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Episode Guide
Footwear
Series: Japanology Plus
Series Progress: Episode 31 of 3589% Completed
Synopsis
This edition of Japanology Plus is yet another opportunity to consider two quintessential characteristics of Japanese culture: kaleidoscopic manifestations of any social phenomenon that is perceived to have value, and a passionate attention to detail when one becomes strongly attached to any specific aspect of that phenomenon. The social phenomenon in this case is what we wear on our feet, and Peter Barakan visits a museum that showcases footwear from Japan and the world. Obviously footwear has taken many different forms in many different cultures, but somehow Japan seems to have come up with more variety than most: buckets to step into, planks to strap on, weighted "stilts" for gathering seaweed. Through the centuries, cleverly catering to existing or anticipated requirements, Japanese footwear has blossomed exotically into countless different forms, offering countless different functions. A shoe with its own air-conditioning mechanism is a fine modern embodiment of this historical diversity. Reporter Matt Alt, meanwhile, shows us a great example of that "passionate attention to detail" when he discovers the tender loving care that can be devoted to the simple act of polishing one's shoes.
📊 Series Binge Profile
Total Content Density: 17 hours 30 minutes (35 episodes)
Intensity Rating: Relaxed Watch - Easy viewing. Perfect for casual watches.
Binge Milestones
1 episode/day: 35 days
3 episodes/day: 12 days
5 episodes/day: 7 days
Episodes (35)
- S02E01 - Whisky
- S02E10 - Bicycles
- S02E11 - Kimono
- S02E12 - Kokeshi Dolls
- S02E13 - Shinise - Long-Established Businesses
- S02E14 - Japanophiles - Rezaul Karim Chowdhury
- S02E15 - Toilets
- S02E16 - Bridges
- S02E17 - A Nation of Singers
- S02E18 - Restoring Castles
- S02E19 - Volcanoes
- S02E02 - Quest for Perfect Skin
- S02E20 - School Club Activities
- S02E21 - Smells
- S02E22 - Paper
- S02E23 - Japanophiles - Paul Lorimer
- S02E24 - Katsuobushi
- S02E25 - Day Care for Kids
- S02E26 - Sweets and Snacks
- S02E27 - Hairdressing
- S02E28 - Japanophiles - Carine Lafitte
- S02E03 - Bladed Tools
- S02E30 - Moving Services
- S02E32 - Sleep
- S02E33 - Tokyo Rail Network
- S02E34 - Denim
- S02E35 - Japanophiles - Randy Channell Soei
- S02E36 - Japanophiles - Zoe Vincent
- S02E04 - Family Crests
- S02E05 - Breakfast
- S02E06 - Footwear Viewing
- S02E07 - Running
- S02E08 - Emoji
- S02E87 - Radio Calisthenics
- S02E09 - Ekiben