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Japanology Plus
Season 5
Episode 33

Onigiri: Rice Balls

November 13, 2018

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Japanology Plus - S5 - E33

With 10 billion eaten every year, onigiri (rice balls) are one of Japan’s most popular foods. They combine rice, salt, nori seaweed and a filling to create a simple meal, perfect for eating on the go. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is onigiri: rice balls. Our main guest is Yusuke Nakamura, Representative Director of the Onigiri Society and a man who personally eats 3,600 rice balls a year. And in Plus One, Matt Alt visits an onigiri specialty store to learn how to make one himself.

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Japanology Plus: Season 5 - 44 Episode s

5x1 - Ocean Fishing
January 9, 2018
Japan is an island nation that stretches thousands of miles. “A country surrounded by the sea,” as one common expression has it. Perhaps not surprisingly, the country has had a highly developed fishing culture for centuries, if not millennia. It has long been a global pioneer in everything from ways to preserve freshness to forms of seafood cuisine. This is our topic for this edition of Japanology Plus: how Japan fishes its oceans, in particular its coastal seas. Our expert guest is Professor Osamu Baba of the Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology.
5x2 - The Police
January 16, 2018
Japan is one of the safest countries in the whole world. With its impressively low crime rate, the worst that most people need to be fearful of is the occasional stolen bicycle or umbrella. First-time visitors might be surprised by residents taking naps on trains with their cellphones in plain sight or by seeing extremely young children walking to school alone. A large part of what contributes to that sense of security is the police force, some 300,000 members strong.
5x3 - Japanophiles: Stephanie Tomiyasu
January 23, 2018
The long history of Japanese culture is replete with various forms of traditional music and storytelling, many of which have been featured on Japanology Plus. This time our focus is on joruri, one such traditional performing art. Our guide is a unique practitioner of that art: Stephanie Tomiyasu, an American who trains under one of Japan's leading joruri instructors. Tomiyasu's life in Japan and her position as a foreign joruri practitioner are the subject of our latest Japanophiles edition.
5x4 - New Trends in Logistics
February 6, 2018
Japan, like the rest of the developed world, has taken a serious shine to online shopping. 3.9 billion home deliveries were made in 2016 alone, and that volume doesn't show any signs of slowing down. Japan's wholehearted embrace of online shopping is fueled, in part, thanks to the country's efficient shipping infrastructure, in which next-day delivery is the norm.
5x5 - Game Arcades
February 13, 2018
When exploring the streets of Tokyo, you won’t have to go very far before running into some type of game arcade with an interior full of flashing lights and people of all ages. The ubiquitous nature of arcades isn’t just noticeable in bustling areas such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Akihabara—with about 5,000 locations nationwide, you’d almost have to try to not see one. As at-home game consoles and smartphones reshape the global gaming industry, brick and mortar arcades still remain popular across Japan.
5x6 - Snow Removal
February 20, 2018
Here's a fact that may surprise Japan travelers who have only visited Tokyo: for months during winter, a large portion of the country is blanketed in snow. While Japan's capital city experiences relatively mild winters, about 20 million Japanese—some 15% of the population—live in regions that regularly get hit by heavy snowfall. On this edition of Japanology Plus, we learn how population centers like Sapporo deal with all that white stuff, and the challenges that lie ahead for Japan's snowiest regions.
5x7 - Shopping Streets
March 6, 2018
As in much of the industrialized world, a significant amount of shopping in Japan takes place in towering shopping malls and chain supermarkets. But cities and towns throughout the country are also home to a more traditional form of shopping thanks to their shotengai, or shopping streets.
5x8 - Japanophiles: Bjorn Heiberg
March 13, 2018
What do samurai and sushi have in common? The first answer that comes to mind might be that they’re both Japanese, but their connection is actually much deeper and important than that. The development of washoku, Japan’s unique traditional cuisine, wouldn’t have been possible without the technology that was used to make katana, the ultra sharp swords carried by samurai. That’s right—the same techniques that were once employed to make lethal weapons are also what make possible the preparation of a mouthwatering sushi dinner or a beautiful kaiseki meal.
5x9 - Regional Transport Crisis
March 20, 2018
For decades, rail was the dominant form of transport for both people and freight in Japan. But while trains and subways still enjoy healthy ridership in Japan's urban centers, regional rail is another story. Competing forms of transportation like cars, buses, and airplanes, plus Japan's shrinking population—and concentration of the population in major cities—means regional rail lines are facing a crisis. We dive into the details of that crisis, and what rail companies are doing to combat it, on this edition of Japanology Plus.
5x10 - Miniature Culture
March 27, 2018
Japan has a serious fondness for doing things in miniature. Whether it's capsule toys, model trains, dioramas, or more, the country has a knack for extremely detailed, picture-perfect scaled-down representations of reality. How—and why—so much attention is paid to miniaturized detail, and what connection the love of miniatures has to Japanese society at large, is the theme of this edition of Japanology Plus.
5x11 - Marriage
April 3, 2018
Springtime has arrived in Japan, and that means wedding season is starting to get into full swing! No matter where you are in the world, getting married is an exciting event for all involved and a time to celebrate with friends and family. The path to starting married life in Japan is steeped in tradition and ceremony, some of which may be different from what visitors from other countries are accustomed to.
5x12 - 100 Yen Shops
April 10, 2018
Over the past year, 98% of people in Japan shopped at a 100 yen store. These shops were once associated with cheap, low-quality merchandise. Over the years, however, quality has been improving, and now 100 yen goods are often used in everyday life. Exactly how do 100 yen shops contribute to general well-being in Japan? This time on Japanology Plus, our expert guest is Emiko Masao, who writes an influential blog about making the most of what 100 yen shops offer. And in Plus One, ways to use 100 yen items in a DIY project.
5x13 - Deep-fried Food
April 17, 2018
Deep-fried food—also known as agemono—might not be as photogenic as some other types of Japanese cuisine, but it has captured the hearts of food lovers everywhere nonetheless. As we learn on this edition of Japanology Plus, a whopping 70% of Japanese people eat some version at least once a week. The sheer variety of offerings to choose from is certainly impressive—tempura, tonkatsu, croquettes, karaage, jumbo fried shrimp, and much, much more.
5x14 - Lighthouses
May 1, 2018
Exposed to the fury of waves and weather, lighthouses hold a cherished place in Japanese hearts. In recent years, the advent of GPS and radar has led to the demolition of many lighthouses, but they live on in the memories of those who looked to them for guidance. This time on Japanology Plus, we cast light on the subtle appeal of lighthouses in Japan. Our guest is Mayuu Fudo, editor of a free magazine dedicated to the appeal of lighthouses. And in Plus One, memories of life as a lighthouse keeper.
5x15 - Japanophiles: David E. Wells
May 22, 2018
Japanese cuisine is internationally renowned—restaurants serving sushi, ramen and more can be spotted in countries around the world, and washoku, traditional Japanese cuisine, was even registered as an intangible cultural heritage by UNESCO in 2013. But long before the current boom, one American living in Japan made it his mission to master both the flavor and presentation of fine Japanese cuisine. That man's name is David E. Wells, and he's the subject of the latest Japanophiles edition of Japanology Plus.
5x16 - Industrial Heritage
June 5, 2018
A mere 150 years ago, while countries in the West and elsewhere were undergoing rapid industrialization, Japan was still a traditional, agricultural society ruled by samurai and closed off from the rest of the world. But after Japan's borders opened in the 19th century, the country quickly modernized, putting itself on a technological footing with the industrialized world within a matter of decades. This time on Japanology Plus, we look at Japan's rapid industrial growth, both in the 19th century and again after the devastation of the Second World War.
5x17 - Graves
June 19, 2018
The way a society deals with death, and how it pays tribute to those who have passed away, will tend to reveal a great deal about that society's values. That's as true of Japan as anywhere else in world—and like other regions and countries, Japan has a long history of grave-making, together with thousands of years of rituals and practices. These days, as Japanese attitudes toward family life, financial matters, and more evolve, so too are attitudes toward graves. On this edition of Japanology Plus, we explore the past, present and future of graves.
5x18 - Rice Cultivation
June 26, 2018
Rice has been an integral part of life in Japan for over 2,000 years. Traditionally, one alternative name for Japan is mizuho no kuni, or “the Land of Abundant Rice.” As we learn on this edition of Japanology Plus, when society shifted from hunting and gathering to agriculture during the Yayoi period, communities formed around rice paddies to facilitate the cooperation necessary for bringing in a plentiful harvest. This organizational structure laid a foundation for Japanese society, and the effects can still be seen in Japan’s cultural identity and people’s shared beliefs today.
5x19 - The Ogasawara Islands: A Multicultural Heritage
July 3, 2018
This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is the Ogasawara Islands, a remote archipelago with a unique ecosystem and multicultural heritage. Located 1,000 kilometers off Japan's Pacific coast, the Ogasawara Islands were first settled by a group of Westerners and South Pacific Islanders, who interacted with later Japanese settlers to bring forth a unique culture. Our expert guide is Sho Sebori, a direct descendant of the American who became the leader of the first community on the islands.
5x20 - The Ogasawara Islands: A Turbulent History
July 10, 2018
The Ogasawara Islands, located 1,000 kilometers off Japan's Pacific coast, first welcomed permanent human inhabitants in 1830. Waves of settlers built great prosperity together, but life for the islanders was turned upside down by the Second World War. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is the Ogasawara Islands, a remote archipelago with an eventful history. Islanders who lived through the turbulent war and postwar periods share their experiences with us.
5x21 - Japanophiles: Bruce Gutlove
July 17, 2018
Bruce Gutlove is an American who for decades has contributed to the growing reputation of Japanese wines. His career highlights include two wines that were served at G8 Summits in Japan. For many years he worked at a vineyard in Tochigi prefecture that offers workers with developmental disabilities to explore their potential. Nowadays he has his own winery in Hokkaido. This time on Japanophiles, Bruce Gutlove reviews his career and discusses the challenge of making great wine in Japan.
5x22 - Roadside Stations
July 31, 2018
One unique feature of regional Japan in particular is the roadside station, a place that offers not just free parking, restrooms, and information about local points of interest, but also local farm produce, a sense of community life, and sometimes offbeat attractions. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is roadside stations. Our guest is Yasushi Shinohara, associate professor of tourism and community studies at Atomi University.
5x23 - Summer Resorts
August 7, 2018
In Japan's hottest months, many people head out to summer resorts. While the concept initially came from Western expatriates, summer resorts then evolved along uniquely Japanese lines. These days they offer activities that cover a range of outdoor thrills and entertainment for the whole family. Our guest is Hiroyuki Yasujima, a professor of tourism and community studies at Atomi University who has studied summer resort areas around the world.
5x24 - Yurei: Japanese Ghosts
August 21, 2018
Japanese ghosts (yurei) often appear in a type of painting called yureiga ("ghost pictures"). One feature of this art is the frequent appearance of female ghosts. Japanese ghosts, however, come in various forms, all of which reveal aspects of the world beyond. On this edition of Japanology Plus our guests are Takahiro Saeki, an expert on Japanese tales of the supernatural, and Fuyuko Matsui, a nihonga painter who specializes in yureiga. And in Plus One, a temple with some precious ghost pictures.
5x25 - Radio Calisthenics
September 4, 2018
Each morning millions of Japanese start their day with radio calisthenics. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is radio calisthenics. Practically everyone in Japan—young and old—is familiar with these exercises, which started 90 years ago and spread to parks, schools, neighborhood associations and workplaces all over the country. Our guest is nonfiction writer Hidemine Takahashi, who has studied radio calisthenics closely. And in Plus One, some of the key points of the exercises.
5x26 - Underground Shopping Streets
September 11, 2018
Japan is a world leader in utilizing underground space, and that's exemplified by its network of underground shopping streets. There are around 80 of these subterranean shopping centers across the country, selling the goods and services that Japanese people need in their daily lives. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is underground shopping streets. Our guest is Yu Hiroi, an expert on urban disaster mitigation. And in Plus One, we visit Japan's oldest surviving underground shopping street.
5x27 - Japanophiles: Jagmohan S. Chandrani
September 25, 2018
This edition of Japanophiles centers on Jagmohan S. Chandrani, an Indian who has been in Japan for four full decades. We hear how he became known as a founding father of the largest Indian community in Japan. Through his story, we get an insight into the experience of moving to Japan from abroad and the culture that immigrants bring with them. Chandrani has spent almost all his life in Japan in Nishi-kasai, a commuter town on the eastern tip of Tokyo. When he arrived, it was covered in farmland and didn't even have a train station. It has since undergone massive urban development and is now known to some as "Little India."
5x28 - A Sense of the Divine
October 2, 2018
Japan's many shrines and temples are not interchangeable; they represent very different customs, and offer different objects of prayer. Many Japanese people have a distinctive spiritual outlook that prompts them to pray at both shrines and temples. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is a sense of the divine. Our guest is Daiko Matsuyama, a priest at a temple in Kyoto who promotes understanding of Japanese Buddhism on a global scale. And in Plus One, ways to engage with a famous religious landmark in Tokyo.
5x29 - Earthquake-resistant Architecture
October 9, 2018
Japan is a country with frequent earthquakes and protecting buildings is a key concern. Over the years people have developed many creative ways of achieving this. Certain techniques are found both in ancient wooden buildings and in contemporary skyscrapers. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is earthquake-resistant architecture. Our expert guest is Atsushi Ueda, an architect and researcher. And in Plus One, we learn the secrets behind the durability of a traditional Japanese house.
5x30 - School Sports Days
October 16, 2018
Every year, children in schools all across Japan take part in a sports day. It’s one of the most important dates on the calendar, not just for the students, but for their parents too. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is school sports days. Our main guest, sports writer Masayuki Tamaki, talks about their history, how they’ve changed, and their future. And in Plus One, Matt Alt follows a family as they prepare for, then attend, a primary school sports day.
5x31 - School Satchels
October 30, 2018
Almost every primary school student in Japan uses the same type of school bag. These distinctive, blocky satchels are spacious, durable, and packed with clever features. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is school satchels. We explore their history, production, and future potential. Our guest is Kuniyo Hayashi, the president of a long-established satchel-making company. And in Plus One, a primary school student shows us how she uses her bag on a day-to-day basis.
5x32 - Aquariums
November 6, 2018
About 20% of all the world's aquariums are found in Japan. Many feature unique specialties, from jellyfish to frozen river scenery. Others borrow techniques from Japanese garden design. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is aquariums. Our main guest is Hajime Nakamura, an "aquarium producer" who explains why these aquatic utopias are so enduringly popular. And in Plus One, Matt Alt goes behind the scenes at the Sumida Aquarium at Tokyo Skytree Town.
5x33 - Onigiri: Rice Balls
November 13, 2018
With 10 billion eaten every year, onigiri (rice balls) are one of Japan’s most popular foods. They combine rice, salt, nori seaweed and a filling to create a simple meal, perfect for eating on the go. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is onigiri: rice balls. Our main guest is Yusuke Nakamura, Representative Director of the Onigiri Society and a man who personally eats 3,600 rice balls a year. And in Plus One, Matt Alt visits an onigiri specialty store to learn how to make one himself.
5x34 - Japanophiles: David Stanley Hewett
November 20, 2018
David Stanley Hewett is a contemporary artist who specializes in ceramics and abstract painting. Japanese techniques, as well as ideas like bushido, play a huge role in his work. Hewett has been a resident of Japan since 1988. His artwork features prominently in major hotels, and his exhibitions regularly sell out. This time on Japanophiles, Hewett tells us about his life, his artistic processes, and what it is about Japan that inspires him so much.
5x35 - Coffee
November 27, 2018
Coffee is consumed around the world, but Japan seems to have a special relationship with the beverage. On this edition of Japanology Plus, we dig deep into Japan's coffee culture and learn how the country first came into contact with coffee, how and why it fell in love with the drink, and even how Japanese coffee preparation methods have influenced cafe culture worldwide. Brew up a cup and dive in!
5x36 - Meiji-era Advisors
December 11, 2018
2018 marks the 150th year since the beginning of the Meiji era, as well as the end of the age of samurai in Japan. Meiji means “Enlightened Rule,” and the era lasted from 1868 until 1912. The ultimate objective at the time was “bunmei kaika,” or civilization and enlightenment, which included modernizing the nation so that Japan could perform as a strong and respectable player in the world of international relations. The era was characterized by ambitious cultural, social, and political shifts. The focus of Japanology Plus this time is Meiji-era advisors, the foreign consultants behind many of these changes.
5x37 - School Uniforms
December 18, 2018
Uniforms are a familiar sight in Japan, whether it’s the jacket of a taxi driver, or the black suit of a new office worker. Among the most visible examples are the uniforms worn by middle and high school students. They often feature distinctive collars and buttons, originally based on naval or army clothing. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is school uniforms. Our main guest, university professor Mami Bamba, explains what these outfits can tell us about Japanese society. And in Plus One, Matt Alt designs a brand-new school uniform.
5x38 - Soba Restaurants
December 25, 2018
Soba, or buckwheat noodles, are served everywhere in Japan. But soba is more than just a food; it's also an auspicious way to end the year. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is soba restaurants. Our main guest is Kyo Amemiya, editor-in-chief of a publishing company that specializes in cooking and food books. He introduces us to a variety of soba restaurants and points out some interesting takes on this classic dish. And in Plus One, Matt Alt learns about some amazing food delivery methods.
5x39 - Garbage
October 26, 2023
Japan was arguably one of the cleanest places in the world in centuries past. But today, garbage is a major issue. In other countries, rubbish may be sent straight to the landfill, but in Japan—where available space is limited—it is generally incinerated first. Even so, landfill space is running out, and new methods are needed. Among the sites Peter Barakan visits as he explores paths to the future is a surprisingly beautiful incineration plant, designed by world-renowned artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser.
5x40 - Firefighting
November 9, 2023
Wildfires are becoming more frequent and residential fires are posing new challenges. Japan is responding to this evolving reality by developing new firefighting technologies, such as water-free fire engines, AI-powered robots, and self-extinguishing building materials. Around the country, official fire departments are supported by volunteer firefighters, but as societal norms change the number of volunteers is dropping. We introduce the latest from the world of Japanese firefighting.
5x41 - Japanophiles: Benjamin Flatt
November 23, 2023
Fermented foods are a longstanding staple of Noto cuisine. This region in Ishikawa Prefecture has a local specialty: ishiri, a fermented fish sauce. Benjamin Flatt, an Australia-born chef living in Noto, uses ishiri and other local ingredients to create his "Noto Italian" cuisine at his popular guest house. The restaurant serves only four groups a day. Peter Barakan talks to him about his passion for conserving traditional fermentation techniques and showcasing the quality of local ingredients.
5x42 - Izumo: Home of the Gods
December 7, 2023
Each year, Japan's deities are said to gather in Izumo in western Japan. We visit Izumo Taisha, a shrine with a millennium of history, and explore a land with deep connections to the distant past.
5x43 - Izumo: Land of the Supernatural
December 14, 2023
In the late 19th century, writer Lafcadio Hearn (Japanese name: Koizumi Yakumo) helped introduce Japan to the wider world. We visit the Izumo area to learn about the supernatural realm that he loved.
5x44 - Active Seniors
January 4, 2024
While Japan's population ages, many "active seniors" energetically participate in work and hobbies. An 88-year-old programmer and 104-year-old timepiece repairer show the secrets of senior success.

Japanology Plus: All seasons

S0: Specials
1 Episode
S1: Season 1
72 Episode s
S2: Season 2
108 Episode s
S3: Season 3
49 Episode s
S4: Season 4
35 Episode s
S5: Season 5
38 Episode s
S6: Season 6
34 Episode s
S7: Season 7
24 Episode s
S8: Season 8
27 Episode s
S9: Season 9
27 Episode s
S10: Season 10
23 Episode s
S11: Season 11
22 Episode s

5x1 - Ocean Fishing

5x2 - The Police

5x3 - Japanophiles: Stephanie Tomiyasu

5x4 - New Trends in Logistics

5x5 - Game Arcades

5x6 - Snow Removal

5x7 - Shopping Streets

5x8 - Japanophiles: Bjorn Heiberg

5x9 - Regional Transport Crisis

5x10 - Miniature Culture

5x11 - Marriage

5x12 - 100 Yen Shops

5x13 - Deep-fried Food

5x14 - Lighthouses

5x15 - Japanophiles: David E. Wells

5x16 - Industrial Heritage

5x17 - Graves

5x18 - Rice Cultivation

5x19 - The Ogasawara Islands: A Multicultural Heritage

5x20 - The Ogasawara Islands: A Turbulent History

5x21 - Japanophiles: Bruce Gutlove

5x22 - Roadside Stations

5x23 - Summer Resorts

5x24 - Yurei: Japanese Ghosts

5x25 - Radio Calisthenics

5x26 - Underground Shopping Streets

5x27 - Japanophiles: Jagmohan S. Chandrani

5x28 - A Sense of the Divine

5x29 - Earthquake-resistant Architecture

5x30 - School Sports Days

5x31 - School Satchels

5x32 - Aquariums

5x33 - Onigiri: Rice Balls

5x34 - Japanophiles: David Stanley Hewett

5x35 - Coffee

5x36 - Meiji-era Advisors

5x37 - School Uniforms

5x38 - Soba Restaurants

5x39 - Garbage

5x40 - Firefighting

5x41 - Japanophiles: Benjamin Flatt

5x42 - Izumo: Home of the Gods

5x43 - Izumo: Land of the Supernatural

5x44 - Active Seniors

S0: Specials

S1: Season 1

S2: Season 2

S3: Season 3

S4: Season 4

S5: Season 5

S6: Season 6

S7: Season 7

S8: Season 8

S9: Season 9

S10: Season 10

S11: Season 11