Japanese Language and People

Introductions

Sep 14, 1991

Bi-lingual Tokyo newsreader Yuka Nukina introduces the country and some of the characters who appear in the series.

All in the Family

Sep 21, 1991

Meet the family of salaryman Takashi Sakai, who lives in the suburbs of Tokyo, and the family of Tatehiko Kamikawa, a forester on the southern island of Kyushu. Also featuring American housewife Robbie Walker, who offers the view of an outsider living in Japan.

All in a Day's Work

Sep 28, 1991

A day in the life of Jun Sakai, a young Tokyo marketing executive, and his sister Hiroko, an 'office lady' with Tokyo Gas. Also, a profile of celebrity entrepreneur Hiroko Minami , one of the few Japanese women to make it big in the man's world of business. Australian interpreter Bruce Holcombe offers the gaijin (outsider) perspective and helps present the language and etiquette of business introductions.

Shoparound

Oct 5, 1991

A look at Japanese consumerism and the language of shopping.

School Time

Oct 12, 1991

A look at the Japanese education system, widely regarded as the key to Japan's economic achievement, and introduces the language of time. Featuring a school excursion to Hiroshima, target of the world's first atomic bomb, and to Miyajima, one of the "three most beautiful sights of Japan". And college student Tamara Taylor offers an American view of Japanese education in practice.

On The Road

Oct 19, 1991

Alan Booth is walking the length of Japan. Along his route he explores the language and culture of travel in Japan, and responds to some of the stock questions Japanese people love to ask foreigners.

Eating, Drinking and Entertaining

Oct 26, 1991

A look at the business of entertainment - settai - and the importance of cementing relationships - tsukiai - when doing business in Japan. The language of ordering food and drink is presented by Tokyo reporter Yuka Nukina, with the help of young Japanese and two young businessmen from Europe. Plus a profile of the mama-san - queen of the hostess bars.

Time Out

Nov 2, 1991

A look at leisure in Japan from the golf range to the pachinko parlour.

Give and Take

Nov 9, 1991

A look at the language and etiquette of buying and giving gifts.

Japan Tomorrow

Nov 16, 1991

The changing lifestyles of Japan in the 90s.