Begin Japanology
Season 5 Episode 1 - Ekiden
Ekiden is a long-distance relay race. Instead of a baton, a sash is handed off. This sash is the secret to ekiden's widespread appeal in Japan; it is a symbol of perseverance and selfless duty. Ekiden's inventor was Japan's first Olympian. He ran the marathon but passed out before reaching the finish line. This defeat drove him to create an event that could produce world-class Japanese runners. There are various ekiden events, and the most grueling is the Mt. Fuji Ekiden. Teams of six run from the foot of Mt. Fuji to the summit and back down again - in four hours! There are also high school ekiden championships. Forty years ago, one team was on the verge of being disbanded, until an inspiring coach took over and turned them into national champions. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at ekiden - a unique Japanese athletic event that reveals what makes the Japanese tick.
Episodes in Season 5
Ekiden
28 min
Batteries
28 min
Cafes
28 min
Hot Water Bottles and Pocket Warmers
28 min
Ikebana
28 min
Excavators
28 min
Woods & Forests
28 min
Japanophiles - Dhugal Lindsay
28 min
Japanophiles - Richard Emmert
28 min
Japanophiles - Art Lee
28 min
Japanophiles - Philip Harper
28 min
Kabuki
28 min
Wild Vegetables
28 min
Horses
28 min
Massage Chairs
28 min
Shikoku Pilgrimage
28 min
Regional Fast Food
28 min
Department Stores
28 min
Kimonos
28 min
Aquariums
28 min
Confectionery
28 min
Dolls
28 min
Moss
28 min
High School Baseball
28 min
Planetariums
28 min
Japanophiles - Adam Booth
28 min
Japanophiles - Dave Spector
28 min
Japanophiles - Euan Craig
28 min
Shamisen
28 min
Crested Ibises
28 min
Abalone
28 min
Tokyo Station
28 min
Tokyo Skytree
28 min
Tokyo Bay
28 min
Potatoes, Taros, and Yams
28 min
Name Seals
28 min
Mushrooms
28 min
Vending Machines
28 min
Scissors
28 min
Satsuma Mandarins
28 min
Gift-giving
28 min
