Begin Japanology

Weekend Japanology, Begin Japanology, and Japanology Plus are Japanese television programs aired on NHK World, and presented by Peter Barakan. The programs explore aspects of traditional and contemporary Japan and interview experts in various fields.

The series premiered under the title Weekend Japanology, which was first broadcast in 2002 in Japan and beginning in other countries on April 6, 2003. Weekend Japanology is mostly talk-show style, typically hosted by Peter Barakan and Mami Kikuchi. It eventually developed into Begin Japanology (first broadcast on October 5, 2007 in Japan and in other countries on March 14, 2008 ) Japanology Plus (first broadcast April 3, 2014) ) is the most recent show. Other than the title, little has changed in the content or format. Japanology Plus has two presenters: Peter Barakan, who guides the viewer through the show, and Matt Alt, who presents the section ‘’Plus One’’ with useful tips. The show also has an occasional talk series called "Japanophiles" featuring interviews with foreigners doing activities in Japan. Both Japanology Plus and Begin Japanology are typically 28 minutes in duration.

The Japanology series also has two additional shows, ‘’Begin Japanology Mini’’ and ‘’Japanology Plus Mini.’’ Both consist of five-minute episodes covering the same topics as their respective 28-minute counterparts.