Japanology Plus

The Ainu are an indigenous people who live in and around northern Japan. Traditionally, they are hunter-gatherers who share a close relationship with the natural world. In the first of 2 editions about the Ainu, we look at the National Ainu Museum. The facility opened in 2020 as a hub for the protection and promotion of Ainu traditions. Our guest is its Executive Director, Sasaki Shiro. He introduces several exhibits, and talks about the museum's goals.

The Ainu are an indigenous people who live in Hokkaido Prefecture (northern Japan) and surrounding areas. Traditionally, they were hunter-gatherers who shared a close relationship with the natural world. In the second of 2 episodes about the Ainu, we look at young Ainu in modern Japan who are conserving and promoting their ancestral culture. Our guest is Sasaki Shiro, Executive Director of the National Ainu Museum. He introduces a special exhibition centered around a popular manga series.

In a Japanophiles interview, Peter Barakan meets Tom Hovasse, a basketball coach from the USA. After spending much of his playing career in Japan, Hovasse began coaching Japanese teams. In 2017 he was appointed head coach of the Japan women's national basketball team, and under his leadership they won a silver medal at the Tokyo Olympics. Following that success, he was recently appointed to a new role: head coach of the men's team. Hovasse talks about his journey, and his coaching philosophy.

Kotatsu are low tables with a heat source underneath, and a blanket draped over the top. For hundreds of years, Japanese have gathered around them in the cold winter months. They're cozy and comfortable; perfect for watching TV, studying and chatting to family and friends. Our guest, architect and university professor Watanabe Shinichi, talks about the social and environmental benefits of Kotatsu. And in Plus One, Kanoa tries out Kotatsu in some unusual locations.