Seasons & Episodes
Rain
The Japanese language is rich in words and expressions influenced by nature, history and culture. This episode looks at
Cherry Blossoms
This episode looks at words related to cherry blossoms. Cherry trees have thrived in Japan for thousands of years, and t
Trees
This episode looks at words related to trees. Japan is a land of trees - two-thirds of the country is covered by forests
Morning
This episode looks at words related to the morning. Japanese people cherish the subtle changes in nature, and they have
Water
This episode introduces words associated with water. Water has long been regarded as plentiful and accessible in Japan.
Night
This episode looks at words related to the night. In ancient Japan, people appreciated the quiet and darkness of nightti
House
This episode looks at words related to houses. Traditional Japanese homes give us a glimpse of the Japanese love for the
Mount Fuji
This episode introduces words related to Mount Fuji. A UNESCO World Heritage site, this iconic symbol of the beauty and
Snow
This episode introduces words related to snow. Designated heavy snowfall areas cover fifty-one percent of Japan. In such
Moon
This episode looks at words related to the moon. The Japanese have always been captivated by the moon, interpreting clos
Kimono
This episode introduces words related to the kimono. Once used as everyday wear, the traditional and iconic garment is n
Washi
This episode looks at words and phrases related to washi, or traditional Japanese paper. Refined and durable, washi cont
Tea
This episode looks at words related to tea. An integral part of Japan's food culture, it's celebrated in the tea ceremon
Cat
This episode looks at words and phrases related to cats. Cats have been treasured in Japan for a long time as a way to d
Oni
This episode explores words and phrases inspired by Oni: demons, ogres and evil spirits that are a fixture of Japanese f
Ship
This episode focuses on ships and boats. Japan is an island nation, and ships have been an integral part of Japanese lif
Fish
This episode looks at words related to fish. Surrounded by the sea, Japan is home to rich fishing grounds. Fish has long
Red
This episode looks at words related to the color red. Red is deeply embedded in Japanese culture. Not only are there sai
Fire
This episode looks at words related to fire. Fire has both practical and spiritual significance in cultures around the w
Horse
This episode looks at words related to horses. Since arriving from the Asian mainland around the 5th century, horses hav
Wind
This episode looks at words related to wind. Due to its geographical location, Japan experiences different types of wind
Sword
This episode looks at words related to swords. Since ancient times, the evolution of Japanese swords has followed a uniq
Shogi
This episode looks at words related to shogi, also known as Japanese chess. Shogi is believed to have originated in anci
Ghost
In this episode, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan travels to Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, where the writ
Insect
In this episode, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan travels to Matsue City, Shimane Prefecture, where the writ
Wagashi
This episode introduces words related to wagashi, or Japanese sweets. Traditionally made to accompany the tea ceremony,
Blue
This episode introduces words related to the color blue. Its many shades were used skillfully by Japanese ukiyo-e artist
Bird
This episode introduces words related to tori, or birds. For ages, the sight of birds soaring in the sky has thrilled pe
Foot and Leg
This episode introduces words related to ashi, which means both foot and leg. They have many important pressure points a
Sumo
This episode introduces words related to sumo. Throughout its long history, sumo has been performed as a ritual to pray
Bow and Arrow
This episode introduces words related to yumiya, meaning bow and arrow. Together, they've been used for hunting, fightin
Mud
This episode focuses on words related to doro, or mud. Since ancient times, Japanese people have gotten muddy in the ric
Shadow / Shade
This episode focuses on words related to kage, meaning both shadow and shade. From rooting for someone working toward th
Hot Water
This episode focuses on words related to yu, meaning both hot water and a bath. From a nice cup of tea to a soothing bat
Sleep
This episode features words related to neru, meaning "to sleep." Some data show that Japanese people average around only
Eight
This episode focuses on words related to hachi, or the number eight. Numbers have special meanings in many places around
Root
This episode focuses on words related to ne, or "root." Japan's agricultural history has inspired many unique expression
Hair
This episode focuses on unique words related to kami, or "hair."
Go
This episode focuses on the many words born from the ancient board game, Go, that are now a part of everyday speech.
Write
Written Japanese was developed and refined after Japan began using Chinese kanji characters in the early 5th century. Th
Mountain
This episode focuses on words related to yama (mountains). Mountains make up about 75% of Japan's territory, and they ha
Eye
This episode focuses on me (eye). Just like other languages, Japanese has a lot of words and phrases related to eyes, an
Bag
This episode focuses on words related to fukuro (bag). Reflecting its unique wrapping culture, Japan has a wide variety
Salt
This episode focuses on words related to shio, or salt. Salt played an important role in the development of Japan's food
Castle
In this episode, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan explores Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture and examines wo
Wheel
This episode focuses on kuruma, which means both wheel and wheeled vehicle. A ubiquitous word, it has rolled its way int
River/Stream
This episode focuses on kawa, which means both river and stream. These flowing bodies of water have played a central rol
Seven
This episode focuses on nana, or the number seven. Seen as a lucky number in Japan, it has given rise to many unique eve
Mouth
This episode focuses on kuchi (mouth). Japanese has many words and phrases related to its shape and functions.
Acting
This episode focuses on shibai, which means both "a play" and "acting." It describes all types of acting and has produce
Theater
This episode focuses on gekijo, or "theater." Japanese theaters have characteristic features that have produced many idi
Step
This episode focuses on fumu, meaning both "to step" and "to stomp." The action is an important part of Japanese Shinto
Sound
This episode focuses on oto, or "sound." Japanese is rich in sound-related expressions and idioms, many describing aspec
The Manyoshu Edition / Episode I: Love
The Manyoshu is the oldest extant anthology of Japanese poetry. Through poems presented in both manga and a modern setti
The Manyoshu Edition / Episode II: Business
The Manyoshu is the oldest extant anthology of Japanese poetry. Through poems presented in manga and a modern setting, w
Wear
People have long worn clothes to protect themselves from the elements and signal their social status, producing many Jap
Grass
The Japanese people's coexistence with nature has led to many words and expressions related to kusa or "grass" taking ro
Spring
Spring in Japan is a season of pleasant weather, cherry blossoms, and new beginnings. The many words and expressions rel
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