Season 2

1. Nishijin-ori

2009-01-19 • 28 min

2. Kyoto Lacquerware

2009-01-26 • 28 min

3. Sake

2009-02-02 • 28 min

4. Katsura Rikyu

2009-02-09 • 28 min

5. Bonsai

2009-02-16 • 28 min

6. The Four Seasons

2009-02-23 • 28 min

7. Hina Dolls

2009-03-02 • 28 min

8. Nagasaki

2009-03-09 • 28 min

9. Five-Storey Pagodas

2009-03-16 • 28 min

10. Cherry Blossoms

2009-03-23 • 28 min

11. Chopsticks

2009-04-03 • 28 min

12. Aizome

2009-04-10 • 28 min

13. Bunraku

2009-04-17 • 28 min

14. Kiriko Cut Glass

2009-04-24 • 28 min

15. Traditional Folk Houses

2009-05-08 • 28 min

16. Tea Ceremony

2009-05-15 • 28 min

17. Soba

2009-05-22 • 28 min

18. Origami

2009-05-29 • 28 min

19. Imari Porcelain

2009-06-05 • 28 min

20. Folding Fan

2009-06-19 • 28 min

21. Kaiseki Cuisine

2009-07-10 • 28 min

22. The Sounds of Japan

2009-07-17 • 28 min

23. Masks

2009-07-24 • 28 min

24. Satoyama

2009-07-31 • 28 min

25. Kendo

2009-08-29 • 28 min

26. The Fragrances of Japan

2009-09-04 • 28 min

27. Spinning Tops

2009-09-11 • 28 min

28. Rock and Stone

2009-09-18 • 28 min

29. Ink Brushes

Since ancient times, people in Japan have devoted themselves to the traditional art of calligraphy, shodo. Writing characters with ink on paper, they create works that express the inherent beauty of the Japanese written language. In shodo, brushes are used for applying the ink to the paper. The expressiveness of the characters derives from variations in the speed and force that the calligrapher uses to move the brush. The brushes themselves are simple objects, made from bundles of animal hair or other materials bundled together and fixed to a shaft. The actual materials used will depend on the style of calligraphy that is desired. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we examine the history, development and contemporary applications of ink brushes, introducing these simple implements that have been so essential to the development of Japanese writing and painting.

2009-09-25 • 28 min

30. Tsukemono

2009-10-02 • 28 min

31. Dogs

2009-10-09 • 28 min

32. Ramen

2009-10-16 • 28 min

33. Rice

2009-10-23 • 28 min

34. Shinto Shrine

2009-10-30 • 28 min

35. Festivals

In Japan, festivals are known as matsuri. Many matsuri are colorful and boisterous occasions. Matsuri are typically associated with a Shinto shrine. Local people gather to pray and give thanks to the enshrined deity for agricultural bounty, health, safety and security. Over the years, these gatherings have evolved into elaborate events that frequently feature dancing, masks and magnificent floats. Entire local communities may be drawn into the preparations for festivals, which have nurtured some of the most refined arts and crafts in Japan. Even the sophisticated Noh theatre has festival origins, and, in some communities, apprentices will spend years learning a craft such as woodcarving specifically for its application in an annual matsuri. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we present some of the most famous festivals in Japan and consider the links to community and culture.

2009-11-06 • 28 min

36. Shinkansen

2009-11-13 • 28 min

37. Gagaku

2009-11-20 • 28 min

38. Marriage

2009-11-27 • 28 min

39. Shogi

2009-12-04 • 28 min

40. Nabe Cuisine

2009-12-11 • 28 min

41. Sword

2009-12-18 • 28 min