Breath mints, sprays and countless other products that tackle body odors offer evidence of widespread concern about smells. Japan has certified professionals who investigate offensive odors, and even a fire alarm that uses the power of smell. This time on Japanology Plus, our subject is smells. We explore how the Japanese relate to different aromas. Our expert guest is Masahiro Watanabe, an expert on smells who has studied their role in Japanese culture and business. And in Plus One, the ABCs of smell sleuthing.

This time, we present an installment of our special Japanophiles series, which features lively interviews with foreigners living in Japan. The trademark alcoholic beverage of Okinawa, Japan's southernmost prefecture, is awamori. It is said to be Japan's oldest distilled spirit, and it is traditionally aged in ceramic pots. Paul Lorimer, who has lived in Okinawa for 36 years, is a potter who creates a diverse range of ceramics, but his signature product is superb vessels for aging awamori.