Episode guide
Japanology Plus: Season 13
20 episodes · premiered Jan 8, 2026
TMDB has no overview for this season.
- Episode 1: Glasswork Jan 8, 2026 · 28m Glasswork is an art form featuring delicate yet bold designs. We take a closer look at Japanese glassmaking, where artisanal skills are passed down and the craft evolves with the times.
- Episode 2: Fragrances Jan 22, 2026 · 28m From traditional incense sticks to perfumes that incorporate the scent of red ink pads, the range of fragrances in Japan is endless. We travel to Kyoto and Tokyo to sniff out the latest…
- Episode 3: Salmon Feb 12, 2026 · 28m Salmon is Japan's most popular fish eaten at home. However, catches have been plummeting due to global warming. We look at new approaches to salmon farming and what this fish means to…
- Episode 4: Japanophiles: Phillip Richards Feb 26, 2026 · 28m Australian Phillip Richards gives back to his adopted home of Nozawaonsen by crafting gin and whiskey using local ingredients. We explore what draws him to this small village in Nagano…
- Episode 5: Danchi Housing Complexes Mar 12, 2026 · 28m Once symbols of Japan's postwar growth, danchi housing complexes now face aging buildings and residents. We look at new initiatives that are reshaping and even revitalizing these…
- Episode 6: Jazz Kissa Apr 9, 2026 · 28m For around 100 years, Japan's jazz kissa have offered a sanctuary for music lovers to enjoy jazz. We explore the enduring appeal of this unique subculture and how it is being preserved…
- Episode 7: Chokatsu: Improving Gut Health Apr 23, 2026 · 28m Our bodies are home to trillions of bacteria that influence our physical health and mental well-being. We explore Japan's relationship with fermented foods and "chokatsu," or gut-related…
- Episode 8: Sashiko Embroidery May 7, 2026 · 28m Sashiko is a type of traditional Japanese embroidery, once vital for the durability and warmth of clothes in cold climates. We explore how the charm of this enduring craft is being…
- Episode 9: Seaweed May 21, 2026 · 28m Seaweed is earning recognition around the globe as a nutrient-packed superfood. From innovative dishes to bioplastics and renewable energy, we explore the untapped potential of seaweed.
- Episode 10: Kyoto Confectionery Jun 4, 2026 · 28m Japanese confectionery has evolved over centuries, shaped by influences from China and beyond. In Kyoto, artisans honor tradition while advancing the craft with a fresh, modern sensibility.
- Episode 11: Tidying Up Jun 18, 2026 · 28m How do we deal with modern clutter? From clever decluttering techniques in tiny homes to refined organization methods practiced by experts, we explore the Japanese sense of beauty in…
- Episode 12: Aizu: Unbreakable Spirit of Noguchi Hideyo Jul 16, 2026 · 28m Noguchi Hideyo, the former face of the 1,000-yen note, rose from adversity to become a renowned, life-saving bacteriologist. We visit his birthplace, Aizu, and trace his life of resilience.
- Episode 13: Aizu: Heartland of the Samurai Jul 23, 2026 · 28m In Aizu, samurai values of loyalty and firm resolve survived devastating defeat and drove a remarkable recovery. We explore how that spirit has shaped the area's sake, craft beer, and…
- Episode 14: Food Stalls Aug 6, 2026 · 28m While food stalls are vanishing from cities across Japan, Hakata in Fukuoka City is one place where they remain popular. We explore a unique food culture that satisfies both the body and…
- Episode 15: Solo-katsu Aug 20, 2026 · 28m From camping to karaoke and afternoon tea, people of all ages in Japan are enjoying "solo-katsu," doing social activities solo. We explore how this unique trend is changing consumption and…
- Episode 16: Eggs Sep 3, 2026 · 28m Japan is a major egg consumer, averaging 330 eggs per person per year. Strict hygiene standards allow eggs to be safely eaten raw, while discarded shells are repurposed into paper and…
- Episode 17: Kutani Ware Sep 17, 2026 · 28m Kutani ware features delicate yet bold designs. Building on traditional techniques, artists explore new forms of expression with their own sensibilities. We look at the beauty of this…
- Episode 18: Japanophiles: Curtis Patterson Oct 1, 2026 · 28m American koto player Curtis Patterson has been exploring new expressions on the instrument for over 40 years. Today, he's dedicated to teaching children and keeping the tradition alive.
- Episode 19: Secondhand Goods Oct 15, 2026 · 28m From secondhand stores to online marketplaces and home pickups, Japan's resale market is booming among people of all ages and foreign buyers. We explore Japan's waste-conscious approach to…
- Episode 20: Permaculture Oct 29, 2026 · 28m Permaculture is a sustainable approach to life that seeks harmony with nature. Today, Japan's rural traditions are being rediscovered and embraced in homes, childcare facilities, and…