Japanology Plus

While Japan is halfway around the globe from the world's traditional whisky-making centers, in recent years premium Japanese whiskies have been winning top prizes in big competitions and winning fans in many countries. But these achievements are actually the culmination of decades of passionate efforts by dedicated professionals. Our expert guest this time is Mamoru Tsuchiya, editor-in-chief of a Japanese magazine devoted to whisky. And in Plus One, the perfect ice "sphere" for whisky on the rocks.

Japanese women are among the world's most passionate about skin care. For centuries, elite and commoners alike have embraced the quest for perfect skin, with Japan's climate and beauty ideals giving rise to a characteristic style of skin care. This time we unveil Japan's image of perfect skin and how to achieve it with the help of expert guest Kaori Ishida, a university professor who's engaged in research on the philosophical underpinnings of beauty. And in Plus One, we meet a beauty witch.

In this edition of of Japanology Plus, host Peter Barakan pays a visit to the city of Sakai, which is part of Osaka Prefecture in Western Japan. Sakai has been known for bladesmithing since the Muromachi period.

Plants, all kinds of creatures and the beauty of nature are among the inspirations for Japanese family crests. Tens of thousands of different crests exist. Simple yet highly sophisticated, they have been part of everyday life in Japan for centuries. While they continue to adorn formal garments such as those worn to a wedding, family crests have recently been attracting fresh attention for their beauty as pure designs. Our expert guest, Hitoshi Takasawa, has spent many years researching family crests. And in Plus One, an introduction to the art of monkirigata.

In Japan, a traditional breakfast consists of steamed rice with miso soup and other side dishes. But these days noodles, pancakes, bread and granola are among the many other popular options for breakfast. This time on Japanology Plus, our topic is breakfast. We'll see what favorite foods, old and new, the Japanese eat to start the day. Our expert guest is Chieko Mukasa, a food journalist who traveled far and wide to write a book about Japanese breakfasts. And in Plus One, how to make great tamago-kake-gohan: raw egg mixed with steamed rice.

This edition of Japanology Plus is yet another opportunity to consider two quintessential characteristics of Japanese culture: kaleidoscopic manifestations of any social phenomenon that is perceived to have value, and a passionate attention to detail when one becomes strongly attached to any specific aspect of that phenomenon. The social phenomenon in this case is what we wear on our feet, and Peter Barakan visits a museum that showcases footwear from Japan and the world. Reporter Matt Alt, meanwhile, shows us a great example of "passionate attention to detail" when he discovers the tender loving care that can be devoted to the simple act of polishing one's shoes.

Japan is a country of 10 million runners and some 2,000 open-entry running events, the most popular of which attract large crowds and live nationwide TV coverage. Japan loves not just the action but also the drama of an event such as ekiden, a unique form of long-distance relay with a century of tradition. This time our theme is running. Our expert guest, sports journalist Akemi Masuda, is herself a former Olympic marathon runner. And in Plus One, we experience the fun of a local running event.

Messages and e-mail are full of emoji, a means of communication that was invented in Japan. Emoji debuted in the 1990s as a way to add emotion to messages on a small screen, and people found they were a great tool for maintaining smooth interaction. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is emoji, now indispensable to digital messaging in Japan. Our expert guest is Matt Alt, the regular Plus One reporter who is also the author of a book on emoji. And in Plus One, we look at the creative world of Japanese emoticons.

In Japan, no leisure trip by rail would be complete without an ekiben: a boxed meal sold at the station that is packed with local flavor. Ekiben are nearly as old as Japan's railways, and have evolved with the passing years. These days, they're even playing a role in stimulating local economies. Our expert guest, Shinobu Kobayashi, is a travel writer who has been eating 20 different ekiben each week on her travels around Japan over the last 20 years. And in Plus One, how to make a bento box.

Japan's first bicycles were made by former gunsmiths around the 1870s. Mid-20th century innovations aimed at women gave rise to the "mama-chari," a type of bicycle for mothers with small children. Today, annual production of bicycles in Japan is about 9 million, and many of the world's major bicycle makers source most of their parts from Japan. Our expert guest, former bicycle racer Masayuki Hasebe, is a champion of everything to do with bicycles. And in Plus One, the thrill of mama-chari racing.

A garment that embodies Japanese tradition, the kimono fascinates people the world over. It took centuries for the kimono to reach the form familiar to us today, and at every stage in its evolution it has reflected both the aesthetics and practical ingenuity of the Japanese. This time, our theme is the kimono: a wearable canvas for traditional art, craft and design. Our expert guest is Setsuko Ishida, a kimono stylist. And in Plus One, how to look good in a yukata.

The plain, unassuming wooden dolls called kokeshi are believed to have originated about 200 years ago in hot spring resorts in northeast Japan. A popular souvenir for children, they later drew the attention of collectors and these days are captivating a new generation of fans. Our expert guest, Yosuke Jikuhara, is a designer of posters and toys who has written a book about kokeshi and these days acts as a spokesman for their unique appeal. And in Plus One, we meet two enthusiastic kokeshi collectors.

What are the secrets of Japan's many centuries-old firms?

A soba chef from Bangladesh who has put down roots in Japan. In a Japanophiles interview with Peter Barakan, Rezaul Karim Chowdhury talks about his struggle to master the making of soba noodles.

Toilets in Japan date back 2,000 years. A modern one typically features a heated seat and electronic bidet. Recent trends include new toilets for the elderly and infirm, and for use after a disaster. Our expert guest, architect Shiohiko Takahashi, is a leading researcher and designer of toilets who has surveyed public toilets throughout Japan. This time on Japanology Plus, we'll see how the Japanese relate to an essential everyday item. And in Plus One, a look at state-of-the-art public toilets.

Few countries in the world can boast as many bridges as Japan. Due to a mountainous terrain and many rivers, Japan has bridges of all shapes and sizes, and is a world leader in bridge engineering. This time on Japanology Plus, our topic is bridges. We examine traditional and cutting-edge bridge technology with the help of our guest Teruo Hirano, an expert on bridge design and an accomplished bridge photographer. And in Plus One, we find out what goes into the maintenance of a massive suspension bridge.

Enjoyed by Japanese of all ages, choral singing is a feature of school events, tour buses, baseball games and various other everyday situations. Group singing comes from a background of using songs to drive home ethical principles and lessons from history. On this edition of Japanology Plus, we see and hear why the Japanese love singing together. Our guest Hiroshi Watanabe, a musicologist, analyzes various types of social change through the lens of music. And in Plus One, a look at Japan's national anthem.

What does it take to restore a castle to its former glory? Each time, Peter Barakan meets experts with fascinating cultural insights, while Matt Alt presents an entertaining take on the same theme.

Japan is a volcanic hotspot, with 7 percent of all the world's volcanoes. The archipelago actually contains 110 active volcanoes, and throughout history, Japan has been at the mercy of the terrifying power of volcanoes.

Secondary schools in Japan offer extracurricular pursuits where students join sports teams, or clubs reflecting a wide range of cultural interests. Here, they learn values like cooperation and social etiquette: fundamental aims of Japanese schooling. This time on Japanology Plus, we explore afterschool activities and why Japanese students put so much effort into them. Our expert guest, Atsushi Nakazawa, studies education and the sociology of sports. And in Plus One, the key role of club captain.

Breath mints, sprays and countless other products that tackle body odors offer evidence of widespread concern about smells. Japan has certified professionals who investigate offensive odors, and even a fire alarm that uses the power of smell. This time on Japanology Plus, our subject is smells. We explore how the Japanese relate to different aromas. Our expert guest is Masahiro Watanabe, an expert on smells who has studied their role in Japanese culture and business. And in Plus One, the ABCs of smell sleuthing.

No traditional Japanese home is complete without items that incorporate paper, including doors and sliding screens. Japanese papermaking technology continues to advance in the form of high-tech tissues and even "paper" that is stronger than steel. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is paper. Our expert guest is Naohiko Tsujimoto, who spent 25 years at a papermaking company before devoting himself to spreading awareness of Japan's paper culture. And in Plus One, how to repaper a shoji screen.

This time, we present an installment of our special Japanophiles series, which features lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. The trademark alcoholic beverage of Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture, is awamori. It is said to be Japan's oldest distilled spirit, and it is traditionally aged in ceramic pots. Paul Lorimer, who has lived in Okinawa for 36 years, is a potter who creates a diverse range of ceramics, but his signature product is superb vessels for aging awamori.

Katsuobushi is an essential component of Japanese cuisine.

The changing circumstances of day care for kids in Japan.

Japan has a kaleidoscopic variety of fine sweets and snacks.

Japan's hairdressers offer outstandingly attentive service.

We meet a nakai, a waitress at a luxury Japanese restaurant. In a Japanophiles interview with Peter Barakan, Carine Lafitte from France talks about the challenges of her demanding traditional job.

Noh presents profound drama with elegance and simplicity.

Japan's moving services are efficient, effective and fast.

Okinawan karate cultivates power that ideally is never used.

Relatively sleepless Japanese long for high-quality slumber.

Tokyo's rail network ranks among the most complex transport systems in the world. Even residents of New York, Paris, London, or other cities known for extensive rail systems may initially find Japan's capital a somewhat daunting prospect to navigate, but every effort is made to ensure that the commuter experience is as smooth as possible.

Japanese jeans enjoy an outstanding global reputation.

On this edition of Japanophiles we meet Randy Channell Soei, a Canadian who, over more than 30 years spent in Japan, has become a master of the traditional tea ceremony.

Briton Zoe Vincent brings the world facts from Fukushima. In a Japanophiles interview with Peter Barakan, she conveys her love for a place whose reputation was damaged by a nuclear accident in 2011.

A Buddhist altar is a key feature of many Japanese homes.

One feature of learning almost anything in Japan is a teacher who pays close attention to detail, and this is certainly true of the typical driving school instructor. A strictly practical reason for sharing such thorough guidance is that Japanese roads can be daunting for an inexperienced driver. The safe practice spaces at a driving school therefore play a key role in building confidence as the learner prepares to make the transition to driving along a narrow street through a busy part of town, with pedestrians and other vehicles in very close proximity.

Curry, that famous dish from India, has become a Japanese staple, beloved by children and adults alike. As we learn this week on Japanology Plus, curry has been adapted for the Japanese palate over a period of 150 years and is definitely considered a bit of homegrown Japanese cuisine at this point.

Cafes are a attractive facet of everyday life in Japan.

Israeli Yoram Ofer runs a top-quality sake bar in Kyoto. In a Japanophiles interview with Peter Barakan, he speaks about his efforts to encourage more people to explore the world of nihonshu.

Japan's capsule toys encapsulate the country's workmanship. This edition of Japanology Plus is about a specific type of vending machine—or, more accurately, what comes out of those machines: small plastic capsules containing toys.

Perhaps it's because of the country's world-famous bullet trains or its best-selling automobiles, but when you think of transportation in Japan, buses aren't usually the first thing that comes to mind. As it turns out, though, Japan boasts some of the world's best bus systems—and these systems have some distinct advantages over the country's other methods of transportation. In this edition of Japanology Plus, we explore Japan's buses, which are, in many ways, just as advanced as its high-tech trains and cars.

For many people around the world, the phrase "Japanese music" may evoke thoughts of brightly-dressed, hyperactive pop idols or, recently, a middle-aged man combining a writing implement with a piece of fruit. But long before Japan was exposed to Western musical styles, it had a rich tradition of music all its own that's the subject of this edition of Japanology Plus.

The whole world knows that modern Japanese culture is a blend of old and new, of East and West. But while we might think of this blending as something that has simply happened, it has been, from the beginning, a deliberate process: individuals decide which parts of traditional Japan to retain, which Western trends to embrace, and where to skillfully fuse the two into something entirely new. This edition of Japanology Plus tracks a group of people engaged in this process, specifically in terms of music.

Congolese Nsenda Lukumwena is an architect who loves light. In a Japanophiles interview with Peter Barakan, he reveals aspects of a unique approach that has brought him success in a competitive trade.

In 1872, when Japan's first railway opened between Yokohama and Tokyo, the population of Tokyo was less than one million. Fast-forward 150-odd years, and it has increased to well over 13 million. If you add the larger metro area, that number swells to 35 million. The continued growth of Tokyo's population has necessitated constant additions and revisions to its infrastructure—and the city's importance as Japan's political, financial and cultural capital means those additions and revisions must be carried out without interrupting its daily flow. That balancing act lies at the heart of this edition of Japanology Plus.

Along with the hum of cicadas, the twinkling of wind chimes and the cracking of baseball bats, nothing quite defines Japanese summers like the bursting of fireworks. Literally thousands of fireworks events are held around the country and are attended by millions of spectators. For many in Japan, it simply isn't summer without fireworks—but why? That's the question posed in this edition of Japanology Plus.

Japan is packed with anthropomorphized characters. How come?

With cute characters representing everything from electronics stores to local municipalities to police departments, anthropomorphism is everywhere you look in Japan. A recent edition of Japanology Plus took a look at some of the country's most eye-catching 2D characters, but the question remained—what are the origins of Japan's love affair with anthropomorphism? Once again, host Peter Barakan is joined by Sadashige Aoki, an expert on all things anthropomorphic, for a wide-ranging discussion on where this trend comes from and where it goes from here.

Many Japanese children nowadays just love sports, but why?

As in other countries around the world, the local amusement park is an essential part of childhood for many in Japan. But Japan's local parks currently face multiple challenges, such as competition from international mega-parks, other forms of entertainment, and Japan's declining birthrate. How are local parks responding to these challenges, and what do they mean to people around Japan? These questions are the focus of this amusing edition of Japanology Plus.

This edition of "Japanophiles," the series within Japanology Plus that profiles foreign residents leading exceptional lives in Japan, centers around Tyler Lynch, an American who runs a traditional inn, or ryokan, in Nagano. In addition to seeing Lynch's everyday activities, we get a look at Japanese hot springs and hospitality, as well as what life is like in a small Nagano town.

Though the title of this edition of Japanology Plus might inspire a few double-takes, rest assured, you have not accidentally tuned into the wrong program: as it turns out, particle physics research is as Japanese as sushi and sumo. Japanese scientists and technologies are some of the world's most significant when it comes to particle physics research. Our guide is expert guest Makoto Kobayashi, who was awarded the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2008 for his work in the realm of elementary particles. But what exactly are elementary particles?

Walk through any neighborhood in Japan, and before too long you'll come across a shrine devoted to Shinto, the native religion of the country. Many visitors to Japan are charmed by the peaceful, relaxing atmosphere and stunning architecture of these shrines, as well as the traditionally-garbed priests and shrine maidens who help run them. Fewer, though, are familiar with the exact traditions of these shrines and the duties performed by the priests and maidens. Those shrine duties and the history behind them are the subject of this edition of Japanology Plus.

Japan is prone to an array of natural disasters: earthquakes, typhoons, tsunamis, and more. It's also home to some of the world's best equipped and best trained special rescue teams, which are the focus of this edition of Japanology Plus.

If you've done your fair share of air travel, you've probably experienced a flight delay or two—or three, or four, or five... Passengers and airlines alike have long accepted delays as an inevitable part of flying, but things are different in Japan. Nearly 90% of flights from Japanese airlines operate on time—that's one of the best records in the world. The methods these airlines use to achieve this wondrous figure, and what those methods reveal about Japanese culture, is the subject of this high-flying edition of Japanology Plus.

Visit the restaurant called Lopez in Hiroshima, and between the name and the flag outside, you'd be forgiven for assuming it serves up Guatemalan cuisine. But enter the restaurant, and you'll find it's actually dedicated to okonomiyaki, the city's traditional soul food. In all likelihood, the place will be packed with happy customers. How did Guatemalan Fernando Lopez come to master this Japanese delicacy and what draws so many customers to his establishment? That's the subject of this Japanophiles edition of Japanology Plus.

For as much as we talk about Japanese food, music, movies and other cultural exports, Japan's greatest contribution to the world—at least in terms of pure volume—may be its cars. Japan produces around 10 million motor vehicles a year, and it's almost impossible to get on any roadway in the world without spotting a car made by one of the country's many manufacturers.
But in Japan itself, perceptions about the role of cars in everyday life have been changing. A variety of factors have seen Japan's youth take much less interest in automobiles than previous generations. What's behind this loss of interest, and what are Japan's manufacturers doing about it? Those are the big questions on this edition of Japanology Plus.

Tea ceremony, tea gathering, the way of tea, cha-no-yu, chado, sado...no matter what you call it, this elegant, centuries-old practice is often said to be the key to understanding the Japanese spirit of omotenashi—the mindful hospitality that remains a hallmark of Japanese culture to this day. In this special two-part edition of Japanology Plus, we look at how the tea ceremony is performed, its complex set of rules, and its ties to modern Japanese life, in which it serves as the wellspring of omotenashi.

Tea ceremony, tea gathering, the way of tea, cha-no-yu, chado, sado...no matter what you call it, this elegant, centuries-old practice is often said to be the key to understanding the Japanese spirit of omotenashi—the mindful hospitality that remains a hallmark of Japanese culture to this day. In this special two-part edition of Japanology Plus, we look at how the tea ceremony is performed, its complex set of rules, and its ties to modern Japanese life, in which it serves as the wellspring of omotenashi.

Japan's fishing industry is exploring new ways to advance.

The police contribute to Japan's security and safety.

The long history of Japanese culture is replete with various forms of traditional music and storytelling, many of which have been featured on Japanology Plus. This time our focus is on joruri, one such traditional performing art. Our guide is a unique practitioner of that art: Stephanie Tomiyasu, an American who trains under one of Japan's leading joruri instructors. Tomiyasu's life in Japan and her position as a foreign joruri practitioner are the subject of our latest Japanophiles edition.

Japan, like the rest of the developed world, has taken a serious shine to online shopping. 3.9 billion home deliveries were made in 2016 alone, and that volume doesn't show any signs of slowing down. Japan's wholehearted embrace of online shopping is fueled, in part, thanks to the country's efficient shipping infrastructure, in which next-day delivery is the norm. Hit the streets in Japan and you're bound to spot uniformed men and women delivering packages by truck, scooter, bicycle, and on foot with speed and dedication that may surprise those from other countries. But the ever-increasing number of packages is putting strain on these workers and the logistics that support them. On this edition of Japanology Plus, we take a look at the system as it exists and some of the new ideas that will be needed to keep it running in the future.

When exploring the streets of Tokyo, you won't have to go very far before running into some type of game arcade with an interior full of flashing lights and people of all ages. The ubiquitous nature of arcades isn't just noticeable in bustling areas such as Shibuya, Shinjuku, or Akihabara—with about 5,000 locations nationwide, you'd almost have to try to not see one. As at-home game consoles and smartphones reshape the global gaming industry, brick and mortar arcades still remain popular across Japan.

On this edition of Japanology Plus, we learn how population centers like Sapporo deal with all that white stuff, and the challenges that lie ahead for Japan's snowiest regions.

As in much of the industrialized world, a significant amount of shopping in Japan takes place in towering shopping malls and chain supermarkets. But cities and towns throughout the country are also home to a more traditional form of shopping thanks to their shotengai, or shopping streets. While these traditional shopping streets are facing numerous challenges, they're also being reevaluated for their friendly atmosphere and contribution to the social fabric of their neighborhoods. In this edition of Japanology Plus, we take a stroll down several of these shopping streets and find out why they're worth a visit.

Canadian Bjorn Heiberg is a connoisseur of Japanese knives. In a Japanophiles interview with Peter Barakan, he speaks about the outstanding qualities of the blades sold at his cutlery shops in Japan.

For decades, rail was the dominant form of transport for both people and freight in Japan. But while trains and subways still enjoy healthy ridership in Japan's urban centers, regional rail is another story. Competing forms of transportation like cars, buses, and airplanes, plus Japan's shrinking population—and concentration of the population in major cities—means regional rail lines are facing a crisis. We dive into the details of that crisis, and what rail companies are doing to combat it, on this edition of Japanology Plus.

A look at Japan's deep-rooted love of miniature items.

Springtime has arrived in Japan, and that means wedding season is starting to get into full swing! No matter where you are in the world, getting married is an exciting event for all involved and a time to celebrate with friends and family. The path to starting married life in Japan is steeped in tradition and ceremony, some of which may be different from what visitors from other countries are accustomed to.

Over the past year, 98% of people in Japan shopped at a 100 yen store. These shops were once associated with cheap, low-quality merchandise. Over the years, however, quality has been improving, and now 100 yen goods are often used in everyday life. Exactly how do 100 yen shops contribute to general well-being in Japan? This time on Japanology Plus, our expert guest is Emiko Masao, who writes an influential blog about making the most of what 100 yen shops offer. And in Plus One, ways to use 100 yen items in a DIY project.

Japanese department stores and supermarkets display whole cases of tempura, tonkatsu, croquettes, and other classic forms of deep-fried food. It's a popular choice when eating out, as well as when dining at home. This time on Japanology Plus, we explore some of the varieties of deep-fried food that are most loved in Japan. Our guest, food journalist Chieko Mukasa, is an expert on Japanese culinary culture. And in Plus One, how to make a Nagoya delicacy: jumbo fried prawn.

Exposed to the fury of waves and weather, lighthouses hold a cherished place in Japanese hearts. In recent years, the advent of GPS and radar has led to the demolition of many lighthouses, but they live on in the memories of those who looked to them for guidance. This time on Japanology Plus, we cast light on the subtle appeal of lighthouses in Japan. Our guest is Mayuu Fudo, editor of a free magazine dedicated to the appeal of lighthouses. And in Plus One, memories of life as a lighthouse keeper.

David E. Wells is an American chef who has been preparing Japanese food professionally for 35 years. The delicate dishes he creates are firmly grounded in the core values of Japanese cuisine. Instead of working at a restaurant, he provides catering services for clients who want to entertain at home. This time on Japanophiles, Wells shares his insights into the lifelong process of learning to appreciate the many possibilities of Japanese ingredients.

For over two centuries, Japan's military government kept the country isolated. Then in 1868 a national transformation began, culminating with a period of growth after the Second World War that came to be known as the "economic miracle." This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is industrial heritage. Our guest is Osamu Kamei, the vice-director of Center of the History of Japanese Industrial Technology at the National Museum of Nature and Science. And in Plus One, Japan's silk heritage.