Ep 2. Cabbage Roll

James May: Our Man in Japan season 1 episode 2 is titled "Cabbage Roll" and follows James as he travels to Niigata, a region known for its rice and sake production. The episode starts with James trying his hand at traditional Japanese drumming before he heads to a small village where he meets a farmer who teaches him how to grow rice using traditional techniques.

James then sets off to visit a sake brewery where he learns about the process of making sake and the importance of the water used in the production. He also gets to sample some of the different types of sake and learns about the customs surrounding drinking in Japan.

Next, James travels to Sado Island where he meets a group of women who are carrying on the tradition of making Edible Chrysanthemum, a dish commonly served in Japan. He learns how to harvest and cook the plant and also gets a lesson on the correct way to use chopsticks.

The main focus of the episode is the cabbage roll, a popular dish in Niigata. James goes to a restaurant where he learns how to make the dish and then tries it for himself. He is then invited to a local’s home where he gets to sample a homemade version of the cabbage roll and meets the family who prepared it.

Throughout the episode, James also takes time to explore the local culture, including attending a traditional Japanese bedtime story reading and visiting a museum dedicated to the history of Sado Island.

Overall, "Cabbage Roll" is a fun and informative episode that allows viewers to learn about the traditional food and drink culture of Japan, as well as offering insights into the country's customs and traditions.