Japanology Plus

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 theater is said to be the world's oldest contemporary performing art. After emerging 650 years ago, it survived a time of national turbulence with the help of samurai warlords, and it is still going strong today. This time on Japanology Plus, we explore how this traditional form of theater presents profound drama on a simple stage, and with subtle gestures. Our expert guest, Reiko Yamanaka, is head of The Nogami Memorial Noh Research Institute of Hosei University. And in Plus One, noh basics.

Japan's moving services are efficient, effective and fast. Each time, Peter Barakan meets experts with fascinating cultural insights, while Matt Alt presents an entertaining take on the same theme.

Karate is practiced by more than 60 million people around the world, and its roots are in Okinawa. Okinawan karate, the most traditional form, is known for the brutal power of its blows. But that power is cultivated with the intention never to unleash it. This time we explore the paradox of training the body into a weapon that ideally should never be used. Our expert guest is Kiyoshi Tsuha, who has been practicing Okinawan karate for over 50 years. And in Plus One, the basics of Okinawan karate.

Japanese spend less time asleep each night than people in many other countries, a situation that may derive from a 24-hour, on-the-go culture, and a strong work ethic. Demand for quality sleep has prompted hotels, long-distance buses and other businesses to offer special sleep-related services, while some companies have even introduced naps to improve efficiency. Our expert guest is Prof. Yukio Toyoda, who studies sleep in Japan from the viewpoint of sociology. And in Plus One, sleeping baby art.

Tokyo's highly efficient rail network is known for safe and punctual operation. Most trains run on schedule, almost to the second. What are the key factors contributing to its outstanding reputation? One is technology, including advanced monitoring and control systems, and another is people: rail staff are dedicated to operational precision. Our expert guest is Nobuyuki Sato, an experienced researcher and analyst of public transportation policy. And in Plus One, learning to drive a train.

Jeans are among the world's most popular clothes, and Japanese denim has a great reputation. Harnessing craft traditions, manual dexterity, and the latest technology, makers of Japanese jeans offer a subtle spectrum of blue dyes, a broad variety of textures, and excellent techniques to customize the way jeans look. Our expert guest, Shinsaku Sugiya, the vice president of Shujitsu University, is the author of a book about Japanese jeans. And in Plus One, getting an old pair of jeans revamped.

The "Soei" in Randy Channell Soei is a name this Canadian was given to mark his ascent to mastery of the Way of Tea. He is one of very few foreigners qualified to teach every aspect of the tea ceremony, a refined choreography of precise movement and mindfulness. Channell originally came to Japan to study martial arts, but later became drawn to the Way of Tea, the heart of Japanese hospitality. He is now a dedicated educator, and many Japanese students learn from him about tea culture.

Zoe Vincent from the United Kingdom works for an organization that promotes tourism in Fukushima. She travels around the prefecture, seeking out traditional culture and events, then writes online and in English about her experiences. But Fukushima is beset by challenges. On March 11th, 2011, a nuclear power plant on the coast was hit by tsunami generated by the huge earthquake that day. Zoe Vincent seeks out the reality of Fukushima, and she works hard to share what she finds with the world.

In Japan, most people aiming to get a driver's license go to a driving school. On closed courses complete with railway crossings and hills, driving schools helps students learn how to deal with every situation out on the road. Some offer on-site lodgings for intensive courses, whie others draw customers with nail salons. Our guest is journalist Yukihiro Yamada, an expert on transportation in Japan and author of a textbook used in driving schools. And in Plus One, learning how to ride a motorcycle.

In Japan, most people aiming to get a driver's license go to a driving school. On closed courses complete with railway crossings and hills, driving schools helps students learn how to deal with every situation out on the road. Some offer on-site lodgings for intensive courses, whie others draw customers with nail salons. Our guest is journalist Yukihiro Yamada, an expert on transportation in Japan and author of a textbook used in driving schools. And in Plus One, learning how to ride a motorcycle.

Curry is one of Japan's favorite foods. A thick Japanese-style curry sauce is very different from the kinds typically associated with Indian cuisine. Japan's love affair with curry can be traced back 150 years, and continues to evolve in homes and restaurants all over the country. Our expert guest, Jinsuke Mizuno, has written more than 40 books about curry and shows us one way to make it. And in Plus One, tactics to avoid splash attacks when you tackle a bowl of udon noodles in a curry sauce.

Coffee first reached Japan in the 17th century, but it wasn't until the 19th century that it started to catch on. Drinking coffee was one of many elements of Western culture eagerly adopted in that era, and countless cafes sprang up in cities. This time on Japanology Plus, we'll explore some ways in which cafes are enjoyed these days in Japan. Our expert guest, Naoyuki Takai, is a journalist who has written many books about cafes and cafe culture. And in Plus One, some offbeat cafe experiences.

Yoram Ofer from Israel runs a bar in Kyoto that offers a chance to explore the world of nihonshu, or Japanese sake. He focuses on junmaishu, a form of sake that contains no added brewer's alcohol. When he first came to Japan nihonshu was already in decline, but Yoram Ofer began to study Japan's many varieties of nihonshu, and these days he shares what he knows with those who visit his bar, always carefully listening to customers in order to identify a good match for their preferences.

The school lunch is a key part of a child's diet in Japan. Meals are nutritionally balanced and designed to nurture health. School lunches also play a role in education. Behind the scenes are expert nutritionists and kitchen workers. This time on Japanology Plus, we'll explore why so much attention focuses on school lunches in Japan. Our expert guest, Akemi Nakanishi studies the educational value of school lunches and the systems supporting them. And in Plus One, a school lunch restaurant.

Capsule toys, also known as gachapon, are small toys purchased from vending machines. Though the cost of these toys is extremely reasonable, their fine attention to detail and handmade quality makes them anything but cheap. Join Peter Barakan and Matt Alt as they visit Japan's foremost expert on capsule toys and discover why these tiny toys encapsulate the country's attention to workmanship – and its playful side, too.

In Japan, around 60,000 buses run along designated routes to designated stops, and operate on a timetable. For commuting, shopping and getting around, 4.1 billion passengers a year use these fixed-route buses, with bus lanes and other systems continuing to improve the dependability of the service. This time on Japanology Plus we find out more about Japan's buses under the guidance of our expert guest, transport journalist Fumihiko Suzuki. And in Plus One, bus maintenance.

For centuries the art of playing traditional music on Japanese instruments was passed down through apprenticeships., But traditional music ended up isolated from other musical forms. Now young performers are trying to adapt Japan's musical legacy to modern tastes, and to create new traditions. This time on Japanology Plus we find out more about traditional music in modern life with the help of expert guest Akihisa Kominato, a shakuhachi player. And in Plus One, the basics of kotsuzumi drumming.

For centuries the art of playing traditional music on Japanese instruments was passed down through apprenticeships., But traditional music ended up isolated from other musical forms. Now young performers are trying to adapt Japan's musical legacy to modern tastes, and to create new traditions. This time on Japanology Plus we find out more about traditional music in modern life with the help of expert guest Akihisa Kominato, a shakuhachi player. And in Plus One, the basics of kotsuzumi drumming.

Nsenda Lukumwena is an architect from the Democratic Republic of the Congo who has carved out a niche for himself in the highly competitive construction market in Japan. Dismissing industry norms, he discusses each project with the people who actually do the construction work and considers their advice. He also makes imaginative use of new materials, and attaches special importance to the use of light. We learn about his unconventional path to success as an architect in Japan.

Urban renewal is an everyday sight in Japan's big cities. Massive projects involving huge numbers of workers and multiple contractors advance smoothly, on schedule, and without bringing a busy city to a standstill. This time on Japanology Plus, we explore the secrets of Japan's urban renewal projects with the help of Keisuke Tamura, a leading architect who studies these mammoth undertakings in locations such as Shibuya in Tokyo. And in Plus One, we literally take a deeper look at the topic.

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.

In any Japanese city, you'll see countless signs and posters featuring anthropomorphic characters. This preference seems closely entwined with culture and the national character. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is anthropomorphism. Our expert guest, Professor Sadashige Aoki of Hosei University, has analyzed the social impact of anthropomorphism and writes on "character culture." In Plus One, do Japanese and foreigners view characters differently?

In countless everyday settings, individuals, companies, administrative bodies and others in Japan use anthropomorphized 2D characters to enhance communication. Following a recent Japanology Plus devoted to various manifestations of anthropomorphism, this time we delve deeper to explore the historical roots of this quintessentially Japanese phenomenon. Our expert guest, Professor Sadashige Aoki of Hosei University, specializes in "character culture." And in Plus One, a street of monsters in Kyoto.

Swimming, soccer, gymnastics and more: Japanese children these days are increasingly enthusiastic about sports. Sports-focused kindergartens have become very popular, as have after-school training programs intended to nurture elite athletes. What lies behind this junior sports boom? This time on Japanology Plus, we explore the theme of children and sports. Our expert guest is Masayuki Tamaki, a sportswriter who covers the entire sporting spectrum. And in Plus One, a gym for Olympic prospects.

The many amusement parks around Japan feature thrilling rides, animal attractions and seasonal activities like waterparks. Now these leisure facilities are undergoing a major transformation, and offering totally new concepts of fun. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is amusement parks. Our expert guest, Takashi Sasaki, is a writer who covers amusement parks for magazines and websites. And in Plus One, virtual reality takes the thrills and entertainment to new heights.

Originally from Seattle, Washington in the US, Tyler Lynch manages a Japanese inn, or ryokan, at a hot springs resort in Nagano Prefecture. Lynch fell in love with the ryokan as a place where you can enjoy a traditional way of life that is otherwise disappearing. He listens carefully to guests in order to determine their preferences and needs, and offers them his own personal take on Japanese hospitality. He combines with various efforts to breathe fresh life into the local community.

Japan is renowned for research into elementary particles, a key to unlocking the mystery of the origins of the universe. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is particle physics research. Our guide as we review Japanese discoveries and explore some of the facilities on the front line of research is special guest Dr. Makoto Kobayashi, who received the Nobel Prize in Physics in 2008. And in Plus One, we take a look at the precision glass manufacturing that makes subatomic particle detection possible.

Shinto shrines are found throughout Japan. Shinto priests protect the enshrined spirits, known as kami, and perform various rites. They also make an important contribution to preserving and passing on aspects of Japanese culture that date back thousands of years. This time on Japanology Plus, we look at the duties of shrine priests. Our expert guest is Yorio Fujimoto, an associate professor at a university that is well known for its Shinto studies program. And in Plus One, the role of the shrine maiden, or miko.

Japan is often hit by disaster. When tragedy strikes, special rescue teams swing into action. Japan's special rescue teams are among the world's best-equipped, best-trained, and most experienced. They have the capabilities to respond rapidly to any type of emergency. This time on Japanology Plus, we look at how special rescue teams save lives in Japan. Our expert guest, Masayuki Kikuchi, is a photojournalist with a special interest in crisis management. And in Plus One, Matt Alt to the rescue!

At Japan's busiest airports, a flight may arrive or depart every two minutes or so. In spite of this, Japanese airlines are frequently ranked among the world's leading on-time flight operators. Making their punctual performance possible are Japanese values and professional expertise. This time on Japanology Plus, we explore the wonders of air travel in Japan. Our expert guest, Shunji Akimoto, is a journalist who covers the air industry globally. And in Plus One, how to wash a passenger jet.

Fernando Lopez, originally from Guatemala, runs an okonomiyaki restaurant in Hiroshima. Made on a hot griddle, okonomiyaki from western Japan resembles a thin crepe loaded with cabbage, pork, soba noodles and other savory ingredients. A special sauce is brushed on top to complete this Japanese soul food. Hiroshima is a place people all over Japan associate with good okonomiyaki. Because of this, competition is fierce, but Lopez's restaurant is one of the most popular in town, and one menu item in particular features a spicy twist.

The car industry has been critical to Japan's economic development. But young people in Japan are rapidly losing interest in driving, and no longer see cars as intriguing status symbols. Nowadays, Japanese manufacturers are leading car culture down a new road with innovative technologies and services. This time on Japanology Plus: changing perceptions of cars in Japan. Our expert guest, Yumi Kawabata, is a journalist who reports on the motor industry. And in Plus One, automated parking facilities.

Preparing tea and serving it is the essence of tea ceremony, but the simple act of whisking green tea powder to a froth in hot water is governed by countless rules and manners. In such elaborate tea ceremony etiquette, we can see the roots of Japan's devotion to omotenashi, mindful hospitality. Our expert guest is tea master Sochi Yamamoto, who has been a student of the renowned Urasenke school of tea for 23 years.

Elaborate tea ceremony etiquette reveals the roots of Japan's devotion to "omotenashi": mindful hospitality. Unlike conventional service industry hospitality, the expectation with omotenashi is that the guest will also contribute to the success of the experience. This time we explore the role played by the guest, and consider how the tea ceremony mindset plays out in everyday Japanese life. Our expert guide is tea master Sochi Yamamoto, who has been a student of the Urasenke school of tea for 23 years.