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What are some great documentaries about Asian culture that are easily available?
I'm on a binge of watching YouTube videos about Asian culture and wanna take it to the next level. Anything about the cultures of countries like Japan, both Koreas, China, etc. As long as it's high quality and available on the major streaming websites. Thanks!
No Reservations by Anthony Bourdain has 2 seasons on Hulu, and in those there are 2 episodes about Japan, one on Malaysia (Penang), one on Macau, and one on Cambodia.
Unfortunately I'm not sure where else to watch the rest of his work, but he his shows always touch on culture alongside the food.
He also had a number of episodes set in Asia on another show, Parts Unknown. Again, food-centric, but always with cultural context. Man, I miss him.
American Factory is a relatively new documentary that juxtaposes the Chinese work culture with the American equivalent. It's surprisingly "conflict-free" even though it was filmed during Trump era.
I feel a great way to "experience" a culture from afar is to take a look at the art produced by the culture. In terms of movies, To Live is considered a Chinese masterpiece that displays the sociopolitical aspects of the decades that saw two revolutions. South Korea produces tons of films every year that confronts the contradictions in their society (e.g. Parasite, Burning) and highlights some of their biggest moments in recent history (e.g. A Taxi Driver). Shoplifters is a great movie coming from Japan that predates Parasite and confronts some of the same things that Parasite highlights.
I have no idea if these are "great" - they're just random documentaries Youtube recommended me but I enjoyed them as someone who is Asian and whose social circle is like at least 50% Asian American. Not that I alone can speak for the most populous continent.
What's The Cost Of Being The Hardest Workers In The World?
South Korea's Growing Household Debt
These aren't documentaries, they're short, but well produced youtube videos, but Japan Day in the Life Series are fun to watch.
A Bite of China is a decent series on regional cuisine. I think a good portion of it is on youtube.
There are hundreds of "Begin Japanology" videos on youtube. They focus on one part of Japanese culture and do a 30minute video on them. They are from NHK, japans national broadcaster.
The "Bite of China" are very good documentaries focused on food. They pick a few food points every episode and go into detail about them and the culture surrounding them.
If you don't mind podcasts Lazlo Montgomery's China History Podcast is a great look at Chinese history. The series on Tea is genuinely on the greatest podcast series ever.