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NHK World
As I mentioned in the other day's post, I enjoy watching NHK World TV shows. They're really great for people who are interested in learning more about Japan and Japanese culture. Shows like Journeys in Japan take a look at interesting places in Japan, while Tokyo Eye 2020 focuses--as the title suggests--on Tokyo. There are also cooking shows like Dining with the Chef, or if you're interested in anime and video games, you might check out Imagine-Nation.
Another of my favorite shows is Mark of Beauty, which explores different forms of beauty in Japan ranging from topics as diverse as wagashi, kanzashi hair ornaments, kokeshi dolls, and even sushi. I also love Booked for Japan, in which a famous guest is interviewed and discusses a book that had a major impact on their life. Again, the guests are varied in their occupations: artisans, chefs, scientists, and even an astronaut.
I've also been enjoying Kabuki Kool, which explores the world of Kabuki and explains it in simple terms for beginners. I was never that interested in Kabuki before, but I find it a lot more interesting now that I understand some of the symbolism behind the stylized dialogue and actions. It doesn't hurt that the show alternates between two handsome co-hosts, Kabuki actors Ichikawa Somegoro (who plays mostly male roles) and Nakamura Kazutaro (an onnagata, or an actor who specializes in female roles). One thing that surprised me was that I had always assumed that the onnagata would be these beautiful bishonen type guys, but it turns out that is not always the case! Kazutaro-san actually makes a very beautiful woman when he's in costume and makeup, but some of the other onnagata are these very big, burly men who don't look femine at all to me! It's not so bad when they're playing a matronly type of woman, but it's disconcerting (at least to my untrained eye) when they're supposed to be playing a delicate, beautiful young princess or courtesan. Anyway, I really enjoy the show and it makes me want to see a kabuki play someday.
If you don't get NHK World in your area, you can watch NHK World On Demand online or download their app to watch shows on your smartphone or tablet.
And that's it for my 30 days of blogging--I made it through another year! (Although I will try and continue to be more active about blogging throughout the year.)
Another of my favorite shows is Mark of Beauty, which explores different forms of beauty in Japan ranging from topics as diverse as wagashi, kanzashi hair ornaments, kokeshi dolls, and even sushi. I also love Booked for Japan, in which a famous guest is interviewed and discusses a book that had a major impact on their life. Again, the guests are varied in their occupations: artisans, chefs, scientists, and even an astronaut.
I've also been enjoying Kabuki Kool, which explores the world of Kabuki and explains it in simple terms for beginners. I was never that interested in Kabuki before, but I find it a lot more interesting now that I understand some of the symbolism behind the stylized dialogue and actions. It doesn't hurt that the show alternates between two handsome co-hosts, Kabuki actors Ichikawa Somegoro (who plays mostly male roles) and Nakamura Kazutaro (an onnagata, or an actor who specializes in female roles). One thing that surprised me was that I had always assumed that the onnagata would be these beautiful bishonen type guys, but it turns out that is not always the case! Kazutaro-san actually makes a very beautiful woman when he's in costume and makeup, but some of the other onnagata are these very big, burly men who don't look femine at all to me! It's not so bad when they're playing a matronly type of woman, but it's disconcerting (at least to my untrained eye) when they're supposed to be playing a delicate, beautiful young princess or courtesan. Anyway, I really enjoy the show and it makes me want to see a kabuki play someday.
If you don't get NHK World in your area, you can watch NHK World On Demand online or download their app to watch shows on your smartphone or tablet.
And that's it for my 30 days of blogging--I made it through another year! (Although I will try and continue to be more active about blogging throughout the year.)