Begin Japanology
Season 6 Episode 16 - Pine Trees
Pine trees grow all around Japan, and make essential contributions to the Japanese way of life. From pine trees come gourmet matsutake mushrooms and fine calligraphy ink. Since pines can grow in harsh conditions, they are frequently used as windbreaks for homes. Pine trees are also symbols of longevity and abundance. They are often called the "luckiest" tree in Japan. Unfortunately, pine trees have recently come under attack from a damaging pest that eats away their resin ducts. The search for ways to protect the pines is going on in various parts of Japan. In one city on Japan's northeastern coast, the tsunami that struck on March 11, 2011, swept away a historic pine grove...except for one single tree. This lone pine became a symbol of hope for the survivors of the disaster. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is pine trees. They provide a window on Japanese lifestyles and ideas of beauty.
Episodes in Season 6
Sumo
28 min
Bathroom Scales
28 min
Enka
28 min
Small Factories
28 min
Japanophiles - Azby Brown
28 min
Japanophiles - Ernst Seiler
28 min
Japanophiles - Yasokichi Konishiki
28 min
Ume Plums
28 min
Storehouses
28 min
Wagyu
28 min
Uniforms
28 min
Rice Cookers
28 min
Burial Mounds
28 min
Stationery
28 min
Bread
28 min
Pine Trees
28 min
Parcel Delivery
28 min
Pro Wrestling
28 min
Strawberries
28 min
Calculators
28 min
Television
28 min
Lake Biwa
28 min
Expressways
28 min
Beer
28 min
Japanophiles - Mike Harris
28 min
Japanophiles - Karl Bengs
28 min
Japanophiles - Kenny Omega
28 min
Shakuhachi
28 min
Convenience Stores
28 min
Used Books
28 min
Women's Nylons
28 min
Remote Islands
28 min
Characters and Mascots
28 min
Grapes
28 min
Makeup
28 min
Ukiyo-e
28 min
Buses
28 min
Parties and Gatherings
28 min
Conveyor Belt Sushi
28 min
Pets
28 min
