E1 - Bento

Aired: April 14, 2008

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

E2 - Miyazawa Kenji

Aired: April 21, 2008

E3 - Lacquerware

Aired: April 28, 2008

E4 - Rakugo

Aired: May 05, 2008

E5 - Tsukiji Market

Aired: May 12, 2008

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

E6 - Yoshoku

Aired: May 19, 2008

Explaining the integration of Western meals into the Japanese diet.

E7 - Kyudo

Aired: 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.

E8 - Tea Ceremony Architecture

Aired: June 02, 2008

E9 - Dagashi-ya

Aired: June 09, 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

E10 - Nihon Buyo

Aired: June 16, 2008

E11 - Abacus

Aired: 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.

E12 - Ryukyu Kimono

Aired: June 30, 2008

E13 - Bamboo

Aired: 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.

E14 - Shirakawa-go

Aired: July 21, 2008

E15 - Fireworks

Aired: July 28, 2008

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

E16 - Hanging Scrolls

Aired: 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.

E17 - The Tale of Genji: Part 1

Aired: 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.

E18 - The Tale of Genji: Part 2

Aired: August 31, 2008

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

E19 - Matcha

Aired: September 07, 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.

E20 - Tokyo Tower

Aired: 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.

E21 - Dashi

Aired: September 21, 2008

E22 - Oribe-yaki (pottery)

Aired: September 28, 2008

E23 - The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige

Aired: October 05, 2008

E24 - The Seven Gods of Good Fortune

Aired: October 12, 2008

E25 - Sushi

Aired: October 19, 2008

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

E26 - Mikoshi (portable shrines)

Aired: October 26, 2008

E27 - Yuzen Kimono

Aired: November 02, 2008

E28 - Buddhist Statues

Aired: November 09, 2008

E29 - Hot Springs

Aired: November 16, 2008

E30 - Fish

Aired: November 23, 2008

E31 - Tatami (straw mats)

Aired: December 01, 2008

E32 - Castles

Aired: December 08, 2008

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

E33 - Miso

Aired: December 15, 2008