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A five-minute series where you can explore a wide variety of Japanese cultures, traditions and lifestyles.
2023
Japanese paper, known as washi, is attractively textured and extremely durable. In Japan, it's used in everything from sliding doors to banknotes. Paper first arrived from China around the 7th century and spread alongside Buddhism. Recently, crafts featuring washi have been getting attention outside Japan, and new paper production methods―including using vegetable scraps―have been popping up. In a 5-minute digest, we explore washi's role in modern society and examine how it represents Japanese aesthetics.
For hundreds of years, Japanese people have used name stamps, known as hanko, to sign their name. People use hanko in everyday situations, such as receiving a parcel, and in formal contexts, such as business transactions and marriage registrations. However, the move toward remote work, triggered by the COVID-19 pandemic, affected how these stamps were used. In a 5-minute digest, we discover the history of hanko and explore what a hanko-free future might look like.
"Keitora" are light pickup trucks that are unique to Japan. Valued for their performance and convenience, they're widely used for agriculture and construction, and are also adapted into mobile sales vehicles, fire trucks and camper vans. One town even has a keitora sauna that contributes to local revitalization. In a 5-minute digest, we introduce the surprising possibilities of keitora in work, leisure and everyday life.
In Japan, goldfish are a symbol of summer. Around 40 varieties are common, ranging from the beautiful to the comical. A single ranchu―known as the "king of goldfish"―can cost millions of yen. Goldfish have their roots in China, where a genetic mutation produced red carp over 1,500 years ago. How did they become the colorful, diverse fish so beloved in Japan today? In a 5-minute digest, we ask why goldfish are seen as auspicious and introduce their usage as an artistic motif.
The cardboard beds used during the Tokyo 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games captured global attention. That was just one example of the many innovative ways in which Japan has made use of this humble material. Modern cardboard can be insect-repellent, waterproof or strong enough to carry a piano. It's also used in emergency goods such as rooms and toilets. In fact, people in Japan use roughly 150 new cardboard boxes a year. In a 5-minute digest, we examine a broad range of cardboard products.
2022
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at the significance of cats in Japan. Cats have recently become the most-owned pets in Japan, and their popularity continues to grow with cat cafes and similar businesses proliferating. However, feral cats are a problem in cities, and local communities are searching for solutions.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at scissors. After arriving in Japan, they evolved in unique ways. Japanese artisans applied traditional sword-making techniques to the creation of a broad variety of highly specialized and customized tools. Distinctive scissors play a key role in various aspects of Japanese culture, including flower arranging and kimono making.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at tatami mats: a quintessentially Japanese flooring material. Tatami mats are made from rice straw covered in woven soft rush. This gives them just the right amount of give, and a fresh natural fragrance. Tatami rooms are used for eating, sleeping and relaxing. They're also important for the tea ceremony and martial arts.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at bamboo. For thousands of years, this sturdy, supple and abundant plant has been essential in Japanese crafts and construction. It can also be eaten: bamboo shoots are a taste of spring. In the near future, a material made from extremely thin bamboo fibers is expected to be used in space.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at Kotatsu: low tables with a heat source and a quilt. For generations, people have gathered around them in the cold winter months. They're cozy and comfortable; perfect for watching TV, studying and chatting to family and friends. In modern times, Kotatsu are evolving to suit changing lifestyles.
2020
We bring you a five-minute digest of "Japanology Plus," a show that explores Japanese culture from various angles. This time we focus on swords as weapons, status symbols and works of art.
We bring you a five-minute digest of "Japanology Plus," a show that explores Japanese culture from various angles. This time we focus on bathrooms and learn how the bathing culture has evolved.
We bring you a five-minute digest of "Japanology Plus," a show that explores Japanese culture from various angles. This time we focus on the relationship between Japanese people and monkeys.
We bring you a five-minute digest of "Japanology Plus," a show that explores Japanese culture. This time we focus on banknotes and learn about Japan's state-of-the-art paper currency.
2024
In recent years, a sense of nostalgia has been spreading among young people in Japan for the Showa era, which lasted from 1926 to 1989. A theme park has opened a recreation of a 1960s shopping street. Radio-cassette players and colorful retro designs are once again popular. And long-established cafes serve recipes that haven't changed in decades. We introduce some of the cultural elements defining an era that many Japanese people consider the "good old days."
Frozen food is extremely popular in Japan. A supermarket may have a dedicated section with hundreds of frozen items. While pasta is the most popular frozen food, options range from chopped vegetables to sushi. One key to the success of frozen food is flash freezing, which limits damage to food cells during the freezing process, thus preserving taste and texture. Flash freezing is a great way to make food last longer. We review the history of Japanese frozen food and introduce recent innovations.
The waxing and waning moon. Throughout Japan's history, it has been loved, cherished and given many special names. Moon-viewing events are held across the country at the time of the beautiful harvest moon, which occurs during the eighth month of the traditional calendar. And the moon's gravitational pull has long been important in agriculture and fishing. We introduce Japan's aesthetic appreciation of the moon and look at some new technology being developed for use on the lunar surface itself.
Many Japanese kitchens are now hyper-modern, but two or three centuries ago, most were basic spaces with dirt floors. One turning point came after the Second World War. Large apartment complexes built to address a housing shortage needed to be compact. For the first time, cooking and eating spaces were combined into one carefully designed "dining kitchen." Since then, kitchens have improved in both comfort and convenience. We introduce the ongoing evolution of the Japanese kitchen.
Sweet potatoes are a popular food throughout Japan. They're baked, simmered, added to soup, and turned into confectionery. Baked sweet potatoes are a beloved street food. Recently, sweet potatoes have also been used for purposes other than food. They've been planted on rooftops to keep buildings cool, and waste material from sweet potatoes has been fermented to produce methane for use in generating electricity. We introduce the increasingly diverse ways in which sweet potatoes are used and sold.
Once thought to have no dinosaur fossils, Japan is now a hot spot for dinosaur discovery. The excavation of Kamuysaurus japonicus in Hokkaido Prefecture overturned the conventional wisdom. It sparked a nationwide enthusiasm for dinosaurs that led to new forms of entertainment, including dinosaur robots in hotels and mechanical dino-suits used in live performances. We look into Japan's love for dinosaurs.
Camping is increasingly popular in Japan, with around eight million people participating annually—in various different ways. Popular styles include women-only trips and solo camping. Some people prefer glamping, where they don't have to set up their own tent. Camping has also been drawing attention as a good way to develop useful survival skills. We investigate why so many people in Japan are going camping these days, and look at some new equipment options.
Male cosmetics are popular products in Japan, even as challenging economic conditions continue. Social media and the increase of remote work meetings have contributed to a growing concern among men about their appearance. The popularity of hair removal treatments is evidence of that trend. But a look back at Japanese history shows that men have used cosmetic products for over a thousand years. We look at the evolution of male aesthetics in Japan.
Konnyaku is an important element of Japanese cuisine. It has long been known as a high-fiber, diet-friendly food, and in recent years it's been shown to offer health benefits such as reducing the risk of dementia and lowering blood sugar levels. Konnyaku is a chewy, jelly-like food made from the extremely bitter corm of the konjac plant. How is it processed? And what other uses does it have? We observe how it's made and look at the many dishes that incorporate this surprising food.
One in every seven homes is empty in Japan. These 9 million vacant properties may increase the risk of fire and unlawful entry, or negatively impact local real estate prices. But new initiatives are emerging to make use of them. One regional community turned empty homes into shops and offices for technology companies, which led to an increase in the local population. In Tokyo, new tenants in formerly vacant storefronts have revitalized a shopping street. We investigate the issue of vacant homes in Japan and discover some creative solutions.
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2026
Spaces under Japan's elevated train tracks are being used in a variety of ways, from restaurants to skate parks. Some towns are utilizing these spaces as part of their regional revitalization efforts.
Japan's comfort food, onigiri. We explore new types trending on social media, the latest convenience-store offerings, and an emergency version that can be stored at room temperature for five years.
End-of-life planning is spreading in Japan. Some people are planning ahead and choosing low-cost shared graves over family graves, while some cities are offering end-of-life planning support.
As the need for circular economies grows, there's an increasing focus on repair. We see broken appliances being rebuilt at the circuit-board level and old clothes being given creative makeovers.
Octopuses have been part of the Japanese diet for centuries. Today, some people even keep them as pets. Octopus catches have been decreasing, but efforts to farm them on land are now underway.
2021
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at bladed tools. These items are used in countless situations, from cooking at home to providing frontline medical care. Made using incredible skill and traditional techniques, Japan's bladed tools even play an integral role in Japan's cuisine.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at deep-fried food. This type of cooking is enjoyed as takeaway items and also made at home. Golden on the outside, and tender and juicy on the inside, deep-fried foods hold a special place in the hearts of Japanese people.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at rice cultivation. Introduced to Japan thousands of years ago, rice cultivation requires community effort and collaboration. Even today, most rice eaten in Japan is grown domestically. This means rice cultivation continues to be an essential part of Japanese society.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at soba restaurants. Found throughout Japan, these restaurants serve a variety of soba dishes. From auspicious dishes served on New Year's Eve, to a quick meal wolfed down at a standing-only restaurant, soba is a quintessential part of Japanese cuisine.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at Japanese dog breeds. They are quite difficult to train, because they become attached to a specific individual. There are 6 breeds native to Japan, including Shiba Inu and Akita. All of them were originally hunting dogs. They evolved to suit the region they lived in.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at Konamon: flour-based cuisine. Two popular examples are takoyaki, spherical snacks made with octopus; and Okonomiyaki, vegetables, seafood and meat mixed with batter. Having existed for centuries, Konamon, evolved in the 19th century, then took off after the Second World War, becoming a firm favorite.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at Karakuri Ningyo, or mechanical dolls. They don't use electricity or motors. Instead, they use clever mechanisms to achieve realistic, lifelike movement. Whether serving tea or performing acrobatic feats, the dolls have been entertaining the public for centuries.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at plasterwork. This traditional craft is used everywhere, from castles to homes. The people responsible are plasterers, who use specialized tools and time-honored methods to achieve lustrous finishes and decorative motifs. Their diverse modes of expression can still be enjoyed today.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at Donburi: a bowl of rice with various toppings. It's quick, cheap and tasty, making it one of Japan's favorite comfort foods. There are a huge number of options available, ranging from Katsudon (fried breaded pork cutlet and egg) to Unadon (eel in a sweetened soy sauce).
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at Osechi: a special meal eaten at New Year. It consists of multiple colorful dishes, served inside multi-tiered food boxes. The custom has diversified in recent years, but it remains deeply rooted in Japanese society. We learn about some of the most common dishes, and the meanings they represent.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at laundry services. There are over 90,000 cleaning establishments in Japan, and a huge number of Japanese use them regularly. Innovative machinery makes the process cheap and efficient. Stubborn stains are removed by masters of their craft. We go behind the scenes at an industrial laundry plant.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at miso, a fermented soybean paste that is a bedrock of Japanese cuisine. For many Japanese, it offers a taste of home. It is made using koji mold, a fermentation starter that only flourishes in Japan. We discover the surprising new ways miso is being served in modern-day Japan.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at wasabi, a plant that grows natively in Japan's mountain valleys. It's used to make a condiment with a distinctive green color and an eye-watering heat. Most commonly served with sushi and soba, it has become a pillar of Japanese cuisine. We examine its history, and some of its many surprising uses.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at aloha shirts, popular symbols of Hawaii, worn by tourists and locals alike. A glance back at their history reveals a Japanese connection -- they were often made by people of Japanese descent, using materials and sometimes techniques from kimono making.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at rice snacks. Rice crackers and other rice-based treats have been widely consumed in Japan for hundreds of years. Many areas of the country boast their own unique type of rice snack. We examine how a common variety is made, and how the rice snack industry is diversifying to fit modern needs.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at urban workshops. A significant portion of Japan's manufacturing industry is handled by small factories with less than 30 workers. Despite their small scale, many have highly specialized technical skills, and are world leaders in their field. We examine several examples of this expert craftsmanship.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at lacquerware, a traditional craft that has been taking place for thousands of years. It's made by coating objects in the sap of the lacquer tree. Lacquer offers incredible durability, as well as a distinctive luster that develops over time.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at Furoshiki: traditional Japanese wrapping cloths. For hundreds of years, these square pieces of fabric have been used to protect, store and carry various objects. They often feature beautiful, colorful designs, and are works of art in their own right.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at tiny houses: homes occupying around 50 square meters of land. They're appearing more and more in recent years, especially in crowded cities. Many of them feature unusual layouts and creative design. Low-cost prefabricated tiny houses, occupying as little as 12 square meters, are also gaining in popularity.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at watches and clocks. Japanese timepieces are respected around the world for their accuracy and durability. We examine some clever and innovative examples, and learn about the leaps in accuracy being made by cutting-edge atomic clocks.
Japanology Plus explores Japanese life and culture. In this five-minute digest, we look at plastic food samples: astonishingly accurate replicas of real dishes. They can be found at the entrances to restaurants all across Japan, helping potential customers choose where to eat. They're made by expert artisans, who make molds of real food.
2025
Ueno is home to world-class cultural facilities, a bustling street market, a historic shrine, and much more. We look at some of the many features that make this diverse urban environment so popular.
Most commercial honey in Japan comes from Western honeybees, whose honey can be harvested several times a year. Japanese honeybees are much less productive but keeping them can be a real education.
Due to their small size or unusual shape, many types of fish are discarded. But as the global catch of fish dwindles, these "unused fish" offer immense potential and a path to fishing sustainability.
In Japan, garbage is incinerated before being used for land reclamation, but space is running out. We explore new approaches to waste, such as biogas power generation and a litter-picking app.
Japan's population is aging, but "active seniors" energetically participate in work and hobbies. We meet a salesperson and a clockmaker who are both centenarians and learn the secrets to good health.
There are about 900 service areas along Japan's expressways. Some feature aquariums, amusement parks, or hot spring baths. They continue to evolve, fulfilling a growing variety of functions.
Japan's plastic models are popular worldwide. Shizuoka City leads the nation in plastic model shipments. We look at the city's plastic model industry, from its history to the latest developments.
Japan now has roughly 8.5 million vacant homes. We look at various initiatives that aim to address this issue, including renovating homes as investments or using them to revitalize local communities.
In construction, heavy machinery is indispensable. We look at all kinds of machines, from small excavators to tower cranes for high-rise buildings, and even cutting-edge remote operation systems.
Over 70% of Japanese people are said to use eyeglasses. We visit Sabae, in Fukui, where over 90% of Japan's glasses are made, and explore the history of Japanese eyewear and the latest technology.
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