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Seasons & Episodes

EP1 Active Seniors Jan 04, 2024

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.

EP2 Forestry Jan 25, 2024

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.

EP3 Japanophiles: Matthew Headland Mar 07, 2024

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.

EP4 20th Anniversary Special Part 1 Mar 21, 2024

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.

EP5 20th Anniversary Special Part 2 Mar 28, 2024

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.

EP6 Washing Machines Apr 11, 2024

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.

EP7 New Roles for Vacant Homes Apr 25, 2024

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.

EP8 Japanophiles: Nicoleta Oprisan May 09, 2024

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.

EP9 Wakocha: Japanese Black Tea May 23, 2024

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.

EP10 Plastic Models Jun 06, 2024

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.

EP11 Food Tech Products Jun 20, 2024

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.

EP12 Kumano: The Practice of Shugendo Jul 11, 2024

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.

EP13 Kumano: Journey of a Maverick Scholar Jul 18, 2024

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.

EP14 Japanophiles: Lekh Raj Juneja Aug 01, 2024

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.

EP15 Eyeglasses Aug 15, 2024

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.

EP16 Service Areas Aug 29, 2024

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.

EP17 Tanuki Sep 12, 2024

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.

EP18 Japanophiles: Stephanie Crohin Sep 26, 2024

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.

EP19 Heavy Machinery Oct 10, 2024

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.

EP20 Graves and End-of-Life Planning Oct 24, 2024

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."

EP21 Under Elevated Train Tracks Nov 07, 2024

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.

EP22 Japanophiles: Adam Smith Nov 21, 2024

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.

EP23 Uesugi Yozan: An Economic Miracle Dec 12, 2024

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.

EP24 Uesugi Yozan: All for His People Dec 19, 2024

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.

8.6| 0h30m| NR| en| More Info

Released: 03 April 2014 Returning Series

Producted By: NHK

Country: Japan

Budget: 0

Revenue: 0

Official Website: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/japanologyplus

Synopsis

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.

Stream Online

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Cast

Peter Barakan , Emma Howard

Director

Producted By

NHK