Konamon means "flour-based cuisine," but in Osaka Prefecture the word generally refers to 2 specific dishes: takoyaki (bite-sized batter balls with pieces of octopus inside) and Okonomiyaki (savory pancakes made with cabbage). This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is Konamon: flour-based cuisine. Our guest is lifestyle researcher Mana Kumagai, who takes us to outstanding Konamon and Okonomiyaki restaurants. And in Plus One, Matt Alt learns how to make Monjayaki, a Tokyo twist on flour-based food.

In Japan, the bath has a special status. And for Japanese, using one is an essential part of daily life. It's not just a place to wash yourself, but a chance to relax, reflect on your day, or spend time with your family. This time on Japanology Plus, our theme is bathrooms. Our guest is Osamu Oba, a professor at Kyoto Prefectural University. He explains why baths are so important in Japan, and introduces us to the latest innovations. And in Plus One, Matt Alt discovers how bath additives are created.

Two-thirds of Japan is covered in forest, and wood has long been the building material of choice. But today, forests are in poor condition. We look at current efforts to revitalize forestry in Japan.