Japanology Plus Season 11

While Japan's population ages, many "active seniors" energetically participate in work and hobbies. An 88-year-old programmer and 104-year-old timepiece repairer show the secrets of senior success.

Two-thirds of Japan is covered in forest, and wood has long been the building material of choice. But today, forests are in poor condition. We look at current efforts to revitalize forestry in Japan.

Matthew Headland, a Canadian, works in marketing at a hand-hammered copperware workshop. In a Japanophiles interview, he shares his enthusiasm for the craft with Peter Barakan.

It's a 20th anniversary special! Presenters and viewers join Peter Barakan to look at some highlights. Part one features musician and Japanology fan Todd Rundgren, sake tasting and taiko drumming.

It's a 20th anniversary special! Presenters and viewers join Peter Barakan to look back at some highlights. Part two features fans from around the world discussing great moments from the show's past.

After a slow start, Japanese washing machines have become some of the most advanced in the world. We look at their development and the latest innovations.

Japan's many vacant homes are being used as investments, hotel rooms and opportunities for creative renovation. We discover ways to reimagine properties that were once regarded as almost worthless.

Nicoleta Oprisan from Romania is highly skilled at ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. In a Japanophiles interview, she speaks about ikebana's power to communicate without words.

Wakocha, black tea grown and processed in Japan, is winning major international awards. To discover why, Peter Barakan speaks to tea farmers, picks tea leaves, and tastes different varieties.

Roughly 90% of Japan's plastic models are made in Shizuoka, a city whose manufacturing roots date back to shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. We explore the latest developments for Japan's superb plastic models.