Begin Japanology

Japanese television programs

Begin Japanology
GenreInterview
Presented byPeter Barakan
Country of originJapan
Original release
NetworkNHK World-Japan
Release2000 (2000)

Weekend Japanology, Begin Japanology, and Japanology Plus are Japanese television programs aired on NHK World, and presented by Peter Barakan. The programs explore aspects of traditional and contemporary Japan and interview experts in various fields.

The series premiered under the title Weekend Japanology, which was first broadcast in 2002 in Japan[1] and beginning in other countries on April 6, 2003.[2] Weekend Japanology is mostly talk-show style, typically hosted by Peter Barakan and Mami Kikuchi. It eventually developed into Begin Japanology (first broadcast on October 5, 2007 in Japan[3] and in other countries on March 14, 2008[4]) Japanology Plus (first broadcast April 3, 2014)[5][6]) is the most recent show. Other than the title, little has changed in the content or format. Japanology Plus has two presenters: Peter Barakan, who guides the viewer through the show, and Matt Alt, who presents the section ‘’Plus One’’ with useful tips. The show also has an occasional talk series called "Japanophiles" featuring interviews with foreigners doing activities in Japan.[6] Both Japanology Plus and Begin Japanology are typically 28 minutes in duration.

The Japanology series also has two additional shows, ‘’Begin Japanology Mini’’ and ‘’Japanology Plus Mini.’’ Both consist of five-minute episodes covering the same topics as their respective 28-minute counterparts.

List of Weekend Japanology episodes

Season 1 (April 2003 - October 2004)

# Name Air date
1 Cherry Blossoms April 6, 2003
2 Sumo April 13, 2003
3 Japanese emotional expression April 20, 2003
4 The power of design April 27, 2003
5 Japanese Food: Nattō May 4, 2003
6 Robot design May 11, 2003
7 Comedy May 18, 2003
8 Diet for a long life May 25, 2003
9 Contemporary dance June 1, 2003
10 Kimono June 8, 2003
11 "Koto" and its charm June 15, 2003
12 Traditional Japanese Houses June 22, 2003
13 Fireworks July 13, 2003
14 Japanese Paper July 20, 2003
15 "Yacht Race Around the World" July 27, 2003
16 Memories of the Atomic Bomb August 3, 2003
17 Wedding August 18, 2003
18 Summer Feature Special! Out and About August 24, 2003
19 Let's Drink Japanese Tea! September 7, 2003
20 Forefront of Universal Design September 14, 2003
21 Inheritance: Japanese Songs September 21, 2003
22 Changing Japanese Women September 28, 2003
23 Exploring Tokyo with a Special Guide October 6, 2003
24 Japan in Contemporary Art October 12, 2003
25 Haiku October 19, 2003
26 Invitation to Noh October 26, 2003
27 Calligraphy: A Soul That Interacts with Words November 2, 2003
28 Seasonal Food November 9, 2003
28 Challenging the World with Entertainment Movies November 16, 2003
30 Folk Songs Seen by a Jazzman November 23, 2003
31 Japanese Car Design November 30, 2003
32 Japanese People and Earthquakes December 7, 2003
33 Loss of Japan - Nippon Deciphered from Pop Culture December 14, 2003
34 The Ancient City January 11, 2004
35 Zen January 18, 2004
36 Shinkansen January 25, 2004
37 Makeup: Japan February 1, 2004
38 Japanese Animation February 8, 2004
39 Classical Japanese Music February 15, 2004
40 Yakimono February 22, 2004
41 Pearls February 29, 2004
42 Will Keitai Brighten the Future? March 7, 2004
43 The World of Japanese Painting Drawn by Senju March 14, 2004
44 Out & About—Best Of Selection (Part 1) March 21, 2004
45 Out & About—Best Of Selection (Part 2) March 28, 2004
46 Shakuhachi April 4, 2004
47 Contemporary Architecture April 11, 2004
48 Welcome to the World of Manga April 18, 2004
49 Japanese Pop Music April 26, 2004
50 Japanese Dogs May 2, 2004
51 Sushi Culture Magazine May 9, 2004
52 Rakugo May 17, 2004
53 Sounds of Japan May 23, 2004
54 Airplanes May 31, 2004
55 Learning from Edo: Recycling June 6, 2004
56 Japanese Garden June 13, 2004
57 Japanese Confectionery June 27, 2004
58 Shugendo and Faith July 4, 2004
59 Japanese Ships July 11, 2004
60 Fashion July 18, 2004
61 The Japanese Face July 25, 2004
62 Kagura August 1, 2004
63 Vending Machines August 8, 2004
64 Japanese Tableware September 5, 2004
65 80 Years of Life September 12, 2004
66 Japanese Jazz September 19, 2004
67 Tokyo Tourism - Yanaka Neighborhood October 3, 2004
68 Bushido October 10, 2004
69 Changing Akihabara October 17, 2004
70 Golf in Japan October 24, 2004
71 Bonsai October 31, 2004

Season 2 (May 2005 - January 2008)

# Name Air date
1 Japanese Rock May 7, 2005
2 Sho May 21, 2005
3 Japanese and Mathematics June 11, 2005
4 Ramen June 25, 2005
5 Sentō July 23, 2005
6 Origami July 30, 2005
7 Exploring Nagoya August 6, 2005
8 Robot September 17, 2005
9 Edokomon September 24, 2005
10 Young Entrepreneurs in Japan October 8, 2005
11 J-Pop October 15, 2005
12 Baby Boomers' Consumer Activities October 29, 2005
13 Eco Cars November 12, 2005
14 Japanese Lights December 11, 2005
15 Japanese People and the Stars November 26, 2005
16 Yokohama Triennale 2005 December 3, 2005
17 Mottainai! December 17, 2005
18 Soba December 24, 2005
19 Japanese People and Hot Springs December 31, 2005
20 J League January 7, 2006
21 Taiko - Japanese Drums January 14, 2006
22 Washi: Wrapping Technique and Spirit January 21, 2006
23 Japanese People and Monkeys January 28, 2006
24 Small Houses February 4, 2006
25 Soy Sauce February 11, 2006
26 Ukiyo-e February 18, 2006
27 Japanese People and Fish February 25, 2006
28 Japan Fashion Week March 4, 2006
29 Cool Japan: Japanese Pop Culture March 11, 2006
30 Hay Fever March 18, 2006
31 Out & About — Best Of Selection (Part 1) March 25, 2006
32 Out & About — Best OF Selection (Part 2) April 1, 2006
33 Sake April 17, 2006
34 Japanese Language April 24, 2006
35 Buyō May 1, 2006
36 Kyoto Cityscape Preservation May 15, 2006
37 Japanese Castles May 22, 2006
38 Japanese Garden Plants May 29, 2006
39 Mt. Fuji June 5, 2006
40 The World of Tsuguharu Foujita June 12, 2006
41 Buddha Statues June 19, 2006
42 Ikebana July 3, 2006
43 Japanese Travel Culture July 10, 2006
44 Japan in Advertisements July 17, 2006
45 Home Appliances July 24, 2006
46 Tatami July 31, 2006
47 Asakusa August 21, 2006
48 Kamakura August 27, 2006
49 Udon August 28, 2006
50 Japanese Rivers September 4, 2006
51 Zazen Breathing Method September 11, 2006
52 Incense Culture September 25, 2006
53 Science Education in Japan October 2, 2006
54 Umeboshi October 9, 2006
55 Jōmon people October 16, 2006
56 Minakata Kumagusu October 22, 2006
57 Koizumi Yakumo and Japanese Kokoro October 23, 2006
58 Okami-san October 30, 2006
59 Small Theater Plays November 20, 2006
60 Tempura November 27, 2006
61 Rice Cultivation December 18, 2006
62 Itō Jakuchū and Edo Paintings December 25, 2006
63 Kyōgen January 8, 2007
64 Winter in Japan January 15, 2007
65 Nishikigoi - Koi Carp January 22, 2007
66 Convenience Stores January 29, 2007
67 Nabemono February 5, 2007
68 Snow in Japan February 12, 2007
69 Fishing February 19, 2007
70 Dashi February 26, 2007
71 Manzai March 5, 2007
72 Shamisen March 12, 2007
73 Japanese Wine March 19, 2007
74 Migratory Birds and Japan March 26, 2007
75 Japanese Patterns April 2, 2007
76 Island Country Japan April 16, 2007
77 Laughter in Japan April 30, 2007
78 Kendo May 7, 2007
79 The Charm of Japanese Lacquerware May 14, 2007
80 The Turning Point for Japanese-style Employment May 21, 2007
81 Shōchū May 28, 2007
82 Shōgi June 4, 2007
83 Tanka June 11, 2007
84 Forest Regeneration June 18, 2007
85 Tofu June 25, 2007
86 Osaka Traditional Performing Art: Bunraku July 2, 2007
87 The Heart of Osaka/The Heart of Beauty June 16, 2007
88 Shikoku Pilgrimage July 23, 2007
89 High-tech Japanese Ancient Technology August 27, 2007
90 Ekiben September 3, 2007
91 Disaster Prevention: Wisdom to Live in an Earthquake-prone Country September 10, 2007
92 Dolls September 17, 2007
93 Kimono Beauty and Technique September 24, 2007
94 Tokyo Station October 1, 2007
95 Miso October 20, 2007
96 Tarō Okamoto October 27, 2007
97 Onomatopoeia: The Charm of Mimetic Words November 3, 2007
98 Bamboo in Japan November 10, 2007
99 Sukiya Architecture November 17, 2007
100 Japanese Television Technology November 24, 2007
101 Crows in Tokyo December 1, 2007
102 Natsume Sōseki December 8, 2007
103 Unagi December 22, 2007
104 Isamu Noguchi and Japan January 12, 2008
105 Enka January 19, 2008

List of Begin Japanology episodes

Season 1 (April 2008 - December 2008)

# Name Air date
1 Bento April 14, 2008
2 Miyazawa Kenji April 21, 2008
3 Lacquerware April 28, 2008
4 Rakugo May 5, 2008
5 Tsukiji Market May 12, 2008
6 Yoshoku May 19, 2008
7 Kyudo May 26, 2008
8 Tea Ceremony Architecture June 2, 2008
9 Dagashi-ya June 9, 2008
10 Nihon Buyo June 16, 2008
11 Abacus June 23, 2008
12 Ryukyu Kimono June 30, 2008
13 Bamboo July 14, 2008
14 Shirakawa-go July 21, 2008
15 Fireworks July 28, 2008
16 Hanging scrolls August 17, 2008
17 The Tale of Genji: Part 1 August 24, 2008
18 The Tale of Genji: Part 2 August 31, 2008
19 Matcha September 7, 2008
20 Tokyo Tower September 14, 2008
21 Dashi September 21, 2008
22 Oribe-yaki (pottery) September 28, 2008
23 The Colorful World of Utagawa Hiroshige October 5, 2008
24 The Seven Gods of Good Fortune October 12, 2008
25 Sushi October 19, 2008
26 Mikoshi (portable shrines) October 26, 2008
27 Yuzen Kimono November 2, 2008
28 Buddhist Statues November 9, 2008
29 Hot springs November 16, 2008
30 Fish November 23, 2008
31 Tatami (straw mats) December 1, 2008
32 Castles December 8, 2008
33 Miso December 15, 2008

Season 2 (January 2009 - December 2009)

# Name Air Date
1 Nishijin-ori January 19, 2009
2 Kyoto Lacquerware January 26, 2009
3 Sake February 2, 2009
4 Katsura Rikyu February 9, 2009
5 Bonsai February 16, 2009
6 The Four Seasons February 23, 2009
7 Hina Dolls March 2, 2009
8 Nagasaki March 9, 2009
9 Five-Story Pagodas March 16, 2009
10 Cherry blossoms March 23, 2009
11 Chopsticks April 3, 2009
12 Aizome April 10, 2009
13 Bunraku April 17, 2009
14 Kiriko Cut Glass April 24, 2009
15 Traditional Folk Houses May 8, 2009
16 Tea Ceremony May 15, 2009
17 Soba May 22, 2009
18 Origami May 29, 2009
19 Imari Porcelain June 5, 2009
20 Folding Fan June 19, 2009
21 Kaiseki Cuisine July 10, 2009
22 The Sounds of Japan July 17, 2009
23 Masks July 24, 2009
24 Satoyama July 31, 2009
25 Kendo August 29, 2009
26 The Fragrances of Japan September 4, 2009
27 Spinning Tops September 11, 2009
28 Rock and Stone September 18, 2009
29 Ink Brushes September 25, 2009
30 Tsukemono October 2, 2009
31 Dogs October 9, 2009
32 Ramen October 16, 2009
33 Rice October 23, 2009
34 Shinto Shrine October 30, 2009
35 Festivals November 6, 2009
36 Shinkansen November 13, 2009
37 Gagaku November 20, 2009
38 Marriage November 27, 2009
39 Shogi December 4, 2009
40 Nabe Cuisine December 11, 2009
41 Sword December 18, 2009

Season 3 (January 2010 - December 2010)

# Name Air Date
1 Sentou January 8, 2010
2 Karuta January 15, 2010
3 Taiko January 22, 2010
4 Cram School January 29, 2010
5 Light February 5, 2010
6 Footwear February 12, 2010
7 Monkey February 19, 2010
8 Soy Sauce February 26, 2010
9 Tuna March 5, 2010
10 Fusuma March 12, 2010
11 Pearl March 19, 2010
12 Todaiji April 2, 2010
13 School Lunches April 9, 2010
14 Geiko and Maiko April 16, 2010
15 Robots April 23, 2010
16 Wasabi April 30, 2010
17 Women's Fashion Magazines May 14, 2010
18 Izakaya May 21, 2010
19 Apartments and Condominiums May 28, 2010
20 Towns and Neighbourhoods June 11, 2010
21 Tempura June 18, 2010
22 Subways June 25, 2010
23 Hairstyles July 2, 2010
24 Home Appliances July 9, 2010
25 Roof Tiles July 16, 2010
26 Miniaturization July 23, 2010
27 Silk August 13, 2010
28 Soybeans August 20, 2010
29 Curry August 25, 2010
30 Dams September 3, 2010
31 Hotels September 10, 2010
32 Radio Calisthenics September 17, 2010
33 Ekiben September 24, 2010
34 Bridges October 8, 2010
35 Earthquakes October 15, 2010
36 Chrysanthemums October 22, 2010
37 Cameras November 4, 2010
38 Hiragana November 11, 2010
39 Udon November 18, 2010
40 Money November 25, 2010
41 Nishikigoi December 2, 2010
42 Volcanoes December 9, 2010
43 Firefighting December 16, 2010

Season 4 (January 2011 - December 2011)

# Name Air Date
1 Mochi Rice Cake January 13, 2011
2 Watches and Clocks January 20, 2011
3 Fugu Blowfish January 27, 2011
4 Haneda Airport February 3, 2011
5 Kagura Dances February 10, 2011
6 Snow February 17, 2011
7 Pollen Allergy March 3, 2011
8 Sashimono Woodwork March 10, 2011
9 Cranes April 7, 2011
10 Kitchen Knives April 14, 2011
11 Fishing April 21, 2011
12 Armour April 28, 2011
13 Judo May 5, 2011
14 The Life of Taro Okamoto May 12, 2011
15 The Life of Osamu Dazai May 19, 2011
16 The Life of Kenzo Tange May 26, 2011
17 The Life of Hideko Maehata June 2, 2011
18 Toilets June 9, 2011
19 Lifts June 16, 2011
20 Motorcycles June 23, 2011
21 Unagi Eel June 30, 2011
22 Japanophiles – Ilan Yanizky July 7, 2011
23 Japanophiles – Silvain Guignard July 14, 2011
24 Japanophiles – Stéphane Danton July 21, 2011
25 Japanophiles – Dorothy Feibleman July 28, 2011
26 Plastic Food Samples August 18, 2011
27 Insects August 25, 2011
28 Traditional Japanese Mathematics September 1, 2011
29 Bicycles September 8, 2011
30 Chusonji September 15, 2011
31 Seaweed September 29, 2011
32 Charcoal October 6, 2011
33 Rain October 13, 2011
34 Golf October 20, 2011
35 Shipbuilding October 27, 2011
36 Japanophiles – Bruce Huebner November 3, 2011
37 Japanophiles – Muhō Noelke November 10, 2011
38 Japanophiles – Matt Alt November 17, 2011
39 Karaoke November 24, 2011
40 Holidays December 1, 2011
41 Red Sea Bream December 8, 2011
42 Shopping Streets December 15, 2011
43 Chickens and Eggs December 22, 2011

Season 5 (January 2012 - December 2012)

# Name Air Date
1 Ekiden January 12, 2012
2 Batteries January 19, 2012
3 Cafes January 26, 2012
4 Hot Water Bottles and Pocket Warmers February 2, 2012
5 Ikebana February 9, 2012
6 Excavators February 16, 2012
7 Woods & Forests February 23, 2012
8 Japanophiles – Dhugal Lindsay March 1, 2012
9 Japanophiles – Richard Emmert March 8, 2012
10 Japanophiles – Art Lee March 15, 2012
11 Japanophiles – Philip Harper March 29, 2012
12 Kabuki April 5, 2012
13 Wild Vegetables April 12, 2012
14 Horses April 19, 2012
15 Massage Chairs April 26, 2012
16 Shikoku Pilgrimage May 3, 2012
17 Regional Fast Food May 10, 2012
18 Department Stores May 17, 2012
19 Kimonos May 24, 2012
20 Aquariums June 7, 2012
21 Confectionery June 14, 2012
22 Dolls June 21, 2012
23 Moss July 5, 2012
24 High School Baseball July 12, 2012
25 Planetariums July 19, 2012
26 Japanophiles – Adam Booth August 16, 2012
27 Japanophiles – Dave Spector August 23, 2012
28 Japanophiles – Euan Craig August 30, 2012
29 Shamisen September 6, 2012
30 Crested Ibises September 13, 2012
31 Abalone September 20, 2012
32 Tokyo Station October 4, 2012
33 Tokyo Skytree October 11, 2012
34 Tokyo Bay October 18, 2012
35 Potatoes, Taros, and Yams November 1, 2012
36 Name Seals November 8, 2012
37 Mushrooms November 15, 2012
38 Vending Machines November 22, 2012
39 Scissors December 6, 2012
40 Satsuma Mandarins December 13, 2012
41 Gift-giving December 20, 2012

Season 6 (January 2013 - December 2013)

# Name Air Date
1 Sumo January 10, 2013
2 Bathroom Scales January 17, 2013
3 Enka January 24, 2013
4 Small Factories January 31, 2013
5 Japanophiles – Azby Brown February 7, 2013
6 Japanophiles – Ernst Seiler February 14, 2013
7 Japanophiles – Yasokichi Konishiki February 21, 2013
8 Ume Plums March 7, 2013
9 Storehouses March 14, 2013
10 Wagyu March 21, 2013
11 Uniforms April 4, 2013
12 Rice Cookers April 11, 2013
13 Burial Mounds April 18, 2013
14 Stationery April 25, 2013
15 Bread May 2, 2013
16 Pine Trees May 9, 2013
17 Parcel Delivery May 16, 2013
18 Pro Wrestling May 23, 2013
19 Strawberries May 30, 2013
20 Calculators June 13, 2013
21 Television June 27, 2013
22 Lake Biwa July 4, 2013
23 Expressways July 11, 2013
24 Beer July 18, 2013
25 Japanophiles – Mike Harris August 1, 2013
26 Japanophiles – Karl Bengs August 8, 2013
27 Japanophiles – Kenny Omega August 15, 2013
28 Shakuhachi September 5, 2013
29 Convenience Stores September 12, 2013
30 Used Books September 19, 2013
31 Women's Nylons October 3, 2013
32 Remote Islands October 10, 2013
33 Characters and Mascots October 17, 2013
34 Grapes October 24, 2013
35 Makeup November 7, 2013
36 Ukiyo-e November 14, 2013
37 Buses November 21, 2013
38 Parties and Gatherings December 5, 2013
39 Conveyor Belt Sushi December 12, 2013
40 Pets December 19, 2013

Season 7 (January 2014 - March 2014)

# Name Air Date
1 Persimmons January 9, 2014
2 Nighttime Scenery January 16, 2014
3 Ise Jingu January 23, 2014
4 K-cars January 30, 2014
5 Japanophiles – Nancy Singleton Hachisu February 13, 2014
6 Japanophiles – Chris Hart February 20, 2014
7 Japanophiles – Rogier Uitenboogaart February 27, 2014
8 Railways March 6, 2014
9 Pianos March 13, 2014
10 Squid March 20, 2014

List of Japanology Plus episodes

Season 1 (April 2014 - March 2016)

# Name Air date
1 Bathhouses April 3, 2014
2 Ramen April 10, 2014
3 Mount Fuji April 17, 2014
4 Shogi April 24, 2014
5 Cherry Trees May 1, 2014
6 Akihabara May 8, 2014
7 Wagashi May 15, 2014
8 Ninja May 22, 2014
9 Rice May 29, 2014
10 Castles June 5, 2014
11 Japanophiles – Elizabeth Suzuki July 3, 2014
12 Japanophiles – Everett Kennedy Brown July 10, 2014
13 Japanophiles – Carolin Eckhardt July 17, 2014
14 Karaoke Boxes August 7, 2014
15 Bento August 14, 2014
16 Bamboo August 21, 2014
17 Taiko Drums September 4, 2014
18 Tsukiji Market September 11, 2014
19 Festivals September 18, 2014
20 Japanese Gardens September 25, 2014
21 Origami October 2, 2014
22 Buddhist Statues October 9, 2014
23 Yokai October 16, 2014
24 Shinkansen October 23, 2014
25 Lessons for Life November 6, 2014
26 Robots November 13, 2014
27 Sports Days November 20, 2014
28 Bonsai December 4, 2014
29 Sushi December 11, 2014
30 Geisha December 18, 2014
31 Japanophiles – Bartholomeus Greb January 8, 2015
32 Japanophiles – Ivan Vartanian January 15, 2015
33 Japanophiles – Alex Bennett January 22, 2015
34 The Seikan Tunnel February 5, 2015
35 Snow Country February 12, 2015
36 Comedy February 19, 2015
37 Tokyo Metropolitan Expressway April 2, 2015
38 A Season of Change April 16, 2015
39 Waste and Recycling April 23, 2015
40 Period Dramas April 30, 2015
41 The Weight Loss Industry May 7, 2015
42 Dams May 14, 2015
43 Izakaya May 28, 2015
44 Craft Beer June 4, 2015
45 Fermented Foods June 11, 2015
46 Umbrellas June 18, 2015
47 Job Hunting June 25, 2015
48 Japanophiles - Amir Takahashi July 9, 2015
49 The English Conversation Business July 16, 2015
50 English at School July 23, 2015
51 Shrine & Temple Carpenters August 6, 2015
52 Bunraku August 12, 2015
53 Kids' Summer Holidays September 3, 2015
54 Swimming September 10, 2015
55 Haunted Houses September 17, 2015
56 Onsen October 1, 2015
57 Japanophiles - Andrew Mancabelli October 8, 2015
58 Cameras October 15, 2015
59 Wrapping and Packaging October 22, 2015
60 Tokyo Housing November 12, 2015
61 Japanophiles - Adam Zgola November 19, 2015
62 Kombu November 26, 2015
63 Hotels and Inns December 3, 2015
64 Tidying Up December 10, 2015
65 Mt. Takao December 17, 2015
66 Japanophiles - Maud Archambault January 7, 2016
67 Silk January 14, 2016
68 Underground Tokyo January 28, 2016
69 Earthquake Preparedness February 11, 2016
70 Japanophiles - Jorge Cabeza Fernandez February 25, 2016
71 Japanophiles - Pico Iyer March 3, 2016
72 Okinawan Dance March 17, 2016

Season 2 (April 2016 - March 2019)

# Name Air date
01 Whisky April 7, 2016
02 Quest for Perfect Skin April 14, 2016
03 Bladed Tools April 21, 2016
04 Family Crests May 5, 2016
05 Breakfast May 12, 2016
06 Footwear May 19, 2016
07 Running June 2, 2016
08 Emoji June 16, 2016
09 Ekiben June 23, 2016
10 Bicycles June 30, 2016
11 Kimono July 7, 2016
12 Kokeshi Dolls July 28, 2016
13 Shinise - Long-Established Businesses August 4, 2016
14 Japanophiles: Rezaul Karim Chowdhury August 11, 2016
15 Toilets August 18, 2016
16 Bridges August 25, 2016
17 A Nation of Singers September 1, 2016
18 Restoring Castles September 8, 2016
19 Volcanoes September 29, 2016
20 School Club Activities October 6, 2016
21 Smells October 13, 2016
22 Paper October 20, 2016
23 Japanophiles: Paul Lorimer November 3, 2016
24 Katsuobushi December 1, 2016
25 Day Care for Kids December 8, 2016
26 Sweets and Snacks December 15, 2016
27 Hairdressing December 22, 2016
28 Japanophiles: Carine Lafitte January 5, 2017
29 Noh Theater January 26, 2017
30 Moving Services February 2, 2017
31 Okinawan Karate February 9, 2017
32 Sleep February 16, 2017
33 Tokyo Rail Network February 23, 2017
34 Denim March 2, 2017
35 Japanophiles: Randy Channell Soei March 9, 2017
36 Japanophiles: Zoe Vincent March 30, 2017
37 Buddhist Altars April 4, 2017
38 Driving Schools April 12, 2017
39 Curry April 19, 2017
40 Cafes May 2, 2017
41 Japanophiles: Yoram Ofer May 23, 2017
42 School Lunch June 6, 2017
43 Capsule Toys June 20, 2017
44 Buses June 27, 2017
45 Traditional Music July 4, 2017
46 Traditional Music in Modern Life July 11, 2017
47 Japanophiles: Nsenda Lukumwena July 18, 2017
48 Urban Renewal August 1, 2017
49 Fireworks August 15, 2017
50 Anthropomorphism August 22, 2017
51 2D Characters: Origins and Evolution August 29, 2017
52 Children and Sports September 5, 2017
53 Amusement Parks September 12, 2017
54 Japanophiles: Tyler Lynch September 26, 2017
55 Particle Physics Research October 3, 2017
56 Shrine Duties October 17, 2017
57 Special Rescue Teams October 24, 2017
58 The Wonders of Air Travel October 31, 2017
59 Japanophiles: Fernando Lopez November 21, 2017
60 Changing Perceptions of Cars November 28, 2017
61 The Way of Tea: Wellspring of Omotenashi, Part 1 December 12, 2017
62 The Way of Tea: Wellspring of Omotenashi, Part 2 December 19, 2017
63 Ocean Fishing January 9, 2018
64 The Police January 16, 2018
65 Japanophiles: Stephanie Tomiyasu January 23, 2018
66 New Trends in Logistics February 6, 2018
67 Game Arcades February 13, 2018
68 Snow Removal February 20, 2018
69 Shopping Streets March 6, 2018
70 Japanophiles: Bjorn Heiberg March 13, 2018
71 Regional Transport Crisis March 20, 2018
72 Miniature Culture March 27, 2018
73 Marriage April 3, 2018
74 100 Yen Shops April 10, 2018
75 Deep-fried Food April 17, 2018
76 Lighthouses May 1, 2018
77 Japanophiles: David E. Wells May 22, 2018
78 Industrial Heritage June 5, 2018
79 Graves June 19, 2018
80 Rice Cultivation June 26, 2018
81 The Ogasawara Islands: A Multicultural Heritage July 3, 2018
82 The Ogasawara Islands: A Turbulent History July 10, 2018
83 Japanophiles: Bruce Gutlove July 17, 2018
84 Roadside Stations July 31, 2018
85 Summer Resorts August 7, 2018
86 Yurei: Japanese Ghosts August 21, 2018
87 Radio Calisthenics September 4, 2018
88 Underground Shopping Streets September 11, 2018
89 Japanophiles: Jagmohan S. Chandrani September 25, 2018
90 A Sense of the Divine October 2, 2018
91 Earthquake-resistant Architecture October 9, 2018
92 School Sports Days October 16, 2018
93 School Satchels October 30, 2018
94 Aquariums November 6, 2018
95 Onigiri: Rice Balls November 13, 2018
96 Japanophiles: David Stanley Hewett November 20, 2018
97 Coffee November 27, 2018
98 Meiji-era Advisors December 11, 2018
99 School Uniforms December 18, 2018
100 Soba Restaurants December 25, 2018
101 Roof Tilers January 8, 2019
102 Japanophiles: Thomas Bertrand January 29, 2019
103 Hidden Christians: Part 1 February 19, 2019
104 Hidden Christians: Part 2 February 26, 2019
105 Wood: Culture March 5, 2019
106 Wood: Carpentry March 12, 2019
107 Japanophiles: Oussouby Sacko March 19, 2019
108 Meat March 26, 2019

Season 3 (April 2019 - March 2021)

# Name Air date
01 Popular Theater April 2, 2019
02 Oni: Japanese Ogres April 16, 2019
03 Japanese Dog Breeds April 30, 2019
04 Japanophiles: Peter MacMillan May 21, 2019
05 Konamon: Flour-based Cuisine June 11, 2019
06 Frozen Food June 25, 2019
07 Slippers July 9, 2019
08 Japanophiles: Ondrej Hybl July 23, 2019
09 Tokyo: Water July 30, 2019
10 Tokyo: Backstreets and Alleys August 6, 2019
11 Mechanical Dolls August 27, 2019
12 Swords September 10, 2019
13 Bathrooms October 1, 2019
14 Japanophiles: David Atkinson October 8, 2019
15 Monkeys October 15, 2019
16 Banknotes November 5, 2019
17 Plasterwork November 12, 2019
18 Japanophiles: Wolfgang Loeger November 19, 2019
19 Insects December 3, 2019
20 Donburi: Rice Bowls December 10, 2019
21 Osechi: New Year's Food January 7, 2020
22 Japanophiles: Thomas Ainsworth January 28, 2020
23 Sunakku Bars February 18, 2020
24 Tohoku Nine Years On: Living with Ghosts March 10, 2020
25 Tohoku Nine Years On: Voices of the Deceased March 17, 2020
26 Japanophiles: Harold George Meij March 24, 2020
27 Laundry Services April 7, 2020
28 Miso April 21, 2020
29 Japanophiles: Johan Nilsson Bjoerk August 4, 2020
30 Japan vs. Epidemics August 18, 2020
31 Wasabi September 1, 2020
32 Geisha: A Sunset Trade? September 8, 2020
33 Expert Craft Skills September 15, 2020
34 Japanophiles: Kim Seungbok September 29, 2020
35 Aloha Shirts October 6, 2020
36 Japanophiles: Gyoei Saile October 13, 2020
37 Rice Snacks October 20, 2020
38 Urban Workshops November 3, 2020
39 Tokyo Rooftops November 10, 2020
40 Tokyo Stories #1: Josh Grisdale November 17, 2020
41 Tokyo Stories #2: Mateusz Urbanowicz November 24, 2020
42 Japanophiles: Anna Bugaeva December 1, 2020
43 Mushrooms December 22, 2020
44 Kamishibai: Paper Theater December 29, 2020
45 Moss January 12, 2021
46 Libraries January 19, 2021
47 Japanophiles: Sheila Cliffe January 26, 2021
48 Ukiyo-e February 2, 2021
49 Japanophiles: Richard Halberstadt March 16, 2021

Season 4 (April 2021 - March 2022)

# Name Air date
01 Cleaning Tools April 8, 2021
02 Lacquerware April 22, 2021
03 Suits May 6, 2021
04 Emergency Goods May 13, 2021
05 Japanophiles: Chad Mullane May 27, 2021
06 Furoshiki: Wrapping Cloths June 3, 2021
07 Japan vs. Epidemics, Part 2: Modern History June 17, 2021
08 Tiny Houses July 1, 2021
09 Watches & Clocks July 8, 2021
10 Plastic Food Samples July 15, 2021
11 Japanophiles: Asa Ekstrom July 29, 2021
12 Cats and Japan August 5, 2021
13 Personal Robots September 2, 2021
14 Scissors September 16, 2021
15 Japanophiles: Marty Friedman September 30, 2021
16 Luck October 7, 2021
17 Tatami October 28, 2021
18 Chests & Cabinets November 11, 2021
19 Japanophiles: Nicholas Rennick December 2, 2021
20 Bamboo December 16, 2021
21 Ainu: A National Museum of Ainu Culture December 23, 2021
22 Ainu: A New Generation December 30, 2021
23 Japanophiles: Tom Hovasse January 6, 2022
24 Kotatsu: Heated Tables January 13, 2022
25 VTubers January 20, 2022
26 Traditional Homes February 17, 2022
27 Jomon Period: The Sannai Maruyama Site March 10, 2022
28 Jomon Period: Dogu March 17, 2022
29 Japanophiles: Steve Tallon March 24, 2022

Season 5 (April 2022 - Ongoing)

# Name Air date
1 Face Masks April 14, 2022
2 Washi: Japanese Paper April 28, 2022
3 Name Stamps and Seals May 12, 2022
4 Showa Nostalgia May 19, 2022
5 Japanophiles: Claudio Feliciani June 2, 2022
6 Keitora: Tiny Trucks June 16, 2022
7 Vinyl Records June 30, 2022
8 Okinawa: The Ryukyu Kingdom July 14, 2022
9 Okinawa: The Reconstruction of Shuri Castle July 21, 2022
10 Frozen Food July 28, 2022
11 Japanophiles: Gregory Khezrnejat August 11, 2022
12 Goldfish August 25, 2022
13 Welfare Goods September 8, 2022
14 Water-related Disasters September 29, 2022
15 Japanophiles: Andrew Dewar October 13, 2022
16 The Moon October 20, 2022
17 Cardboard November 24, 2022
18 The Samurai of the Sea: Pirates or Protectors? December 8, 2022
19 The Samurai of the Sea: The Murakami Legacy December 15, 2022
20 Japanophiles: Colleen Schmuckal December 22, 2022
21 Kitchens January 12, 2023
22 Satsumaimo: Sweet Potatoes February 9, 2023
23 Dinosaurs March 2, 2023
24 Japanophiles: Kyle Holzhueter March 23, 2023
25 Camping April 13, 2023
26 Male Aesthetics April 27, 2023
27 Konnyaku May 11, 2023
28 Japanophiles: Isabelle Sasaki May 25, 2023
29 Ueno June 8, 2023
30 Meteorological Data June 22, 2023
31 Amami Oshima: Paradise Found July 6, 2023
32 Amami Oshima: Shaped by Adversity July 13, 2023
33 Japanophiles: Francesco Panto August 3, 2023
34 Vacant Homes August 17, 2023
35 Rokyoku: Musical Storytelling August 31, 2023
36 Japanese Honeybees September 14, 2023
37 Japanophiles: Martin Holman September 28, 2023
38 Unused Fish October 12, 2023
39 Garbage October 26, 2023
40 Firefighting November 9, 2023
41 Japanophiles: Benjamin Flatt November 23, 2023
42 Izumo: Home of the Gods December 7, 2023
43 Izumo: Land of the Supernatural December 14, 2023
44 Active Seniors January 4, 2024
45 Forestry January 25, 2024

References

  1. ^ Begin Japanology at IMDb Edit this at Wikidata
  2. ^ "Weekend Japanology". TheTVDB.com.
  3. ^ Begin Japanology at IMDb Edit this at Wikidata
  4. ^ "Begin Japanology". TheTVDB.com.
  5. ^ Begin Japanology at IMDb Edit this at Wikidata
  6. ^ a b "About Japanology Plus – TV – NHK World – English". NHK World. NHK. Retrieved October 29, 2017.

External links

  • Japanology Plus official website
  • BEGIN Japanology official website – NHK World at the Wayback Machine (archived February 27, 2017)
  • https://www.thetvdb.com/series/weekend-japanology
  • https://www.thetvdb.com/series/begin-japanology
  • https://www.thetvdb.com/series/japanology-plus