Begin Japanology

tv show

poster for Begin Japanology

251 total episodes

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7 seasons

First Aired April 14, 2008

Overview

BEGIN Japanology invites you into the world of Japanese culture, both traditional and modern, explaining how traditions evolved and the part they still play today in people's everyday lives.

Small Factories poster unavailable

Small Factories

Season 6 - Episode 4 - 0h 28m

Air Date

January 31, 2013

Overview

From electronics to motor vehicles, Japanese industrial products are renowned for their high performance. And they wouldn't be possible without the "small factories" that make the parts. About 90% of all factories in Japan today have no more than 30 employees. These small factories are treasure troves of technical know-how. A single steel bar is all a machinist needs to shape parts for a rocket. Other experts use their sense of touch to machine metal to within hundredths of a millimeter. In 2009, many small factories worked together to launch a small satellite called Maido-1. In the midst of a tough recession, it was built to be a beacon of hope. Now, a separate group of small factories has pooled its technical know-how to develop an underwater survey device that can dive to 8,000 meters. On this edition of BEGIN Japanology, our theme is small factories. By exploring them, we will gain insights into Japanese manufacturing expertise.