All Available Episode
All Season 2 Episode
1. Nishijin-ori
2. Kyoto Lacquerware
3. Sake
4. Katsura Rikyu
5. Bonsai
6. The Four Seasons
7. Hina Dolls
8. Nagasaki
9. Five-Storey Pagodas
10. Cherry Blossoms
11. Chopsticks
12. Aizome
13. Bunraku
14. Kiriko Cut Glass
15. Traditional Folk Houses
16. Tea Ceremony
17. Soba
18. Origami
19. Imari Porcelain
20. Folding Fan
21. Kaiseki Cuisine
22. The Sounds of Japan
23. Masks
24. Satoyama
25. Kendo
26. The Fragrances of Japan
27. Spinning Tops
28. Rock and Stone
29. Ink Brushes
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.
30. Tsukemono
31. Dogs
32. Ramen
33. Rice
34. Shinto Shrine
35. Festivals
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.