
Host Peter Barakan delves into various aspects of Japanese culture; exploring practices, history, and modern innovations in such areas as ramen, rice, sushi, geisha, bonsai, and so much more. Local experts discuss their passions at fascinating length, and American Japanophile Matt Alt experiences the food, practices, and cultures in each episode in depth. Viewers will finish each half hour episode with a new understanding of an area of Japanese life through demonstrative videos and explanations, all delivered respectfully and true to the Japanese way of life.

S13 E11 • 6/18/2026
How do we deal with modern clutter? From clever decluttering techniques in tiny homes to refined organization methods practiced by experts, we explore the Japanese sense of beauty in tidying up.
S13 E12 • 7/16/2026
Noguchi Hideyo, the former face of the 1,000-yen note, rose from adversity to become a renowned, life-saving bacteriologist. We visit his birthplace, Aizu, and trace his life of resilience.
Featured Cast

30 Episodes • 2014

35 Episodes • 2015
34 Episodes • 2016
35 Episodes • 2017
38 Episodes • 2018
28 Episodes • 2019
24 Episodes • 2020
27 Episodes • 2021
27 Episodes • 2022
23 Episodes • 2023
24 Episodes • 2024

24 Episodes • 2025

12 Episodes • 2026