Season 1

1. Bento

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

2008-04-14 • 28 min

2. Miyazawa Kenji

2008-04-21 • 28 min

3. Lacquerware

2008-04-28 • 28 min

4. Rakugo

2008-05-05 • 28 min

5. Tsukiji Market

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

2008-05-12 • 28 min

6. Yoshoku

Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.

2008-05-19 • 28 min

7. Kyudo

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.

2008-05-26 • 28 min

8. Tea Ceremony Architecture

2008-06-02 • 28 min

9. Dagashi-ya

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

2008-06-09 • 28 min

10. Nihon Buyo

2008-06-16 • 28 min

11. Abacus

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.

2008-06-23 • 28 min

12. Ryukyu Kimono

2008-06-30 • 28 min

13. Bamboo

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.

2008-07-14 • 28 min

14. Shirakawa-go

2008-07-21 • 28 min

15. Fireworks

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

2008-07-28 • 28 min

16. Hanging Scrolls

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.

2008-08-17 • 28 min

17. The Tale of Genji: Part 1

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.

2008-08-24 • 28 min

18. The Tale of Genji: Part 2

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

2008-08-31 • 28 min

19. Matcha

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.

2008-09-07 • 28 min

20. Tokyo Tower

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.

2008-09-14 • 28 min

21. Dashi

2008-09-21 • 28 min

22. Oribe-yaki (pottery)

2008-09-28 • 28 min

23. The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

2008-10-05 • 28 min

24. The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

2008-10-12 • 28 min

25. Sushi

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

2008-10-19 • 28 min

26. Mikoshi (portable shrines)

2008-10-26 • 28 min

27. Yuzen Kimono

2008-11-02 • 28 min

28. Buddhist Statues

2008-11-09 • 28 min

29. Hot Springs

2008-11-16 • 28 min

30. Fish

2008-11-23 • 28 min

31. Tatami (straw mats)

2008-12-01 • 28 min

32. Castles

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

2008-12-08 • 28 min

33. Miso

2008-12-15 • 28 min