Season 2 Episodes
41 episodes1
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.
36
Shinkansen
37
Gagaku
38
Marriage
39
Shogi
40
Nabe Cuisine
41
Sword