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Bento

Bento

Episode number: 1

Overview: About the origins and evolution of the Japanese "boxed lunchset".

Miyazawa Kenji

Miyazawa Kenji

Episode number: 2
Lacquerware

Lacquerware

Episode number: 3
Rakugo

Rakugo

Episode number: 4
Tsukiji Market

Tsukiji Market

Episode number: 5

Overview: A short look on the history, present and future of the famous fishmarket in Tsukiji, Tokyo.

Yoshoku

Yoshoku

Episode number: 6

Overview: Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.

Kyudo

Kyudo

Episode number: 7

Overview: Kyodo (loosely translatable to "archery") is not so much about hitting the target as it is all about the form, skill and practice of the art.

Tea Ceremony Architecture

Tea Ceremony Architecture

Episode number: 8
Dagashi-ya

Dagashi-ya

Episode number: 9

Overview: A look at the phenomenon of dagashi-ya ("thrifty sweetshops") and the role they played in a community and it's growing resurgence in modern society

Nihon Buyo

Nihon Buyo

Episode number: 10
Abacus

Abacus

Episode number: 11

Overview: The "soroban" (Abacus) - a calculation tool no longer used in the Western world but still a common sight in Japan, where education and businesses use it with great succes.

Ryukyu Kimono

Ryukyu Kimono

Episode number: 12
Bamboo

Bamboo

Episode number: 13

Overview: Bamboo, a native Japanese plant of the tree family, has many uses. This episode explores a few, such as tools, decoration and even as food.

Shirakawa-go

Shirakawa-go

Episode number: 14
Fireworks

Fireworks

Episode number: 15

Overview: During the Japanese summer, fireworks are a daily phenomenon, as such, this episode shows it's origin, production and techniques.

Hanging Scrolls

Hanging Scrolls

Episode number: 16

Overview: The wall scroll is not just used for decoration, it has a special role during the tea ceremony that is still practiced in Japan. From the special placement in a room to the padding of the scroll itself, everything must considered.

The Tale of Genji: Part 1

The Tale of Genji: Part 1

Episode number: 17

Overview: The first part of two episodes focussing on the ancient Japanese epic that left a huge impact on the cultural history of Japan, "The tale of Genji", written in the Heian period. This part details the author, characters and plot.

The Tale of Genji: Part 2

The Tale of Genji: Part 2

Episode number: 18

Overview: Part two continues with a look on the Heian period and the effect the epic had on Japanese cultural history.

Matcha

Matcha

Episode number: 19

Overview: Matcha, the powdered residue of ground green tea leafs, has been a key ingredient in the Japanese tea ceremony for more than a millenium, but nowadays it's also being used in more than just tea.

Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower

Episode number: 20

Overview: A key player in the skyline of Tokyo, Tokyo Tower is a source of entertainment and inspiration. A look on it's construction and influence.

Dashi

Dashi

Episode number: 21
Oribe-yaki (pottery)

Oribe-yaki (pottery)

Episode number: 22
The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

Episode number: 23
The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

Episode number: 24
Sushi

Sushi

Episode number: 25

Overview: This episodes investigates the staple Japanese food, "Sushi" via it's origins and ingredients.

Mikoshi (portable shrines)

Mikoshi (portable shrines)

Episode number: 26
Yuzen Kimono

Yuzen Kimono

Episode number: 27
Buddhist Statues

Buddhist Statues

Episode number: 28
Hot Springs

Hot Springs

Episode number: 29
Fish

Fish

Episode number: 30
Tatami (straw mats)

Tatami (straw mats)

Episode number: 31
Castles

Castles

Episode number: 32

Overview: During Japan's civil war era, many castles were erected as strongholds and displays of power by the local warlords.

Miso

Miso

Episode number: 33