Begin Japanology
Season 5 Episode 3 - Cafes
People the world over love to enjoy a cup of coffee in a cafe. Japan is no different. Cafes first appeared in Japan in the late 19th century, and they have continued to evolve with changes in society. The country currently has 80,000 cafes and consumes more coffee than either France or Italy! But Japanese cafes don't just serve coffee; many offer a wide range of special themes and extra features - like "cat cafes," where you can enjoy some feline companionship, or "maid cafes," where customers are served and entertained by women in maid outfits. As Japanese society ages, "community cafes" are becoming a vital way for older citizens to find good company. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at cafes. In Japan, they are more than just a place to have a cup of coffee; they are a unique and fascinating world in their own right.
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