Begin Japanology S02E35 · Festivals

Overview

In Japan, festivals are known as matsuri. Many matsuri are colorful and boisterous occasions. Matsuri are typically associated with a Shinto shrine. Local people gather to pray and give thanks to the enshrined deity for agricultural bounty, health, safety and security. Over the years, these gatherings have evolved into elaborate events that frequently feature dancing, masks and magnificent floats. Entire local communities may be drawn into the preparations for festivals, which have nurtured some of the most refined arts and crafts in Japan. Even the sophisticated Noh theatre has festival origins, and, in some communities, apprentices will spend years learning a craft such as woodcarving specifically for its application in an annual matsuri. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we present some of the most famous festivals in Japan and consider the links to community and culture.

Torrents

Subtitles

Episodes

1. 1 1. Nishijin-ori2009-01-19 · 28m
2. 2 2. Kyoto Lacquerware2009-01-26 · 28m
3. 3 3. Sake2009-02-02 · 28m
4. 4 4. Katsura Rikyu2009-02-09 · 28m
5. 5 5. Bonsai2009-02-16 · 28m
6. 6 6. The Four Seasons2009-02-23 · 28m
7. 7 7. Hina Dolls2009-03-02 · 28m
8. 8 8. Nagasaki2009-03-09 · 28m
9. 9 9. Five-Storey Pagodas2009-03-16 · 28m
10. 10 10. Cherry Blossoms2009-03-23 · 28m
11. 11 11. Chopsticks2009-04-03 · 28m
12. 12 12. Aizome2009-04-10 · 28m
13. 13 13. Bunraku2009-04-17 · 28m
14. 14 14. Kiriko Cut Glass2009-04-24 · 28m
15. 15 15. Traditional Folk Houses2009-05-08 · 28m
16. 16 16. Tea Ceremony2009-05-15 · 28m
17. 17 17. Soba2009-05-22 · 28m
18. 18 18. Origami2009-05-29 · 28m
19. 19 19. Imari Porcelain2009-06-05 · 28m
20. 20 20. Folding Fan2009-06-19 · 28m
21. 21 21. Kaiseki Cuisine2009-07-10 · 28m
22. 22 22. The Sounds of Japan2009-07-17 · 28m
23. 23 23. Masks2009-07-24 · 28m
24. 24 24. Satoyama2009-07-31 · 28m
25. 25 25. Kendo2009-08-29 · 28m
26. 26 26. The Fragrances of Japan2009-09-04 · 28m
27. 27 27. Spinning Tops2009-09-11 · 28m
28. 28 28. Rock and Stone2009-09-18 · 28m
29. 29 29. Ink Brushes2009-09-25 · 28mSince ancient times, people in Japan have devoted themselves to the traditional art of calligraphy, shodo. Writing characters with ink on paper, they create works that express the
30. 30 30. Tsukemono2009-10-02 · 28m
31. 31 31. Dogs2009-10-09 · 28m
32. 32 32. Ramen2009-10-16 · 28m
33. 33 33. Rice2009-10-23 · 28m
34. 34 34. Shinto Shrine2009-10-30 · 28m
35. 35 35. Festivals2009-11-06 · 28mIn Japan, festivals are known as matsuri. Many matsuri are colorful and boisterous occasions. Matsuri are typically associated with a Shinto shrine. Local people gather to pray and
36. 36 36. Shinkansen2009-11-13 · 28m
37. 37 37. Gagaku2009-11-20 · 28m
38. 38 38. Marriage2009-11-27 · 28m
39. 39 39. Shogi2009-12-04 · 28m
40. 40 40. Nabe Cuisine2009-12-11 · 28m
41. 41 41. Sword2009-12-18 · 28m