Seasons & Episodes
RAKUGO NIPPON! - TOYAMA
Do you know "Rakugo"? Along with Kabuki, it's a traditional Japanese entertainment of dexterous and comical storytelling
3-Day Dare*Devils - Behind the Scenes of the Ultimate EKIBEN
Softpomz from Thailand dives into the behind the scenes of the ultimate Ekiben. Will she be able to convey the ekiben st
3-Day Dare*Devils - YUKIGUNI - Deep into Japan's Snowland
Softpomz from Thailand experiences the life in the deep snow of freezing Gokayama, a World Heritage Site where residents
A*B*C Tours - A Thai Star in Hokkaido Part 1
Thanks to their appearance in hit Asian films, locations throughout Japan are being thrust into the spotlight. Previousl
A*B*C Tours - A Thai Star in Hokkaido Part 2
This time, we continue our winter journey to Hokkaido, the setting of hit Thai film One Day, with its star Nittha Jirayu
Through the Kitchen Window: Tami Hiyama - Chirashi-Zushi, Home-party Sushi
This program delves into traditional recipes to shine a light on unique food cultures across Japan, and discover the old
A Treasured Creation: Today's Treasure - Bamboo Basket
This program portrays artisans who make traditional crafts, artistic or industrial products or luxury items. They use wh
Asia's Appetizing Adventures - Thailand Part 1: Traditional Cuisine of a Border Town
Culinary specialist Kentetsu Koh travels across Asia in search of great home cooking and person-to-person encounters. Jo
Asia's Appetizing Adventures - Thailand Part 2: Traditional Cuisine of a Hill Tribe
Culinary specialist Kentetsu Koh travels across Asia in search of great home cooking and person-to-person encounters. In
Asia's Appetizing Adventures - Taiwan Part 1: A Visit to a Hakka Family
Culinary specialist Kentetsu Koh travels across Asia in search of great home cooking and person-to-person encounters. Wh
Asia's Appetizing Adventures - Taiwan Part 2: Orchid Island's Traditions for Catching Flying Fish
Culinary specialist Kentetsu Koh travels across Asia in search of great home cooking and person-to-person encounters. In
NINJA TRUTH - Episode 1
Ninja are now seen in popular media around the world. But as their profile rises, their reality gets muddied amid legend
NINJA TRUTH - Episode 2
Ninja are now seen in popular media around the world. But as their profile rises, their reality gets muddied amid legend
Close to ART - 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa
The 21st Century Museum of Contemporary Art, Kanazawa was built on an idea that the museum should be like a neighborhood
RAKUGO NIPPON! - KAMAKURA
RAKUGO NIPPON! KAMAKURA is a show that follows Rakugo performers' journey to tradition and nature rich KAMAKURA, where h
RAKUGO NIPPON! - CHICHIBU
RAKUGO NIPPON! CHICHIBU is a show that follows Rakugo performers' journey to the magnificent nature of CHICHIBU, where h
Close to ART - Hoki Museum
The Hoki Museum is home to paintings that are strikingly similar to reality. Some 500 works by modern Japanese artists a
Through the Kitchen Window: Akemi and Satsuki - Shojin Ryori, Buddhist Cuisine
Sisters 69-year-old Akemi and 67-year-old Satsuki have embraced "shojin ryori," a kind of vegetarian cuisine practiced b
Close to ART: The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama
The Museum of Modern Art, Wakayama, located 40 minutes from Kansai International Airport, sits right beside Wakayama Cas
A Treasured Creation: Today's Treasure - Kyoto Wire Weaving
The history of Kyoto Wire Weaving goes back more than 1,000 years. Used as kitchen utensils in Kyoto cuisine, these tool
Close to ART: Aomori Museum of Art
The Aomori Museum of Art was built next to ancient ruins dating back some 5,000 years. The museum's architectural style
RAKUGO NIPPON! - IWATE: The Journey to Experience the Age-Old Culture of Tohoku
RAKUGO NIPPON! IWATE is a show that follows Rakugo performers' journey to Iwate on a journey to experience the age-old c
RAKUGO NIPPON! - IWATE: The Journey to Discover All of Iwate's Autumn Flavors
RAKUGO NIPPON! IWATE is a show that follows Rakugo performers' journey to Iwate on a journey to discover all of Iwate's
Close to ART: The Japan Folk Crafts Museum
The Japan Folk Crafts Museum in central Tokyo, established over 80 years ago, collects tableware and clothing used in ev
NINJA TRUTH Episode 3: Shuriken
The ninja employed over 400 special weapons and tools to accomplish their missions, and the shuriken is undoubtedly one
NINJA TRUTH Episode 4: Ninja Yashiki
The ninja were often given the important mission of infiltrating enemy territory and bringing back key information. Mean
Close to ART: Kirishima Open-Air Museum
Kirishima Open-Air Museum, located in Kagoshima Prefecture, is distinguished by its extensive open-air sculpture collect
NINJA TRUTH Episode 5: Ninja Fire Arts
The ninja are said to have been proficient in the use of gunpowder long before guns were brought to Japan, and to have i
NINJA TRUTH Episode 6: Concealed & Hyorogan
The ninja used various tools and weapons on their secret missions. To protect themselves in dangerous situations, they u
BENTO EXPO Season 3: Episode 9
Marc introduces a dish from his mother's hometown in Miyazaki Prefecture: chicken nanban bento. The chicken is topped wi
RAKUGO NIPPON!: MIYAZAKI - Discover the Shochu and Cuisines of Miyazaki
Do you know "Rakugo"? It's a traditional Japanese entertainment of comical storytelling that covers everything from peop
Close to ART: MOA Museum of Art
The MOA Museum of Art is located in Atami, a region famous for its hot springs and natural beauty. The museum focuses on
Through the Kitchen Window: Akio Okamura - Sardines Pickled in Rice Bran
Akio Okamura (75) is a man who lives by the sea in the quaint town of Matsuzaki. He's master builder of the Okamura Mari
Through the Kitchen Window: Sayaka Mori - Seaweed Maki Roll
The town of Monzenmachi in Ishikawa Prefecture is surrounded by both the sea and mountains. Here, Sayaka Mori (38) has d
Castle Quest: The Last Walls Standing
In this episode, we approach the secrets hidden in Hikone Castle from various angles. We follow a group of soldiers as t
Castle Quest: The Ultimate Defense
In this episode, we approach the secrets hidden in Matsuyama Castle and follow a group of soldiers as they attack the ca
Close to ART: Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum
The Okinawa Prefectural Museum and Art Museum cuts a unique figure among the streets of Naha. The facility is special in
RAKUGO NIPPON!: MIYAZAKI - Experience the History and Nature of Miyazaki
On this episode, we're experiencing the history and nature of Miyazaki Prefecture. Just what kind of original Rakugo wil
Close to ART: Okada Museum of Art
The Okada Museum of Art, located in Hakone, one of Japan's most famous hot spring locations, opened in 2013. Its collect
Close to ART: Akita Museum of Modern Art
The Akita Museum of Modern Art in northern Japan primarily exhibits works of locally based artists. Visitors can enjoy w
Triangle Thrillers: Osaka
Three foreigners in Japan—a lawyer, a photographer, and a tour guide—make up an "Ojisan Trio" and visit the city of
Through the Kitchen Window: Misao Kuwata - Mochi Rice Cakes Wrapped in Bamboo Leaves
Something is always cooking in 92-year-old Misao Kuwata's kitchen. Every week she prepares 600 Sasa-mochi, a sweet steam
Close to ART: Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art
The Kanda Nissho Memorial Museum of Art is in the town of Shikaoi, on Japan's northern island, Hokkaido Prefecture. The
A Treasured Creation: Today's Treasure - Japanese 'Sumi' Inksticks
Suzuka region produces high-quality sumi ink. Kido Ito (55), an expert artisan who's made a million inksticks. A simple
Close to ART: Shimane Art Museum
The Shimane Art Museum is located in Matsue, a city in Shimane Prefecture bordering the Sea of Japan. Shimane is home to
Close to ART: Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum
The Taro Okamoto Memorial Museum, located a short ride from Shibuya Station, is a museum that opened in 1998 as a renova
Through the Kitchen Window: Jiyu Gakuen - Salmon Chirashi-Zushi
Jiyu Gakuen is a unique school in the Tokyo suburbs that emphasizes "learning from daily life." Every day, the middle or
NINJA TRUTH Episode 7: In Search of the Kunoichi, the Female Ninja
Before modern times, the ninja worked secretly in the shadows, and a particularly shadowy figure is the female ninja or
NINJA TRUTH Episode 8: Extraordinary Ninja Tools - Kunai and Ikibukuro
The ninja employed a wide range of tools to accomplish their missions. In this episode, we introduce the Kunai and exami
A Treasured Creation: Today's Treasure - 'Senko Hanabi' Sparklers
Senko Hanabi is a thing that reminds us of summer since the Edo period in Japan. Ryota Tsutsui has preserved the traditi
Triangle Thrillers: Yamanashi
3 foreign Ojisans - a lawyer, a photographer and a tour guide - make up an Ojisan trio and set off to explore the local
A Treasured Creation: Today's Treasure - Hand Hammered Pan
The process starts with a single sheet of metal. By hammering it becomes a beautiful saucepan form. Toshikazu Himeno, ag
Fishing Crazy: In Pursuit of the Smallest Catch
Catching tiny fish only a couple of centimeters in size called Tanago, or Japanese bitterling, is a passion shared by so
Through the Kitchen Window: Harie, Shiga - A Town Living with Water
Lake Biwa is the largest body of fresh water in Japan. There's a town, Harie in Shiga Prefecture, on its northwestern sh
NINJA TRUTH Episode 9: Shinobi Rokugu - The Six Essential Tools of the Ninja
Like all famous movie spies, the ninja had a wide array of spy tools at their disposal, and the Shinobi Rokugu were 6 to
NINJA TRUTH Episode 10: Poison and Medicine - The Ninja's Double-Sided Coin
Well-versed in astronomy, biology and other fields of natural science, the ninja used their knowledge of botany to creat
Fishing Crazy: Innovators on Ice
In winter, men and women sheltered in strange shell-like tents patiently wait on the frozen surface of a picturesque mou
NINJA TRUTH Episode 11: Innin and Yonin - The Yin and Yang of the Ninja
The ninja had 2 modes of operation: Innin and Yonin. Innin covered assassinations, sabotage and other covert operations
NINJA TRUTH Episode 12: Physical Abilities of the Ninja
Jumping down from 15-meter heights. Running 100 kilometers in a day. These are just some of the feats that the ninja wer
A Treasured Creation: Today's Treasure - Noh Masks
In the over 600-year old form of classical Japanese theater called Noh, wooden masks are worn by the performers. These m
Through the Kitchen Window: Shimi-konnyaku, Ibaraki
Shimi-konnyaku is a unique, naturally freeze-dried Japanese food, that would be able to be kept for 50 years. It was dev
Close to ART: The Reversible Destiny Lofts Mitaka
"The Reversible Destiny Lofts Mitaka" is a colorful group of housing units located in Mitaka, a sleepy Tokyo suburb. Des
Close to ART: The Taro Okamoto Museum of Art - Persevering Beyond the Coronavirus
The Taro Okamoto Museum of Art closed for 2 months due to COVID-19, but following Okamoto's words that art is "essential
Fishing Crazy: Tokyo's Underwater Darling
Tokyo's many waterways are home to the goby, a 10cm fish that's been prized by anglers since the Edo era. Today goby fev
Starting Over: Hotels Old and New
The Hotel Okura Tokyo is one of Japan's leading hotels. In anticipation of demand for the Olympics, the hotel was reopen
Starting Over: Back to School Part 1
This spring, many schools were forced to close due to COVID-19. Jiyu Gakuen in Tokyo is one of them. Since its foundatio
Starting Over: The Flight Goes On Part 1
Tokyo International Airport is commonly known as Haneda Airport. It's a crossroads for 49 domestic and 55 international
Ground Detective Simon Wallis: File #1 "The Case of the Kakigori"
Just north of Tokyo there's a place where whale fossils have been found on dry land! And the shaved ice desserts in that
Through the Kitchen Window: Hayama - Bringing Seafood Back
Hayama, a seaside resort to the west of Tokyo, is known for its high-quality vegetables and beef ... but not its seafood
NINJA TRUTH Episode 13: Ninja Mnemonics
The ninja are said to have been capable of remembering extensive details about the estates and castles they infiltrated.
Starting Over: Back to School Part 2
Ever since Jiyu Gakuen opened in 1921, students had been preparing school lunches themselves. Preparing and sharing meal
Starting Over: The Flight Goes On Part 2
With 87 million passengers per year, Haneda Airport is one of the world's busiest. But with COVID-19 wiping out most of
NINJA TRUTH Episode 14: Ninja in Tokyo
Although the ninja are known for working in the shadows, the early Edo period found them serving in one-hundred-man unit
Starting Over: Hotels Old and New Part 2
6 months after the suspension of inbound tourism, a government domestic tourism campaign saw demand for Tokyo hotels bot
Ground Detective Simon Wallis: Case 2 Soy Sauce
A city known for its soy sauce production, Choshi lies 100km east of Tokyo, in Chiba Prefecture. Soy sauce production be
Fishing Crazy: Divine Duel at Sea
Appearing at festivals and weddings, the red sea bream is an auspicious fish in Japan. A freshly caught sea bream isn't
Close to ART: WATARI-UM - The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art
The Watari Museum of Contemporary Art, or the "Watari-um," is a privately-owned museum in Tokyo's central Shibuya Ward.
Through the Kitchen Window: Iga - Creating New Out of Old
Deep in the countryside is the peaceful area of Maru-bashira in Iga in southern-central Japan. This tiny village of only
A Treasured Creation: Today's Treasure - Ai, the Natural Indigo of Japan
"It's kami (gods) that have helped us for generations." So says Sato Akihito (82), a 19th-generation Ai, or indigo, prod
A Treasured Creation: Today's Treasure - Keeping Barrel-brewed Soy Sauce Alive
Yamamoto Yasuo (age 48), a 5th-generation soy sauce producer on Shodoshima Island in western Japan, started crafting woo
Starting Over: Back to School Part 3
The threat of COVID-19 infection is just around the corner. Anyone can be infected at any time. If someone was infected
Starting Over: The Flight Goes On Part 3
Last December, the Hawaii state government decided to accept Japanese tourists, and flights to Hawaii were resumed. The
Starting Over: Hotels Old and New Part 3
The fall 2020 campaign to boost domestic travel helped bring old and new hotels back to life. But late in the year, infe
A Treasured Creation: Today's Treasure - Natural Ice Farmers
At the foot of the Nikko mountains lives Yamamoto Yuichiro (age 70) and his son Jin-ichiro (45), who, without relying on
Fishing Crazy: Bonding With a Scaly Partner
Summer in Japan is the season to catch a prized river dweller called Sweetfish, and the method to do so is quite unique.
NINJA TRUTH Episode 15: Ninja Communication
Since ninja were engaged in espionage, they had to gather information and accurately convey it without anyone knowing. T
NINJA TRUTH Episode 16: The Fuma Ninja
The Hojo clan was a warrior clan that ruled the Kanto region from the 15th to 16th century. Supporting their efforts to
Through the Kitchen Window: For the Love of Akigawa's Sweetfish
The clear waters of the Akigawa River course through a verdant gorge, just 90 minutes west of Tokyo. They are home to a
Ground Detective Simon Wallis: File #3 "The Case of the Udon Noodles"
The Ground Detective is back! In this episode, he travels to Kagawa Prefecture on Shikoku Island. People come here from
A Treasured Creation: The Bond with Urushi, Japanese Lacquer
Japan's world-famous lacquerware is prized for its versatility, beauty and shine, which is due to the varnish made from
Fishing Crazy: Anglers in Wonderland
We venture to the sandy coastline southwest of Tokyo where the water remains shallow far into the sea - perfect conditio
Centuries-old Japanese Businesses: Crisis Averted by Techniques
There are more than 1,300 companies in Japan that have been in business for over 200 years. How have these companies, wh
Through the Kitchen Window: First Bites, Big Smiles
Babies are about 6 months old when they gradually stop drinking breast milk or formula and start eating solids. It's a p
A Treasured Creation: Resonance for Charcoal
Hara Masaaki makes white charcoal called Kishu Binchotan in the deep forests of Wakayama Prefecture. He thinks of himsel
A Treasured Creation: Paper from the Wild
Three generations of the Tomi family have been producing a unique kind of handmade washi paper that is blackish-brown in
Centuries-old Japanese Businesses: Timeless Crisis Management
There are more than 1,300 companies in Japan that have been in business for over 200 years. How have these companies, wh
Centuries-old Japanese Businesses: Finding New Within the Old
There are more than 1,300 companies in Japan that have been in business for over 200 years. How have these companies, wh
Ground Detective Simon Wallis: File #4 "The Case of the Sake"
Best known for its beef, the city of Kobe is also a long-standing powerhouse in the world of sake. There's one small cor
Analogue Nostalgia: Cassette Tapes
Analogue items once considered obsolete are being embraced by young people as new finds and making a comeback. Using a d
A Treasured Creation: The Master Weavers of Amami
One of Japan's most prized textiles comes from a subtropical island where the makers still hew to the methods of 1,300 y
A Treasured Creation: Satsuma White Ware
The Chin kiln of Kagoshima has been turning out intricate pottery for more than 400 years. The signature openwork and fi
NINJA TRUTH Episode 17: Iga, Home of the Ninja
While the ninja moved unseen throughout Japan, Iga, in present-day Mie Prefecture, has been called the birthplace of the
NINJA TRUTH Episode 18: The Ninja Art of Escape
The ninja art of escape, or Tonsojutsu, frequently took advantage of the human psyche. We examine some ninja tactics and
Analogue Nostalgia: Disposable Cameras
Harry runs an old-fashioned coffee shop that he took over from his grandfather. During a year-end cleaning, he finds a d
Fishing Crazy: Pursuing the Never-ending Path
In Japanese, "do" means "the way." Though often used for martial arts, for some anglers, there is also the "way of fishi
A Treasured Creation: Nature-Made Amber Vinegar
Rows of black ceramic pots sit in the sun as rice and koji malt ferment inside. For more than a year, the enzymes will t
NINJA TRUTH Episode 19: The Bansenshukai
The Bansenshukai is a compilation of ninja techniques from 49 Iga and Koka ninja schools. It covers everything from ninj
NINJA TRUTH Episode 20: Ninja Tools of Clay and Stone
Ninja tools of clay and stone were unearthed at sixteenth-century archaeological sites. They were clay Makibishi and sto
Fishing Crazy: Play Ball with Love and Deception
On this episode, we visit scenic Ise Shima in Mie Prefecture to meet an angler who loves to catch the beautiful blackhea
Ground Detective Simon Wallis: File #5 "The Case of the Wasabi"
Sushi has gone global. So people around the world know familiar light green wasabi as a condiment with a kick that's ind
Through the Kitchen Window: The Wasabi Brothers - Finding the Spice of Life
If you duck under tree branches, wade up a stream and climb over rocks, you will find a secret place of wasabi patches,
On the Wings: #01 New Ishigaki Airport
For everyone wishing they could travel overseas but just isn't able, we invite you on a very special journey through the
NINJA TRUTH Episode 21: The Koka Ninja - Their Light and Shadow
Along with Iga, the Koka region is synonymous with ninja. The Koka Ninja are often depicted in anime and movies as the a
NINJA TRUTH Episode 22: Flying Ninja
Ninja have often been depicted flying on large kites in manga and anime. Was such a feat really possible? With the help
Through the Kitchen Window: Live Eat Cook Simple
Anda Yuko, owner-chef of a Tokyo restaurant, has a singular philosophy. On first glance her food looks like unfussy, pro
Fishing Crazy: Treasure Hunters in Tokyo Bay
Fishing for common octopi in Tokyo Bay is booming among anglers. The delicious taste of the octopus that dwells there ha
Through the Kitchen Window: Finding Happiness in Hayama
Ito Chimomo leads a wonderfully rustic life in the picturesque town of Hayama, close to the sea and surrounded by nature
On the Wings: #02 New Chitose Airport
Fly over northern Japan in autumn! Hop onboard and see the beautiful mountains in full autumnal foliage. Flying from Han
Ground Detective Simon Wallis: File #6 “The Case of the Oyster”
Professor Simon Wallis, AKA "The Ground Detective," unravels the mysteries behind Japan's fascinating food culture from
Tiny Houses, Cozy Homes: The Hilltop Challenge
The Tokyo area is one of the most densely populated places on the planet. Very small properties have long been a feature
Tiny Houses, Cozy Homes: A Space of Visual Diversity
The Tokyo area is one of the most densely populated places on the planet. Very small properties have long been a feature
NINJA TRUTH Episode 23: THE LAST NINJA
Two men have been called "the last ninja." The first is Fujita Seiko, who lived over a hundred years ago. Introducing hi
NINJA TRUTH Episode 24: The Forefront of Ninja Research
We meet with two specialists at the forefront of ninja research. In 2021, Fukushima Takamasa found the Kanrinseiyo. Know
Tiny Houses, Cozy Homes: An Open-Air Living Room
The Tokyo area is one of the most densely populated places on the planet. Very small properties have long been a feature
Tiny Houses, Cozy Homes: Many Levels of Light
The Tokyo area is one of the most densely populated places on the planet. Very small properties have long been a feature
Through the Kitchen Window: Boxed Meals, Family Flavors
Suzuki Kinue knows a thing or two about making delicious bento boxed meals. She's been operating a tiny store in Tokyo's
Centuries-old Japanese Businesses: Connecting Culture & Peoples' Lives
There are more than 1,300 companies in Japan that have been in business for over 200 years. How have these companies, wh
On the Wings: #03 Fukuoka Airport
Fly with us for a once-in-a-lifetime night flight over Japan's stunning cities and landscapes. Experience the breathtaki
Centuries-old Japanese Businesses: Profit Not Just Oneself
There are more than 1,300 companies in Japan that have been in business for over 200 years. How have these companies, wh
Through the Kitchen Window: Life on a Tea Farm
Much of Japan's renowned Uji tea is produced in Minamiyamashiro, the last remaining village in Kyoto Prefecture. Headed
Through the Kitchen Window: Mieko's Island
The people of Tokunoshima live long, and well. But one woman on the small Japanese island stands out. At the sprightly a
On the Wings: #04 Kagoshima to Amami Airport
Hop on a plane and view Japan from the sky! This time, we head to Amami Oshima Island, off the south of Kyushu, riding o
Through the Kitchen Window: A Taste of a Summer Festival
Minamiaizu Town, Fukushima Prefecture. Here, Akutsu Yasuko runs a fish shop renowned for its "marinated herring with san
Through the Kitchen Window: Passing on Pickled Plums for Posterity
In a quiet Tokyo residential neighborhood is where you'll find the home of Norimatsu Sachiko. Open the door, and you're
On the Wings: #05 Shizuoka to Izumo Airport
This time, we embark on a skyward journey from the airport nearest Mount Fuji, passing over Nagoya and Kyoto, to arrive
Through the Kitchen Window: Finding Myself in Satoyama
Rie left Tokyo to get married in a rural village. Running a chestnut farm and welcoming people with her unique cooking,
Through the Kitchen Window: A Craftsman's Roots
Honda Sueyasu has spent a lifetime thatching roofs and making sure a delicious taro thrives in his community. The eterna
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