S1 E1 • Bento

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

Première diffusion : 14 avril 2008

S1 E5 • Tsukiji Market

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

Première diffusion : 12 mai 2008

S1 E6 • Yoshoku

Explaining the intergration of Western meals into the Japanese diet

Première diffusion : 19 mai 2008

S1 E7 • Kyudo

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. A look on the beginning, decline and revival of kyodo

Première diffusion : 26 mai 2008

S1 E8 • Tea Ceremony Architecture

Première diffusion : 2 juin 2008

S1 E9 • Dagashi-ya

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

Première diffusion : 9 juin 2008

S1 E11 • Abacus

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. Not only are skilled users faster than an electronic calculator, it also teaches students amazing mathematical skills

Première diffusion : 23 juin 2008

S1 E12 • Ryukyu Kimono

Première diffusion : 30 juin 2008

S1 E13 • Bamboo

Bamboo, a native Japanese plant of the tree family, has many uses. This episode explores a few, such as ftools, decoration and even as food

Première diffusion : 14 juillet 2008

S1 E15 • Fireworks

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

Première diffusion : 28 juillet 2008

S1 E16 • Hanging Scrolls

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.

Première diffusion : 17 août 2008

S1 E17 • The Tale of Genji: Part 1

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.

Première diffusion : 24 août 2008

S1 E18 • The Tale of Genji: Part 2

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

Première diffusion : 31 août 2008

S1 E19 • Matcha

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.

Première diffusion : 7 septembre 2008

S1 E20 • Tokyo Tower

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.

Première diffusion : 14 septembre 2008

S1 E25 • Sushi

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

Première diffusion : 19 octobre 2008

S1 E26 • Mikoshi (portable shrines)

Première diffusion : 26 octobre 2008

S1 E27 • Yuzen Kimono

Première diffusion : 2 novembre 2008

S1 E28 • Buddhist Statues

Première diffusion : 9 novembre 2008

S1 E29 • Hot Springs

Première diffusion : 16 novembre 2008

S1 E30 • Fish

Première diffusion : 23 novembre 2008

S1 E31 • Tatami (straw mats)

Première diffusion : 1 décembre 2008

S1 E32 • Castles

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

Première diffusion : 8 décembre 2008