Japanology Plus - Season 6 - Eps 20: Swords
In Japan, sword fighting is a common feature of period dramas. But Japanese swords, katana, were more than weapons. They were used in rituals, and held as status symbols. Today, they're viewed as works of art. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is swords. Our main guest is manga artist Kimiko Kamata, author of a katana-themed manga. She explains why the blades have attracted a new audience of young, female fans. And in Plus One, Matt Alt learns how to properly maintain a Japanese sword.
About Japanology Plus
Title: Japanology Plus
First Air Date: 2014-04-03
Last Air Date: 2025-03-13
Status: Returning Series
Rating: 6.4/10 (from 5 votes)
Language: EN
Seasons: 13
Total Episodes: 330
Network: NHK WORLD-JAPAN
Genres: Documentary, Talk
Production Companies: NHK, NHK Educational
Synopsis
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.
Cast
Peter Barakan
Self - Host
