About this season
A five-minute series where you can explore a wide variety of Japanese cultures, traditions and lifestyles.
Episodes (5)
1. Cats and Japan
Aired 20 March 2022 • 5 min
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.
2. Scissors
Aired 20 March 2022 • 5 min
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.
3. Tatami
Aired 21 March 2022 • 5 min
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.
4. Bamboo
Aired 27 March 2022 • 5 min
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.
5. Kotatsu: Heated Tables
Aired 27 March 2022 • 5 min
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.