House

The Japanese language is rich in words and expressions influenced by nature, history and culture. This episode looks at words related to houses. Traditional Japanese homes give us a glimpse of the Japanese love for the changing seasons and how the Japanese developed a temperament that values cooperation. From his home in Kyoto, poet and literary translator Peter MacMillan guides us through these words and the culture behind them.

"Sumai": house
"Engawa": a narrow passageway that runs along the house
"Tatami": a firm woven mat made from a type of rush plant
"Kehai": the presence of someone or something

Transcript