1x1 - Bento

April 14, 2008

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

1x2 - Miyazawa Kenji

April 21, 2008

1x3 - Lacquerware

April 28, 2008

1x4 - Rakugo

May 5, 2008

1x5 - Tsukiji Market

May 12, 2008

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

1x6 - Yoshoku

May 19, 2008

Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.

1x7 - Kyudo

May 26, 2008

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.

1x8 - Tea Ceremony Architecture

June 2, 2008

1x9 - Dagashi-ya

June 9, 2008

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

1x10 - Nihon Buyo

June 16, 2008

1x11 - Abacus

June 23, 2008

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.

1x12 - Ryukyu Kimono

June 30, 2008

1x13 - Bamboo

July 14, 2008

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.

1x14 - Shirakawa-go

July 21, 2008

1x15 - Fireworks

July 28, 2008

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

1x16 - Hanging Scrolls

August 17, 2008

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.

1x17 - The Tale of Genji: Part 1

August 24, 2008

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.

1x18 - The Tale of Genji: Part 2

August 31, 2008

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

1x19 - Matcha

September 7, 2008

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.

1x20 - Tokyo Tower

September 14, 2008

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.

1x21 - Dashi

September 21, 2008

1x22 - Oribe-yaki (pottery)

September 28, 2008

1x23 - The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

October 5, 2008

1x24 - The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

October 12, 2008

1x26 - Mikoshi (portable shrines)

October 26, 2008

1x27 - Yuzen Kimono

November 2, 2008

1x28 - Buddhist Statues

November 9, 2008

1x29 - Hot Springs

November 16, 2008

1x30 - Fish

November 23, 2008

1x31 - Tatami (straw mats)

December 1, 2008

1x32 - Castles

December 8, 2008

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

1x33 - Miso

December 15, 2008