2008 • 53 episodes
53 episodes each of length 54 minutes, broadcast on Mondays between 20:00 and 20:54, from 14/04/2008 to 14/09/2009
Episodes
Episode 1 • Apr 14, 2008
Episode 2 • Apr 21, 2008
The sample group learn how to order and eat tempura, a typical Japanese meal. Then, they are guessing what is crafting an artisan.
Episode 3 • Apr 28, 2008
Episode 4 • May 05, 2008
Learn about the typical features of a Japanese garden from Kenroku-en in Kanazawa. Plus, tea utensil names and the do's and don'ts of tea picking.
Episode 5 • May 12, 2008
A segment covering fun facts about tofu, including why it's counted in such a unique way, is followed by a lesson in the proper way to wear a yukata.
Episode 6 • May 19, 2008
Episode 7 • May 26, 2008
Episode 8 • Jun 02, 2008
Japanese summers are hot and humid. Explore the foods, drinks and technologies people have developed to stay cool.
Episode 9 • Jun 09, 2008
Episode 10 • Jun 16, 2008
Episode 11 • Jun 23, 2008
Episode 12 • Jun 30, 2008
Episode 13 • Jul 07, 2008
A two-hour special featuring simple yet delicious Japanese ingredients and side dishes that perfectly complement the flavor of rice.
Episode 14 • Jul 14, 2008
Torii gates, statues and other things related to temples and shrines all cost money. The panel learns about what goes into their construction.
Episode 15 • Jul 21, 2008
Sushi masters teach the panel everything there is to know about the ultimate Japanese food, including how to order and eat it.
Episode 16 • Jul 28, 2008
As the seasons change, it's time to explore popular autumn foods and the best ways to prepare then. The panel then learns about portable stoves.
Episode 17 • Aug 04, 2008
Episode 18 • Aug 11, 2008
Spending the night at a Buddhist temple: Enjoy a sense of Japanese tranquility with beautiful gardens and Buddhist vegan meals.
Episode 19 • Aug 18, 2008
This episode showcases the traditional blue-collar areas of Tokyo, highlighting foods, crafts, old-style performing arts and more.
Episode 20 • Aug 25, 2008
Episode 21 • Sep 01, 2008
After a look behind the scenes at the ten-don restaurant Tenkuni in Ginza, the panel meets artisans who specialize in repairing lacquer and more.
Episode 22 • Sep 08, 2008
Chii and Azuma take a lesson in Japanese home cooking, and the panelists learn about customs surrounding the New Year's holidays in Japan.
Episode 23 • Sep 29, 2008
Professional cooks give tips for making the best miso soup, and common ingredients for miso are ranked from most to least expensive.
Episode 24 • Oct 13, 2008
Episode 25 • Oct 27, 2008
Chii and Azuma leave the studio to ask people about the best side dishes for rice, while the panel visits a soba restaurant founded in the Edo period.
Episode 26 • Nov 03, 2008
Episode 27 • Nov 10, 2008
Episode 28 • Nov 17, 2008
In a tough economy, some people aspire to tough traditional occupations. We meet a 30-year-old apprentice gardener and a newly hired shrine maiden.
Episode 29 • Nov 24, 2008
After Chii and Azuma compete to see who makes better oyakodon, the panel visits Kanaguya in Nagoya, a traditional inn, and learns about agar.
Episode 30 • Dec 01, 2008
Meet the workers at Tokyo's famed Tsukiji fish market, who give a tour not found in any guidebook. Then, meet Japan's Living National Treasures.
Episode 31 • Dec 08, 2008
Episode 32 • Dec 29, 2008
A day with strong women of Japan, including a nun, the head of a sumo stable, a rakugo comedian, and a portable shrine carrier in a festival.
Episode 33 • Jan 19, 2009
Learn everything you ever wanted to know about chopstick use and etiquette but were afraid to ask. Next, explore frequently misused words and phrases.
Episode 34 • Jan 26, 2009
Episode 35 • Feb 02, 2009
The panel learns about and ranks the tastiest traditional snacks sold at summer festivals. Then, they explore the craft of making prayer beads.
Episode 36 • Feb 09, 2009
Episode 37 • Feb 23, 2009
Episode 38 • Mar 02, 2009
Episode 39 • Mar 16, 2009
In this two-hour special episode, a tournament of traditional Japanese confections is held to determine which one is the most popular.
Episode 40 • Mar 30, 2009
Machines are indispensable to contemporary Japan, and this special explores many amazing examples, especially ones not seen every day.
Episode 41 • Apr 20, 2009
Episode 42 • Apr 27, 2009
Episode 43 • May 11, 2009
Spend a day in Kyoto learning about the unheralded individuals and niche industries that support the ancient capital's temples and traditions.
Episode 44 • May 18, 2009
The owner of the famous Ginza yakitori restaurant Torishige is retiring after 50 years, and his employees and customers celebrate his life and work.
Episode 45 • May 25, 2009
Episode 46 • Jun 01, 2009
Episode 47 • Jun 08, 2009
Episode 48 • Jun 15, 2009
Episode 49 • Jun 22, 2009
A look at the traditional architecture that defines Japan, including craftsmen who use skills and knowledge from the past to build shrine gates.
Episode 50 • Jun 29, 2009
A day in the well-preserved city of Kanazawa, with a look at the artisans whose work behind the scenes in traditional crafts keeps the past alive.
Episode 51 • Jul 06, 2009
Episode 52 • Jul 13, 2009
Episode 53 • Jul 27, 2009