Home > Documentary TV Show > Magical Japanese

Magical Japanese

2021

Seasons & Episodes

  • 4
  • 3
  • 2
  • 1

EP1 Write Jan 17, 2024

Written Japanese was developed and refined after Japan began using Chinese kanji characters in the early 5th century. This history is reflected in the many words related to kaku, or "to write."

EP2 Mountain Jan 24, 2024

This episode focuses on words related to yama (mountains). Mountains make up about 75% of Japan's territory, and they have made their way into many common expressions in the Japanese language.

EP3 Eye Feb 21, 2024

This episode focuses on me (eye). Just like other languages, Japanese has a lot of words and phrases related to eyes, and they are often used in daily life.

EP4 Bag Feb 28, 2024

This episode focuses on words related to fukuro (bag). Reflecting its unique wrapping culture, Japan has a wide variety of bags, leading to an equal variety of Japanese words and expressions.

EP5 Salt Apr 24, 2024

This episode focuses on words related to shio, or salt. Salt played an important role in the development of Japan's food culture and religion, and it continues to add flavor to many Japanese expressions.

EP6 Castle May 01, 2024

In this episode, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan explores Himeji Castle in Hyogo Prefecture and examines words and expressions related to Japanese castles.

EP7 Wheel May 29, 2024

This episode focuses on kuruma, which means both wheel and wheeled vehicle. A ubiquitous word, it has rolled its way into many Japanese expressions.

EP8 River/Stream Jun 05, 2024

This episode focuses on kawa, which means both river and stream. These flowing bodies of water have played a central role in Japanese life and philosophy, as reflected in the Japanese language.

EP9 Seven Jul 03, 2024

This episode focuses on nana, or the number seven. Seen as a lucky number in Japan, it has given rise to many unique everyday words and expressions.

EP10 Mouth Jul 10, 2024

This episode focuses on kuchi (mouth). Japanese has many words and phrases related to its shape and functions.

EP11 Acting Jul 31, 2024

This episode focuses on shibai, which means both "a play" and "acting." It describes all types of acting and has produced many unique expressions.

EP12 Theater Aug 07, 2024

This episode focuses on gekijo, or "theater." Japanese theaters have characteristic features that have produced many idiomatic expressions.

EP13 Step Sep 25, 2024

This episode focuses on fumu, meaning both "to step" and "to stomp." The action is an important part of Japanese Shinto rituals and is used in many Japanese expressions.

EP14 Sound Oct 02, 2024

This episode focuses on oto, or "sound." Japanese is rich in sound-related expressions and idioms, many describing aspects of reputation and communication.

EP15 The Manyoshu Edition / Episode I: Love Oct 29, 2024

The Manyoshu is the oldest extant anthology of Japanese poetry. Through poems presented in both manga and a modern setting, we glimpse sentiments from centuries ago.

EP16 The Manyoshu Edition / Episode II: Business Nov 06, 2024

The Manyoshu is the oldest extant anthology of Japanese poetry. Through poems presented in manga and a modern setting, we glimpse sentiments from centuries ago. The topic this time is business.
10| 0h30m| en
Synopsis

Explore the richness and depth of the Japanese language and discover how words and expressions reflect history, culture and the natural world.

Director

Producted By

NHK

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Trailers & Clips

Also starring Peter MacMillan

Magical Japanese
Magical Japanese

Also starring Emma Howard

Japanology Plus
Japanology Plus

Reviews

BootDigest Such a frustrating disappointment
Phonearl Good start, but then it gets ruined
HeadlinesExotic Boring
GarnettTeenage The film was still a fun one that will make you laugh and have you leaving the theater feeling like you just stole something valuable and got away with it.

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