Japanology Plus - Season 13

First aired: 1/8/2026 12 episodes

Episodes

1. Glasswork

Aired: 1/8/2026

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.

2. Fragrances

Aired: 1/22/2026

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 trends.

3. Salmon

Aired: 2/12/2026

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 people in Japan.

4. Japanophiles: Phillip Richards

Aired: 2/26/2026

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 Prefecture.

5. Danchi Housing Complexes

Aired: 3/12/2026

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 communities.

6. Jazz Kissa

Aired: 4/9/2026

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 today.

7. Chokatsu: Improving Gut Health

Aired: 4/23/2026

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 activities.

8. Sashiko Embroidery

Aired: 5/7/2026

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 rediscovered.

9. Seaweed

Aired: 5/21/2026

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.

10. Kyoto Confectionery

Aired: 6/4/2026

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.

11. Tidying Up

Aired: 6/18/2026

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 tidying up.

12. Aizu: Unbreakable Spirit of Noguchi Hideyo

Aired: 7/16/2026

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.