Begin Japanology mini

Swedish outdoor enthusiast and reporter Janni Olsson leads her team on various outdoor adventures across Japan.

Monty Don sets out to discover the true essence of these elegant gardens and what we have taken from them. Armed with his extensive knowledge and passion for all aspects of horticulture, Monty travels through Japan to explore the best gardens the country has to offer. From plants and architecture to new techniques and differing climates, this series is full of rich colour and vibrant landscapes as Monty examines how a mix of history and new innovations are shaping the gardens of Japan today and how they are perceived. Get ready to enter an enticing world, full of enchanting stories, wonderful characters and, of course, beautiful gardens.

Ohganeku Michiko, who works in the planning sales department of a famous furniture maker, had a traumatic experience with her ex-boyfriend in the past. Being a railway otaku for 10 years, she uses her free time to visit train stations on local lines nationwide where she meets various people, enjoys the scenery and delicacies.

Enjoy a bird's-eye view of Japan's amazingly diverse landscapes, as well as intimate portraits of people leading contrasting lives.

Best friends Joel Dommett and Nish Kumar travel to locations across the globe to immerse themselves in the lives of the toughest, strongest, fittest people in the world.

A chronicle of the creative process of the legendary Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, a passionate artisan, a steadfast trailblazer, and a father butting heads with his son…

From epic landscapes and unforgettable culture, to the often trying times that come with international travel, Departures chronicles the unforgettable friendships, personal successes and sometimes crushing disappointments that befall travellers Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach on their journey. Departures is as much about the journey as it is the destination.

Akihito, the Emperor of Japan, abdicated on April 30, 2019. This 3-parts NHK World documentary series chronicles the life of a former "divine child" who became the symbol of the Japanese State when he ascended the throne in 1989.

From sumo wrestling to robots, Japan's traditions and high-tech innovations fuel host Sue Perkin's cultural exploration in this docuseries.

An docu-series exploring the unique and wonderful surf culture in Japan, highlighting the dramatic push and pull between convention and innovation. By chronicling the lives of both the trendsetters and the traditionalists, the series paints a captivating holistic picture of the global surf industry – from Australian-Japanese surfer, Connor O’Leary to freestyle surfers, Olympic hopefuls and businesspeople trying to make their mark.

Horror mockumentary program broadcast by TV Tokyo as a collaboration between director Tokio Omori and the YouTube channel FAKE DOCUMENTARY "Q".

One of the most appealing features of Japan's national road network is the various Michinoeki, literally way stations, that provide a place for motorists to rest, dine and shop. They offer information on the locality and restaurants with regional specialties, and often sell local crafts and delicacies for travelers to take home. A stop at one or more of these spots helps to make any road trip in Japan unforgettable.

Watch host Tony travel around the world and enjoy luxurious tourism with his companion Priscilla Wong. Destinations includes South Korea, Singapore, Shanghai etc. They enjoy what good money can buy, including great food, wine tastings, local culture.

A five-minute series where you can explore a wide variety of Japanese cultures, traditions and lifestyles.

Having road-tested retirement in India, Miriam Margoyles, Wayne Sleep, Bobby George and Rosemary Shrager are reunited to discover what it is like to grow old in other countries around the world.

We go on a one month backpacking adventure around Japan. In this 2 part documentary series we travel to Japan for the very first time. Travelling there for one month, starting in Tokyo and then using the Japan Rail Pass to explore the country.

"Talent" Chip Tsao went to London, Greenwich, Wales, Oxford, Cambridge, England, to analyze the British people's living habits, academic development, economic conditions, etc .; and went to Warsaw, Gdansk, Krakow to know a country with a hundred years of blood and tears. Eason Chan visited Tokyo, Kyoto, Osaka, and Fukuoka in Japan to learn about the cultural differences; Social worker Shiu Ka-chun went deep into Finland's Turku, Helsinki, Nokia and other places to experience the local customs through living with locals. They will introduce the details of each famous city from a social, historical, and cultural perspective, bringing different connotations, depths, and education.

James May embarks on a remarkable journey across Japan, from its icy north to its balmy south. He’ll see the sights, meet the locals, and eat the noodles in a bid to truly understand the Land of the Rising Sun.

Marking a 1150 year anniversary in 2019, the Kyoto Gion Matsuri was subsequently suspended for two years due to outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Live coverage of the Yoiyama evening on July 16th and the next day's Yamaboko parade is accompanied by a set of special documentaries explaining the festival history and the activities during the pandemic.

Kevin McCloud is passionately optimistic about technology and the future, but Jon Richardson, Phil Wang and Alice Levine aren't so sure. Can Kevin persuade his trio of sceptics to see the light?