For centuries the art of playing traditional music on Japanese instruments was passed down through apprenticeships., But traditional music ended up isolated from other musical forms. Now young performers are trying to adapt Japan's musical legacy to modern tastes, and to create new traditions. This time on Japanology Plus we find out more about traditional music in modern life with the help of expert guest Akihisa Kominato, a shakuhachi player. And in Plus One, the basics of kotsuzumi drumming.

Urban renewal is an everyday sight in Japan's big cities. Massive projects involving huge numbers of workers and multiple contractors advance smoothly, on schedule, and without bringing a busy city to a standstill. This time on Japanology Plus, we explore the secrets of Japan's urban renewal projects with the help of Keisuke Tamura, a leading architect who studies these mammoth undertakings in locations such as Shibuya in Tokyo. And in Plus One, we literally take a deeper look at the topic.