Japanology Plus

Host Peter Barakan delves into various aspects of Japanese culture; exploring practices, history, and modern innovations in such areas as ramen, rice, sushi, geisha, bonsai, and so much more. Local experts discuss their passions at fascinating length, and American Japanophile Matt Alt experiences the food, practices, and cultures in each episode in depth. Viewers will finish each half hour episode with a new understanding of an area of Japanese life through demonstrative videos and explanations, all delivered respectfully and true to the Japanese way of life.

3. Moving Services

In Japan, where real estate is at a premium, houses can be very cramped inside, especially in major cities. Maneuvering large items of furniture along narrow corridors and stairs requires special techniques that have become a hallmark of Japanese movers. This edition of Japanology Plus introduces the rigorous training used by large firms to perfect such skills and the unique services that these Japanese moving firms offer. Our expert guiding us today is Yasuo Yamasaki, who is head of training at a major Japanese removal service. And in Plus One, Matt gets a glimpse of one recent innovation for the safe transport of plates and dishes: a box filled with padded pockets.