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Synopsis
Host Peter Barakan delves into various aspects of Japanese culture; exploring practices, history, and modern innovations in such areas as ramen, rice, sushi, geisha, bonsai, and so much more. Local experts discuss their passions at fascinating length, and American Japanophile Matt Alt experiences the food, practices, and cultures in each episode in depth. Viewers will finish each half hour episode with a new understanding of an area of Japanese life through demonstrative videos and explanations, all delivered respectfully and true to the Japanese way of life.
Episode 18 : Japanophiles: Stephanie Crohin
September. 26,2024
French journalist and "sento ambassador" Stephanie Crohin promotes sento, or public bathhouses, on social media. She tells Peter Barakan about her love for the heartwarming world of public baths.
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Episode 17 : Tanuki
September. 12,2024
Japanese raccoon dogs, or tanuki, are globally rare but have increasingly been seen in Japan's cities since the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigate their long history in tradition and folklore.
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Episode 16 : Service Areas
August. 29,2024
About 900 service areas provide amenities to drivers on Japan's expressway toll roads, generating 530 billion yen in annual sales. We examine their evolution and links with local communities.
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Episode 15 : Eyeglasses
August. 15,2024
One of the world's top three production centers for eyeglasses is Sabae, in Fukui Prefecture. We trace the history of Japanese glasses, from the earliest examples to cutting-edge technology.
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Episode 14 : Japanophiles: Lekh Raj Juneja
August. 01,2024
Lekh Raj Juneja, from India, leads Japan's largest manufacturer of rice snacks. In a Japanophiles interview, he talks about the international potential of Japan's rice processing craftsmanship.
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Episode 13 : Kumano: Journey of a Maverick Scholar
July. 18,2024
Scholar Minakata Kumagusu made contributions to biology, folklore and other fields. He laid the foundation for environmental conservation in Japan. We explore the environments that inspired his work.
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Episode 12 : Kumano: The Practice of Shugendo
July. 11,2024
Shugendo is a uniquely Japanese spiritual tradition known for its grueling ascetic practices. We explore its origins in the heavily forested mountains of Kumano, and learn about practitioners.
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Episode 11 : Food Tech Products
June. 20,2024
Japanese food tech products such as soybean-based meat substitutes are made using new technology. Land-based aquaculture and 3D food printing are also in the spotlight. We look at the latest products.
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Episode 10 : Plastic Models
June. 06,2024
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.
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Episode 9 : Wakocha: Japanese Black Tea
May. 23,2024
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.
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Episode 8 : Japanophiles: Nicoleta Oprisan
May. 09,2024
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.
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Episode 7 : New Roles for Vacant Homes
April. 25,2024
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.
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Episode 6 : Washing Machines
April. 11,2024
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.
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Episode 5 : 20th Anniversary Special Part 2
March. 28,2024
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.
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Episode 4 : 20th Anniversary Special Part 1
March. 21,2024
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.
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Episode 3 : Japanophiles: Matthew Headland
March. 07,2024
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.
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Seasons
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