Storyline

Explore the richness and depth of the Japanese language and discover how words and expressions reflect history, culture and the natural world.

First Aired

2021-03-28
Last Aired

2024-11-06
Creator
Genre

Documentary
Seasons

4
Episodes

55
Status

Returning Series
Language

日本語, English
Network

NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Keywords:

japanese history japanese culture japanese language

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Season 1

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Season 3

Season 4

1. Rain

The Japanese language is rich in words and expressions influenced by nature, history and culture. This...More

The Japanese language is rich in words and expressions influenced by nature, history and culture. This episode looks at words related to rain. Japan's annual rainfall is about twice the global average. Japanese people are sensitive to minute variations in rain, and it's said that there are some 400 Japanese expressions about rain. Join poet, literary translator and long-time Japan resident Peter MacMillan and explore unique words and the culture behind them.Less

10mins 2021-03-28

2. Cherry Blossoms

This episode looks at words related to cherry blossoms. Cherry trees have thrived in Japan for thousan...More

This episode looks at words related to cherry blossoms. Cherry trees have thrived in Japan for thousands of years, and they hold a special place in the hearts of many Japanese people. Various expressions relating to cherry blossoms have developed over time. Join poet, literary translator and long-time Japan resident Peter MacMillan and explore unique words and the culture behind them.Less

10mins 2021-04-28

3. Trees

This episode looks at words related to trees. Japan is a land of trees - two-thirds of the country is ...More

This episode looks at words related to trees. Japan is a land of trees - two-thirds of the country is covered by forests. Trees support people's lives, and in turn, they have a deep respect for trees. Various expressions relating to trees have developed over time. Join poet, literary translator and long-time Japan resident Peter MacMillan and explore unique words and the culture behind them.Less

10mins 2021-10-27

4. Morning

This episode looks at words related to the morning. Japanese people cherish the subtle changes in natu...More

This episode looks at words related to the morning. Japanese people cherish the subtle changes in nature, and they have been particularly fond of the quiet hours in the early morning. The moment of sunrise alone has produced many beautiful expressions. Poet, literary translator, and long-time Japan resident Peter MacMillan guides us through unique words and the culture behind them.Less

10mins 2021-11-24

5. Water

This episode introduces words associated with water. Water has long been regarded as plentiful and acc...More

This episode introduces words associated with water. Water has long been regarded as plentiful and accessible in Japan. It is deeply embedded in Japanese culture and is even used to describe human relationships and life itself. Poet, literary translator and long-time Japan resident Peter MacMillan guides us through these unique words and the culture behind them.Less

10mins 2021-12-22

6. Night

This episode looks at words related to the night. In ancient Japan, people appreciated the quiet and d...More

This episode looks at words related to the night. In ancient Japan, people appreciated the quiet and darkness of nighttime, and had different names for different times of the evening. The night was also associated with mysterious beings. From his home in Kyoto, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.Less