Japanology Plus (2014)
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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Episode 1 - Active Seniors
Release Date: 2024-01-04While 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.
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Episode 2 - Forestry
Release Date: 2024-01-25Two-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.
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Episode 3 - Japanophiles: Matthew Headland
Release Date: 2024-03-07Matthew 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.
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Episode 4 - 20th Anniversary Special Part 1
Release Date: 2024-03-21It'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.
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Episode 5 - 20th Anniversary Special Part 2
Release Date: 2024-03-28It'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.
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Episode 6 - Washing Machines
Release Date: 2024-04-11After 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.
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Episode 7 - New Roles for Vacant Homes
Release Date: 2024-04-25Japan'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.
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Episode 8 - Japanophiles: Nicoleta Oprisan
Release Date: 2024-05-09Nicoleta 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.
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Episode 9 - Wakocha: Japanese Black Tea
Release Date: 2024-05-23Wakocha, 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.
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Episode 10 - Plastic Models
Release Date: 2024-06-06Roughly 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.
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Episode 11 - Food Tech Products
Release Date: 2024-06-20Japanese 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.
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Episode 12 - Kumano: The Practice of Shugendo
Release Date: 2024-07-11Shugendo 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.
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Episode 13 - Kumano: Journey of a Maverick Scholar
Release Date: 2024-07-18Scholar 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.
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Episode 14 - Japanophiles: Lekh Raj Juneja
Release Date: 2024-08-01Lekh 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.
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Episode 15 - Eyeglasses
Release Date: 2024-08-15One 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.
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Episode 16 - Service Areas
Release Date: 2024-08-29About 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.
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Episode 17 - Tanuki
Release Date: 2024-09-12Japanese 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.
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Episode 18 - Japanophiles: Stephanie Crohin
Release Date: 2024-09-26French 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.
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Episode 19 - Heavy Machinery
Release Date: 2024-10-10The 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.
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Episode 20 - Graves and End-of-Life Planning
Release Date: 2024-10-24End-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."
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Episode 21 - Under Elevated Train Tracks
Release Date: 2024-11-07The 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.
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Episode 22 - Japanophiles: Adam Smith
Release Date: 2024-11-21Adam 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.