Japanology Plus mini (2020)

Season 3

A five-minute series where you can explore a wide variety of Japanese cultures, traditions and lifestyles.

Released March 29, 2020 Episode 5 min None+

Genres: Documentary

Keywords: tmdb.japan, tmdb.japanese-folklore, tmdb.japanese-culture

Production Companies: NHK

Network: NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Country: Japan
Languages: Japanese, English

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S3E1 - Cats and Japan

Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at the significance of cats in Japan. Cats have recently become the most-owned pets in Japan, and their popularity continues to grow with cat cafes and similar businesses proliferating. However, feral cats are a problem in cities, and local communities are searching for solutions.

March 20, 2022, midnight

S3E2 - Scissors

Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at scissors. After arriving in Japan, they evolved in unique ways. Japanese artisans applied traditional sword-making techniques to the creation of a broad variety of highly specialized and customized tools. Distinctive scissors play a key role in various aspects of Japanese culture, including flower arranging and kimono making.

March 20, 2022, midnight

S3E3 - Tatami

Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at tatami mats: a quintessentially Japanese flooring material. Tatami mats are made from rice straw covered in woven soft rush. This gives them just the right amount of give, and a fresh natural fragrance. Tatami rooms are used for eating, sleeping and relaxing. They're also important for the tea ceremony and martial arts.

March 21, 2022, midnight

S3E4 - Bamboo

Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at bamboo. For thousands of years, this sturdy, supple and abundant plant has been essential in Japanese crafts and construction. It can also be eaten: bamboo shoots are a taste of spring. In the near future, a material made from extremely thin bamboo fibers is expected to be used in space.

March 27, 2022, midnight

S3E5 - Kotatsu: Heated Tables

Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at Kotatsu: low tables with a heat source and a quilt. For generations, people have gathered around them in the cold winter months. They're cozy and comfortable; perfect for watching TV, studying and chatting to family and friends. In modern times, Kotatsu are evolving to suit changing lifestyles.

March 27, 2022, midnight

NHK WORLD-JAPAN

5 min/ep

270 min

March 29, 2020

Nov. 16, 2025, midnight

Returning Series