Japan's deities are said to gather in Izumo in western Japan. We visit Izumo Taisha, a shrine with a millennium of history, and explore a land with deep connections to the distant past.
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Episode 21 : Japanophiles: Benjamin Flatt
November. 23,2023
Fermented foods are a longstanding staple of Noto cuisine. This region in Ishikawa Prefecture has a local specialty: ishiri, a fermented fish sauce. Benjamin Flatt, an Australia-born chef living in Noto, uses ishiri and other local ingredients to create his "Noto Italian" cuisine at his popular guest house. The restaurant serves only four groups a day. Peter Barakan talks to him about his passion for conserving traditional fermentation techniques and showcasing the quality of local ingredients.
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Episode 17 : Japanophiles: Martin Holman
September. 28,2023
In ningyo joruri, three people work together to make beautifully crafted puppets seem amazingly lifelike. US puppeteer Martin Holman is a devotee of this Japanese performing art, which has around 400 years of history. Nowadays, he leads a troupe of his own in Tokushima Prefecture, home to Awa ningyo joruri. On this episode of Japanophiles, Peter Barakan explores the world of ningyo joruri and learns how Martin Holman is expanding its horizons with the help of performers young and old from several countries.
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Episode 15 : Rokyoku: Musical Storytelling
August. 31,2023
Sometimes described as "solo opera," Rokyoku was once Japan's most popular form of entertainment, with top performers among the richest people in the land. Rokyoku rose to prominence in the late 19th century, but the advent of TV triggered a rapid decline. Now young performers are revitalizing this storytelling art by incorporating English, rock and pop music, and even dance. Peter Barakan experiences rokyoku in both old and new styles. And in Plus One, Kyle Card tries giving a performance himself.
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Episode 13 : Japanophiles: Francesco Panto
August. 03,2023
An Italian psychiatrist who uses an original "anime therapy" approach is the guest in this episode of Japanophiles, an occasional series in which we look at Japan through the eyes of residents who originally come from other parts of the world. Francesco Panto was bullied as a child but took comfort in anime. That led to his unusual approach to improving mental health. We hear Panto's story and learn how his work might help to address the widespread challenge of mental health issues among young Japanese.
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Episode 12 : Amami Oshima: Shaped by Adversity
July. 13,2023
Life in Amami Oshima was once so tough that the islanders devised a way to make a poisonous plant edible. Harsh circumstances nurtured their resilience and resourcefulness on a subtropical island that was ruled by different outside forces as the centuries passed. Folk music became a medium for private communication, and in secret they produced silk fabric with a distinctive black beauty. In the second of two episodes, Peter Barakan gets to the heart of Amami Oshima's unique culture.
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Episode 11 : Amami Oshima: Paradise Found
July. 06,2023
We explore Amami Oshima, a subtropical paradise, through the stunning art of Tanaka Isson. Sometimes referred to as "the Japanese Gauguin," Isson found new inspiration after moving to this southern island. While his work was not appreciated during his lifetime, today it is frequently featured in exhibitions around Japan. In the first of two episodes about Amami Oshima, Peter Barakan follows in Isson's footsteps, and discovers why his work has become so enduringly popular.
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Episode 2 : Satsumaimo: Sweet Potatoes
February. 09,2023
Sweet potatoes are widely grown and enjoyed in Japan. They're baked, fried, served in stews and used to make desserts. Throughout history, they have offered a solution to food shortages. And nowadays, they can even help to keep a building cool in summer. Our guest, researcher Hashimoto Ayuki, introduces us to new ways of enjoying this versatile vegetable. And in Plus One, we see some innovative takes on mobile baked potato sales.
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