Japanology Plus: Season 11
Season 11 Lore Primer
Key plot threads, lore context, and character stakes you need to remember before diving into this season.
- Directly follows the overarching narrative developments of Japanology Plus Season 10.
- Faction dynamics and core character alliances shift under escalating external stakes.
- Crucial mysteries introduced previously reach key turning points and narrative reckonings.
- Sets up serialized story arcs that build directly toward the climactic season finale.
Episode Guide
Season 11 Progress Shield
Active Seniors
Jan 4, 2024 · 28 min
While Japan's population ages, many "active seniors" energetically participate in work and hobbies. An 88-year-old programmer and 104-year-old timepiece repairer show the secrets o
Forestry
Jan 25, 2024 · 28 min
Two-thirds of Japan is covered in forest, and wood has long been the building material of choice. But today, forests are in poor condition. We look at current efforts to revitalize
Japanophiles: Matthew Headland
Mar 7, 2024 · 28 min
Matthew Headland, a Canadian, works in marketing at a hand-hammered copperware workshop. In a Japanophiles interview, he shares his enthusiasm for the craft with Peter Barakan.
20th Anniversary Special (1)
Mar 21, 2024 · 28 min
It's a 20th anniversary special! Presenters and viewers join Peter Barakan to look at some highlights. Part one features musician and Japanology fan Todd Rundgren, sake tasting and
20th Anniversary Special (2)
Mar 28, 2024 · 28 min
It's a 20th anniversary special! Presenters and viewers join Peter Barakan to look back at some highlights. Part two features fans from around the world discussing great moments fr
Washing Machines
Apr 11, 2024 · 28 min
After a slow start, Japanese washing machines have become some of the most advanced in the world. We look at their development and the latest innovations.
New Roles for Vacant Homes
Apr 25, 2024 · 28 min
Japan's many vacant homes are being used as investments, hotel rooms and opportunities for creative renovation. We discover ways to reimagine properties that were once regarded as
Japanophiles: Nicoleta Oprisan
May 9, 2024 · 28 min
Nicoleta Oprisan from Romania is highly skilled at ikebana, the Japanese art of flower arranging. In a Japanophiles interview, she speaks about ikebana's power to communicate witho
Wakocha: Japanese Black Tea
May 23, 2024 · 28 min
Wakocha, black tea grown and processed in Japan, is winning major international awards. To discover why, Peter Barakan speaks to tea farmers, picks tea leaves, and tastes different
Plastic Models
Jun 6, 2024 · 28 min
Roughly 90% of Japan's plastic models are made in Shizuoka, a city whose manufacturing roots date back to shogun Tokugawa Ieyasu. We explore the latest developments for Japan's sup
Food Tech Products
Jun 20, 2024 · 20 min
Japanese food tech products such as soybean-based meat substitutes are made using new technology. Land-based aquaculture and 3D food printing are also in the spotlight. We look at
Kumano: The Practice of Shugendo
Jul 11, 2024 · 28 min
Shugendo is a uniquely Japanese spiritual tradition known for its grueling ascetic practices. We explore its origins in the heavily forested mountains of Kumano, and learn about pr
Kumano: Journey of a Maverick Scholar
Jul 18, 2024 · 28 min
Scholar Minakata Kumagusu made contributions to biology, folklore and other fields. He laid the foundation for environmental conservation in Japan. We explore the environments that
Japanophiles: Lekh Raj Juneja
Aug 1, 2024 · 28 min
Lekh Raj Juneja, from India, leads Japan's largest manufacturer of rice snacks. In a Japanophiles interview, he talks about the international potential of Japan's rice processing c
Eyeglasses
Aug 15, 2024 · 28 min
One of the world's top three production centers for eyeglasses is Sabae, in Fukui Prefecture. We trace the history of Japanese glasses, from the earliest examples to cutting-edge t
Service Areas
Aug 29, 2024 · 28 min
About 900 service areas provide amenities to drivers on Japan's expressway toll roads, generating 530 billion yen in annual sales. We examine their evolution and links with local c
Tanuki
Sep 12, 2024 · 28 min
Japanese raccoon dogs, or tanuki, are globally rare but have increasingly been seen in Japan's cities since the COVID-19 pandemic. We investigate their long history in tradition an
Japanophiles: Stephanie Crohin
Sep 26, 2024 · 28 min
French journalist and "sento ambassador" Stephanie Crohin promotes sento, or public bathhouses, on social media. She tells Peter Barakan about her love for the heartwarming world o
Heavy Machinery
Oct 10, 2024 · 28 min
The world loves Japan's heavy machinery. We explore the secrets of its popularity and learn about items ranging from small excavators to cranes that erect skyscrapers in cramped ur
Graves and End-of-Life Planning
Oct 24, 2024 · 28 min
End-of-life planning is spreading in Japan, with many people now thinking hard about what to do with their cremated remains. We learn about diverse graves, including options such a
Under Elevated Train Tracks
Nov 7, 2024 · 28 min
The spaces under Japan's elevated train tracks are now being used not just for pubs and restaurants but in many new ways, in various urban settings. We explore the economic and com
Japanophiles: Adam Smith
Nov 21, 2024 · 28 min
Adam Smith is a potter from England who follows a self-sufficient lifestyle in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture. He creates rich natural colors by using handmade glazes made from
Uesugi Yozan: An Economic Miracle
Dec 12, 2024 · 28 min
Admired by John F. Kennedy, Uesugi Yozan was a feudal lord who took over the Yonezawa Domain at the age of 15. He enacted financial reforms that led the destitute domain to a mirac
Uesugi Yozan: All for His People
Dec 19, 2024 · 28 min
A feudal lord admired by John F. Kennedy, Uesugi Yozan prioritized the well-being of his people. This time, in part two, we look at how his policies guided his domain along the pat