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.

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

1x25 - Sushi

October 19, 2008

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

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