E1 - Nishijin-ori

Aired: January 19, 2009

E2 - Kyoto Lacquerware

Aired: January 26, 2009

E3 - Sake

Aired: February 02, 2009

E4 - Katsura Rikyu

Aired: February 09, 2009

E5 - Bonsai

Aired: February 16, 2009

E6 - The Four Seasons

Aired: February 23, 2009

E7 - Hina Dolls

Aired: March 02, 2009

E8 - Nagasaki

Aired: March 09, 2009

E9 - Five-Storey Pagodas

Aired: March 16, 2009

E10 - Cherry Blossoms

Aired: March 23, 2009

E11 - Chopsticks

Aired: April 03, 2009

E12 - Aizome

Aired: April 10, 2009

E13 - Bunraku

Aired: April 17, 2009

E14 - Kiriko Cut Glass

Aired: April 24, 2009

E15 - Traditional Folk Houses

Aired: May 08, 2009

E16 - Tea Ceremony

Aired: May 15, 2009

E17 - Soba

Aired: May 22, 2009

E18 - Origami

Aired: May 29, 2009

E19 - Imari Porcelain

Aired: June 05, 2009

E20 - Folding Fan

Aired: June 19, 2009

E21 - Kaiseki Cuisine

Aired: July 10, 2009

E22 - The Sounds of Japan

Aired: July 17, 2009

E23 - Masks

Aired: July 24, 2009

E24 - Satoyama

Aired: July 31, 2009

E25 - Kendo

Aired: August 29, 2009

E26 - The Fragrances of Japan

Aired: September 04, 2009

E27 - Spinning Tops

Aired: September 11, 2009

E28 - Rock and Stone

Aired: September 18, 2009

E29 - Ink Brushes

Aired: September 25, 2009

Since ancient times, people in Japan have devoted themselves to the traditional art of calligraphy, shodo. Writing characters with ink on paper, they create works that express the inherent beauty of the Japanese written language. In shodo, brushes are used for applying the ink to the paper. The expressiveness of the characters derives from variations in the speed and force that the calligrapher uses to move the brush. The brushes themselves are simple objects, made from bundles of animal hair or other materials bundled together and fixed to a shaft. The actual materials used will depend on the style of calligraphy that is desired. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we examine the history, development and contemporary applications of ink brushes, introducing these simple implements that have been so essential to the development of Japanese writing and painting.

E30 - Tsukemono

Aired: October 02, 2009

E31 - Dogs

Aired: October 09, 2009

E32 - Ramen

Aired: October 16, 2009

E33 - Rice

Aired: October 23, 2009

E34 - Shinto Shrine

Aired: October 30, 2009

E35 - Festivals

Aired: November 06, 2009

In Japan, festivals are known as matsuri. Many matsuri are colorful and boisterous occasions. Matsuri are typically associated with a Shinto shrine. Local people gather to pray and give thanks to the enshrined deity for agricultural bounty, health, safety and security. Over the years, these gatherings have evolved into elaborate events that frequently feature dancing, masks and magnificent floats. Entire local communities may be drawn into the preparations for festivals, which have nurtured some of the most refined arts and crafts in Japan. Even the sophisticated Noh theatre has festival origins, and, in some communities, apprentices will spend years learning a craft such as woodcarving specifically for its application in an annual matsuri. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we present some of the most famous festivals in Japan and consider the links to community and culture.

E36 - Shinkansen

Aired: November 13, 2009

E37 - Gagaku

Aired: November 20, 2009

E38 - Marriage

Aired: November 27, 2009

E39 - Shogi

Aired: December 04, 2009

E40 - Nabe Cuisine

Aired: December 11, 2009

E41 - Sword

Aired: December 18, 2009