Begin Japanology

40% of the pianos that exist today were made in Japan, and 40% of the Japanese population has learned to play the piano at some point. Sviatoslav Richter, often called the greatest pianist of the 20th century, loved Japanese pianos, and he is just one of many world-class artists who have praised them. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is the piano. We'll see how a piano-playing culture developed in Japan, and explore the latest developments in the piano business

40% of the pianos that exist today were made in Japan, and 40% of the Japanese population has learned to play the piano at some point. Sviatoslav Richter, often called the greatest pianist of the 20th century, loved Japanese pianos, and he is just one of many world-class artists who have praised them. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is the piano. We'll see how a piano-playing culture developed in Japan, and explore the latest developments in the piano business

Japan has the world's biggest appetite for squid. Squid is eaten many different ways - sautéed, fried, as sashimi - and it features in countless local dishes across the country. However, to the Japanese, squid means more than just good eating: it's also used in rituals as a symbol of good luck. Recently, scientists have been discovering more about the fascinating lives of squid. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, we look at the profound importance of squid to Japan's history and culture.

Japan has the world's biggest appetite for squid. Squid is eaten many different ways - sautéed, fried, as sashimi - and it features in countless local dishes across the country. However, to the Japanese, squid means more than just good eating: it's also used in rituals as a symbol of good luck. Recently, scientists have been discovering more about the fascinating lives of squid. Explore the profound importance of squid to Japan's history and culture.