Mika Nakajima
Director
Begin Japanology (2008)
Season 2
BEGIN Japanology invites you into the world of Japanese culture, both traditional and modern, explaining how traditions evolved and the part they still play today in people's everyday lives.
Released April 14, 2008
Episode 28 min
None+
S2E1 - Nishijin-ori
Jan. 19, 2009, midnight
S2E2 - Kyoto Lacquerware
Jan. 26, 2009, midnight
S2E3 - Sake
Feb. 2, 2009, midnight
S2E4 - Katsura Rikyu
Feb. 9, 2009, midnight
S2E5 - Bonsai
Feb. 16, 2009, midnight
S2E6 - The Four Seasons
Feb. 23, 2009, midnight
S2E7 - Hina Dolls
March 2, 2009, midnight
S2E8 - Nagasaki
March 9, 2009, midnight
S2E9 - Five-Storey Pagodas
March 16, 2009, midnight
S2E10 - Cherry Blossoms
March 23, 2009, midnight
S2E11 - Chopsticks
April 3, 2009, midnight
S2E12 - Aizome
April 10, 2009, midnight
S2E13 - Bunraku
April 17, 2009, midnight
S2E14 - Kiriko Cut Glass
April 24, 2009, midnight
S2E15 - Traditional Folk Houses
May 8, 2009, midnight
S2E16 - Tea Ceremony
May 15, 2009, midnight
S2E17 - Soba
May 22, 2009, midnight
S2E18 - Origami
May 29, 2009, midnight
S2E19 - Imari Porcelain
June 5, 2009, midnight
S2E20 - Folding Fan
June 19, 2009, midnight
S2E21 - Kaiseki Cuisine
July 10, 2009, midnight
S2E22 - The Sounds of Japan
July 17, 2009, midnight
S2E23 - Masks
July 24, 2009, midnight
S2E24 - Satoyama
July 31, 2009, midnight
S2E25 - Kendo
Aug. 29, 2009, midnight
S2E26 - The Fragrances of Japan
Sept. 4, 2009, midnight
S2E27 - Spinning Tops
Sept. 11, 2009, midnight
S2E28 - Rock and Stone
Sept. 18, 2009, midnight
S2E29 - 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.
Sept. 25, 2009, midnight
S2E30 - Tsukemono
Oct. 2, 2009, midnight
S2E31 - Dogs
Oct. 9, 2009, midnight
S2E32 - Ramen
Oct. 16, 2009, midnight
S2E33 - Rice
Oct. 23, 2009, midnight
S2E34 - Shinto Shrine
Oct. 30, 2009, midnight
S2E35 - 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.
Nov. 6, 2009, midnight
S2E36 - Shinkansen
Nov. 13, 2009, midnight
S2E37 - Gagaku
Nov. 20, 2009, midnight
S2E38 - Marriage
Nov. 27, 2009, midnight
S2E39 - Shogi
Dec. 4, 2009, midnight
S2E40 - Nabe Cuisine
Dec. 11, 2009, midnight
S2E41 - Sword
Dec. 18, 2009, midnight
NHK WORLD-JAPAN
28 min/ep
28 min
April 14, 2008
March 20, 2014, midnight
Ended
NR
Action
Action
Rate this show
Add {Movie} to static lists