April 14, 2008 • 54m
Episode 1 of Season 1 premiered on April 14, 2008
April 21, 2008 • 54m
The sample group learn how to order and eat tempura, a typical Japanese meal. Then, they are guessing what is crafting an artisan.
April 28, 2008 • 54m
Episode 3 of Season 1 premiered on April 28, 2008
May 5, 2008 • 54m
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.
May 12, 2008 • 54m
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.
May 19, 2008 • 54m
Episode 6 of Season 1 premiered on May 19, 2008
May 26, 2008 • 54m
Episode 7 of Season 1 premiered on May 26, 2008
June 2, 2008 • 54m
Japanese summers are hot and humid. Explore the foods, drinks and technologies people have developed to stay cool.
June 9, 2008 • 54m
Episode 9 of Season 1 premiered on June 9, 2008
June 16, 2008 • 54m
Episode 10 of Season 1 premiered on June 16, 2008
June 23, 2008 • 54m
Episode 11 of Season 1 premiered on June 23, 2008
June 30, 2008 • 54m
Episode 12 of Season 1 premiered on June 30, 2008
July 7, 2008 • 54m
A two-hour special featuring simple yet delicious Japanese ingredients and side dishes that perfectly complement the flavor of rice.
July 14, 2008 • 54m
Torii gates, statues and other things related to temples and shrines all cost money. The panel learns about what goes into their construction.
July 21, 2008 • 54m
Sushi masters teach the panel everything there is to know about the ultimate Japanese food, including how to order and eat it.
July 28, 2008 • 54m
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.
August 4, 2008 • 54m
Episode 17 of Season 1 premiered on August 4, 2008
August 11, 2008 • 54m
Spending the night at a Buddhist temple: Enjoy a sense of Japanese tranquility with beautiful gardens and Buddhist vegan meals.
August 18, 2008 • 54m
This episode showcases the traditional blue-collar areas of Tokyo, highlighting foods, crafts, old-style performing arts and more.
August 25, 2008 • 54m
Episode 20 of Season 1 premiered on August 25, 2008
September 1, 2008 • 54m
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.
September 8, 2008 • 54m
Chii and Azuma take a lesson in Japanese home cooking, and the panelists learn about customs surrounding the New Year's holidays in Japan.
September 29, 2008 • 54m
Professional cooks give tips for making the best miso soup, and common ingredients for miso are ranked from most to least expensive.
October 13, 2008 • 54m
Episode 24 of Season 1 premiered on October 13, 2008
October 27, 2008 • 54m
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.
November 3, 2008 • 54m
Episode 26 of Season 1 premiered on November 3, 2008
November 10, 2008 • 54m
Episode 27 of Season 1 premiered on November 10, 2008
November 17, 2008 • 54m
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.
November 24, 2008 • 54m
After Chii and Azuma compete to see who makes better oyakodon, the panel visits Kanaguya in Nagoya, a traditional inn, and learns about agar.
December 1, 2008 • 54m
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.
December 8, 2008 • 54m
Episode 31 of Season 1 premiered on December 8, 2008
December 29, 2008 • 54m
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.
January 19, 2009 • 54m
Learn everything you ever wanted to know about chopstick use and etiquette but were afraid to ask. Next, explore frequently misused words and phrases.
January 26, 2009 • 54m
Episode 34 of Season 1 premiered on January 26, 2009
February 2, 2009 • 54m
The panel learns about and ranks the tastiest traditional snacks sold at summer festivals. Then, they explore the craft of making prayer beads.
February 9, 2009 • 54m
Episode 36 of Season 1 premiered on February 9, 2009
February 23, 2009 • 54m
Episode 37 of Season 1 premiered on February 23, 2009
March 2, 2009 • 54m
Episode 38 of Season 1 premiered on March 2, 2009
March 16, 2009 • 54m
In this two-hour special episode, a tournament of traditional Japanese confections is held to determine which one is the most popular.
March 30, 2009 • 54m
Machines are indispensable to contemporary Japan, and this special explores many amazing examples, especially ones not seen every day.
April 20, 2009 • 54m
Episode 41 of Season 1 premiered on April 20, 2009
April 27, 2009 • 54m
Episode 42 of Season 1 premiered on April 27, 2009
May 11, 2009 • 54m
Spend a day in Kyoto learning about the unheralded individuals and niche industries that support the ancient capital's temples and traditions.
May 18, 2009 • 54m
The owner of the famous Ginza yakitori restaurant Torishige is retiring after 50 years, and his employees and customers celebrate his life and work.
May 25, 2009 • 54m
Episode 45 of Season 1 premiered on May 25, 2009
June 1, 2009 • 54m
Episode 46 of Season 1 premiered on June 1, 2009
June 8, 2009 • 54m
Episode 47 of Season 1 premiered on June 8, 2009
June 15, 2009 • 54m
Episode 48 of Season 1 premiered on June 15, 2009
June 22, 2009 • 54m
A look at the traditional architecture that defines Japan, including craftsmen who use skills and knowledge from the past to build shrine gates.
June 29, 2009 • 54m
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.
July 6, 2009 • 54m
Episode 51 of Season 1 premiered on July 6, 2009
July 13, 2009 • 54m
Episode 52 of Season 1 premiered on July 13, 2009
July 27, 2009 • 54m
Episode 53 of Season 1 premiered on July 27, 2009