Document 72 Hours

Nishi-Ginza Lottery Ticket Office

Many people purchase “year-end jumbo lottery tickets” in hopes of winning a fortune. One of the most famous ticket o

Home Ranking in Shinsaibashi, Osaka

A batting center that is popular and pressed by game centers and manga cafes. However, there are regulars who swing the

Merry Christmas at a Convenience Store

An indispensable cake for the Christmas family. Convenience stores are rapidly increasing their sales. A convenience sto

Ueno Ameyoko Manga Cafe

In Ueno Ameyayokocho, which is known for its low-priced sales, there are more and more shops that are slightly different

New Year's Eve: Operation Garbage Collection

A huge amount of rubbish spewed every day. The amount of garbage generated in Tokyo’s 23rd district is said to be equi

Resort Job: Winter's Tale

A ski resort where people flock to enjoy the winter holidays. Young people called resort part-timers are supporting it b

Nagoya: Great Success! Recycle Shop

With the popularity of online auctions, “buying and selling” used goods is becoming commonplace. In Nagoya City, the

EFukuoka Jinjo Yatai Street

Fukuoka City has the largest number of yatai stalls in Japan. Even those who do not know each other can easily get to kn

Ferry on a Journey

The film closely follows the 1,200-kilometer one-way ferry route between Nagoya, Sendai, and Tomakomai. Some travel in g

Adatara Service Area on Tohoku Expressway

Over a year after the disaster, we closely follow the Adatara service area, the gateway to Tohoku. Volunteers, travelers

Shin-Okubo: Grocery Store Without Borders

The film is set in Shin-Okubo, a sacred place for the Korean Wave. Surrounded by handsome cafes and other stores, there

Sapporo Susukino 24h Giri Meshiya

The stage is an onigiri restaurant in Sapporo Susukino, the most downtown area in Hokkaido. People who come around for t

Fukuoka Hakata: A Giant Cruise Ship Arrives

The setting is the Port of Hakata, Fukuoka. One after another, the largest passenger ships in history arrive from Shangh

Close contact: The Sleepless Flower Shop in Kabukicho

The setting is a 24-hour flower store in Shinjuku Kabukicho, Tokyo. Who comes to buy flowers late at night and under wha

Farewell Shibuya, Kamaboko Station Building

Shibuya Station in Tokyo is used by 3 million people every day. Overnight, the platform of the Toyoko Line, a private ra

Osaka Kushikatsu Elegy

A small, standing kushikatsu store that is attached to the wall of an underground passageway in Osaka's Umeda Station, i

Yokosuka Air Base, Operation Matchmaking

We closely follow the special three days that Yokosuka, a Maritime Self-Defense Force base, welcomes. In spring, most of

Points of Departure: New Chitose Airport

Every year, 16 million people pass through Sapporo's New Chitose Airport, on Japan's northernmost island of Hokkaido. In

In the City of Closed Factories

The factory of a major manufacturer in Gifu Prefecture closed its 33-year history. At its peak, it had four thousand emp

Enthusiastic Singing! Hitori Karaoke

Hitorikara" is the art of singing karaoke alone. Recently, specialty stores have also appeared. At a 24-hour restaurant

Kyoto Engiri Shrine

Near downtown Gion, Kyoto. There is a place visited by people from all over Japan who are troubled by their relationship

Night Clinic: An ER of Last Resort

In Japan's Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo, a patient died after being turned away by a number of hospital Emergency Rooms

The Live-Streamers: Interactive Webcasting

Got a PC or a smartphone? Media-sharing sites will let you stream live and interactively. It could be called "self-casti

Familyless Life Theater

Ageo City, Saitama Prefecture, is a bedroom community about an hour from central Tokyo by train. A 24-hour family restau

Underground Idols

The Akihabara district in Tokyo is known worldwide as a mecca for "otaku" or geeks. It's also where a number of girl gro

Dreams Bloom at Kochi Racecourse

Kochi Racecourse once produced the racehorse Harurara, whose dedication to his sport drew sympathy despite a losing stre

In Front of a Giant Manbow

The round, dull eyes are disproportionate to the huge body. The way they drift humorously and leisurely in their tanks.

From the Last Shelter

Kazo City, Saitama Prefecture. More than 100 victims of the Great East Japan Earthquake still live in an abandoned schoo

Climbing Mt. Fuji

When summer comes, people from all over Japan flock to Mt. Fuji. After the mountain was designated a World Heritage Site

The "Rain, then Fine" Coin Laundry

The Shonan coastal region in Japan conjures up images of summertime, youth culture, fashion. We cast an offbeat video ey

The Happiness Theory of Healthland

For a low fee, you can enjoy to your heart's content a spacious bath and massage room, as well as a place to eat and tak

Home Is Where the Locker Is—The Day Laborers of Osaka

The Airin District, Osaka. Here live thousands of male day laborers, many of whom spend their nights in rooms so small t

Yanaka Cemetery: Dialogs Between Death and Life

The Yanaka Cemetery is one of Tokyo's oldest cemeteries. The greatest number of visitors come during the Obon holiday in

Fly! Epsilon

In August, a small town on the outskirts of the peninsula of Kagoshima attracted the world's attention. The launch of th

Yoshimoto: Summer Training Camp at the critical moment

Yoshimoto Kogyo attracts aspiring young comedians from all over Japan. They believe that they are the funniest, and ther

Personal Glimpses at a 24-Hour Gym

24-hour gyms are quickly gaining in popularity. Relatively inexpensive and open all hours, they're well-suited to busy m

The Game Center and the Prize Beyond the Prize

Outside Yokohama's main rail station is a 6-floor game center. New games come out all the time, but an old standby is a

The Makeup Room

Osaka Station: a major transportation hub for Western Japan. One popular service catering to travelers there is a Ladies

In Search of Hiroshima Taro

There is a street person who is said to have no one in the center of Hiroshima who is said to be unknown. His name was "

Hitchhiking in the Seto Inland Sea

Hitchhiking on the sea" is a way of traveling through the Seto Inland Sea by boat only. The starting point is Shodoshima

The Call of the Dunes

Nothing but sand, as far as the eye can see. The Tottori Sand Dunes on the Sea of Japan are a vast world of nothingness.

A Giant Travel Agency: Destinations and Detours

It occupies an entire floor of a large building in Shinjuku, a bustling district in Tokyo. An enormous travel agency, vi

The Post Office That Never Sleeps

More and more these days, people communicate via texting, social media and email. Yet there are some who rush into the S

Night Train to Izumo: Destination - Destiny

An unusually large number of passengers gather at a train station in Tokyo. They're taking a special night train to Izum

A Giant Bookstore: Wandering in a World of Words

Crammed together are magazines and novels, art books and technical treatises. In an era of increasing Internet book sale

Wrestlers on the Road

As the recession continues to hit Hokkaido, Japan, a small pro wrestling group fights an uphill battle to energize the p

A 260-Person "Sharehouse"

In 2013, one of Japan's largest "sharehouse" or shared-living apartment houses, opened in Tokyo. It can accommodate 260

The Fierce Battle! Entrepreneur Contest.

An “Entrepreneur Contest” was held last year under the auspices of a global IT company to discover talents who can g

Japan's Northernmost Bus Stop

The far north of Hokkaido, with a view of Sakhalin in the distance. At Cape Soya, where a severe snowstorm blows, there

Okinawa: The Barbershop that Never Sleeps

In downtown Naha City, there is a barbershop that is open 24 hours a day, a rarity in Japan. Customers include children

Fukushima: From a Super Market in Early Spring

Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. Along the road to the nuclear power plant, there is a supermarket that has seen a sign

Printing Handheld Memories

With the ubiquity of digital cameras and smart phones, we live in an age of easy photographs. It's easy to print them ou

The Voyage of Life on a Giant Ferry

For people with time, car ferries are an inexpensive mode of travel in Japan, which is surrounded by water. Each year, a

A 24/7 Discount Store

A giant discount store in Shinjuku, Tokyo, has 40,000 items for sale. It pulls in customers around the clock. This episo

One Tower, Many Lives

The Tokyo SKYTREE opened in 2012 as Japan's tallest structure. Each day 100,000 people flock here to try to take photos

Youth "HelloWork" - A Job Agency

Over 80% of Japanese college grads landed jobs last spring, the main hiring season. However, in Shibuya, an area of Toky

Ueno Park, Under the Cherry Trees in Full Bloom

Ueno Park is a huge park representing Tokyo. Surrounded by offices, downtown, and residential areas, people spend their

An All-Night Eatery

Uguisudani is one of the least-frequented stops on Tokyo's Yamanote mass-transit loop line. But it's well known for its

Self Storage: Secrets and Memories

Recently, all across Japan, there has been a sharp rise in the number of people turning to self-service storage to keep

Mt. Osore: Between Life and Death

When people die, they go "to the mountain". So holds the folklore in the Tohoku (northeastern) region of Japan, referrin

On the Road: “Happiness Theory” on Route 16

Yokosuka - Machida - Hachioji - Kasugabe and "National Route16" connects the Kanto suburbs. The townscape where there ar

The 24-Hour Supermarket: Just Another Day

Akune city is located in rural Kagoshima Prefecture. More than 40% of its population is over 65 years old. Its famous 24

Shonan, Reasons to Gaze at the Sea

In June, the Shonan coast overlooking Enoshima Island. On a clear day, people who cannot wait for summer to arrive come

At a Gas Station in a Downpour

It's a June weekend, and the rainy season in Japan's central Kanto region is being inaugurated with an apparently endles

What Dreams I Have at the Fishing Pond Late at Night

Along a national highway in the suburbs of Saitama. There is an indoor fishing pond where men dangle their fishing lines

A 24/7 Animal Hospital: When a Pet Needs a Vet

In Shibuya, Tokyo, there's an animal hospital taking emergency cases 24/7. It was founded 46 years ago. Doting pet owner

Kabukicho Nail Salon: Behind the Scenes of a Woman's Dressing Room

The glamorous world of women spreads out in a room of a building in Kabukicho. It is a nail salon that stays open all ni

At a Train Station in Fukushima

Within 20km of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant - site of the 2011 nuclear disaster - is the town of Naraha. Th

“On the Shore with a View of the Atomic Bomb Dome

It was August 6 when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. While the familiar annual solemn peace ceremony is broadc

General Hospital Store: Where Shopping Meets Healing

In southern Chiba Prefecture, a 24-hour convenience store opened 3 years ago in a huge general hospital. It offers every

Haneda Airport: From Summer to Autumn

On the last weekend of summer vacation, Haneda Airport is crowded with travelers and people returning home. I spent thre

Deep Asakusa, Midnight Coffee Shop

Asakusa is a world-renowned tourist attraction. North of Sensoji Temple, in the deep “back Asakusa” area that does n

The Ameyoko International Food Market

Underneath the lively Ameyoko Market in Tokyo's central district of Ueno is a far less well known below-ground market fo

What to Hit: Boxing Gym in a Mixed-Use Building

In front of JR Gotanda Station, where offices and bars line the streets. From a room in a small building, you can hear t

Koenji, What to Expect at the Public Baths

Koenji, Tokyo. An old-fashioned wooden building stands in an alley past a pure shopping street. It is a long-established

Dreams Along the Yamanote Line

The Yamanote Line is Japan's most famous loop line. In the blink of an eye, you are whisked to the next station, where y

Kisarazu, Wangan, Big Lunch Box Store Blues

Hey," he said! Hey!“ ”Is this bento ready yet?“ ”A big bowl of rice!" The men shout with authority at a 24-hour

Wandering Shakebai

Shibetsu Town, Hokkaido, Japan, is a place where the wind blows with a steady breeze. Every autumn, during the salmon fi

Osaka Minami, Midnight Underground Tenement

There is a leisure building in Osaka's Minami district that is familiar to anyone in the Kansai region. The Ajien Buildi

Shinjuku Ni-Chome: A Taste of Mother's Home Late at Night

Shinjuku Ni-Chome is one of the deepest spots in Japan. In a corner of the area, there is an unusual teishoku-ya (set me

Birth Rush! Japan's Best Obstetrics and Gynecology

3,400 babies per year. In Kumamoto Prefecture, well known for Kumamon, there is an obstetrics and gynecology clinic that

Farewell! Bowling Alley in the Center of Tokyo

At the end of last year, the long-established bowling alley “Milano Bowl” in front of the Shinjuku Koma Theater clos

Lost and Found in Nagoya: Left Behind on a Holy Night

At Christmastime in Sakae, a busy district of Nagoya, people are rushing to an unexpected place: the lost and found offi

Student Dormitories in the Northern Land

Awake, my lost dream, wake up." The residents of the student dormitory at Hokkaido University, which has a history of mo

A Discounted Ticket to Happiness

Since Japan's bubble economy burst in the early 1990's, saving money has become an established part of life for many peo

Handyman, Running in the City

Slugs in the bathroom.“ ”Assemble the plastic model by tomorrow!" Calls for help ring out throughout the night from

A Standing Oden Bar in Tokyo

The Akabane region of Tokyo is a "sacred ground" for drinking, with inexpensive bars and pubs lining the streets. On one

Kobe, January, See you at Pai-Yama

Pai-yama," as it is commonly known, is located in front of Sannomiya Station in the heart of Kobe. An object resembling

A Taste of Home: A Soba & Udon Vending Machine

For 40 years, a vending machine has stood in a quiet corner of Akita Port, in northern Japan. Even when a winter snowsto

A Driving School: The Start of Many Journeys

There's a driving school in a suburb east of Tokyo that prepares learners for all kinds of vehicle licenses, from cars,

Tanning Salon: The Reason for the Wheat Color

Men lying naked in the blue light.... A cold wind blows in February in Ikebukuro. In a tanning salon inside a multi-tena

Tokyo Capsule Hotel: Encapsulating Life

Capsule hotels have quite suddenly become a popular choice of accommodation nowadays in Japan. Travelers from around the

Taxi Honest Conversation - Fukushima Iwaki Version

Four years have passed since “that day” in Iwaki City, Fukushima Prefecture. In this episode, we listen to the unpre

A Building Exclusively for Cosplay: Their Dream Castle

A study, a ritual room, a school infirmary.... People dressed in anime and game cosplay pose and shutter each other in v

A Used Car, A New Life

It's spring, a time for new beginnings. And what better way to start a new stage in life than with a new set of wheels.

Following the Cherry Blossoms Upstream: A Three-Day Trip Along the Tama River

In April, Kanto was intoxicated by a blizzard of flowers. One of the most “famous places for secret cherry blossom vie

Yakushima: Island of the Mystical Tree

Thousands of years old giant trees tower in the forests of Yakushima, a World Heritage Site. Many people from all over J

Candy Store: Children's Small Universe

“I won gum!” How was your class change?" The lively voices of children echo in a candy shop in Hyogo Ward, downtown

A Kebab Restaurant in Roppongi

A stone's throw from Tokyo Tower and the main Roppongi intersection is a 24-hour Turkish kebab restaurant whose clientel

Mt. Takao, Why wander into the mountains of the city?

Three days in Mt. Takao, an “easy mountain” that can be reached in an hour from central Tokyo. During the season of

Container Karaoke in a Seaside Town

In April, a huge container was brought into a small port town in Iwate, where bare land from the tsunami was noticeable.

Dreams to be drawn at a video rental store on a major holiday weekend

The May holidays were a time of excitement in Japan, with people traveling abroad and returning home. In the residential

A Drive-In Restaurant in Okinawa: Hometown Flavor, American Style

Oldies playing from the jukebox. An old lady chomping down on steak and an American soldier chomping down on fried rice.

The Lucky Cat at the Shopping Street

At a little shop in Ibaraki Prefecture, there's a goofy but adorable cat with thick black "eyebrows". She's called Hachi

“Hanacaba” Life Theater

Along the national highway in Hitachi City, the castle town of a giant corporation, there is a mysterious retro space th

Tonkotsu Ramen Restaurant: Bowls for the Soul

Kurume is the birthplace of tonkotsu ramen. There is a ramen restaurant along the national highway that is visited by 3,

Dance Hall for Men and Women in Downtown Tokyo

Gentlemen and ladies dance gracefully to the sensual melodies played by a live band. The stage for this program is a dan

Rocking on the Streetcar

Hiroshima's streetcars are still active in people's daily lives and boast the highest number of users in Japan. People w

Oasis Hotel in the Rice Paddies

There is an old-fashioned but very popular hotel for men in the middle of rice fields in the Niigata Plain. Its charm is

New York: Laundromat Theater

The first overseas feature on "72 Hours! The setting is a 24-hour laundromat in a corner of New York City. Many people o

Dalian, China - At a Japanese Foods Supermarket

This is the program's first overseas feature! The second installment is a Japanese food supermarket in Dalian, China. Ma

In a Cemetery Looking Up at the Great Buddha

The 120-meter-high Daibutsu (Great Buddha) is located in Ushiku City, Ibaraki Prefecture. One of the largest cemeteries

Summer Comic! Japan's “Best” Convenience Store.

The setting is a convenience store that attracts the largest number of customers in Japan among a certain chain of store

Voices in Front of the Diet

Streets in front of the National Diet Building are the stage for numerous protests. People opposed to national security

An Iconic Hotel: Until We Meet Again

The main building of a long-established hotel in Tokyo, which has been loved by both domestic and foreign guests, has be

Life on the Squid Hunt

There is a port where fishermen gather from all over Japan in pursuit of the finest squid. It is the port of Kottoi in Y

Deep Tokyo: In a Corner of Little Manila

There is a town in Tokyo called "Little Manila. It is a corner of Takenotsuka, Adachi-ku, where about 50 Filipino pubs a

A Video Transfer Shop: Replaying the Past

In Tokyo there's an audio and video transfer shop, where people bring old film reels, VHS tapes and cassettes they can n

Up and Away with Low-Cost Carriers

Kansai International Airport is a 24-hour gateway to western Japan. 16 low-cost carriers operate out of this airport in

Kabukicho Midnight Dispensing Pharmacy

In Kabukicho, Shinjuku, there is a dispensing pharmacy that is open only at night. People rush in one after another to t

Welcome to the World's Largest Labyrinth of Old Books

The world's largest antiquarian bookstore district in Kanda, Tokyo, is home to more than 160 stores, where you can find

Fortune Teller's House: Crossroads of Fate

Fortune tellers are said to draw long lines in times of anxiety. People from all walks of life come to the store in the

A Secret Workshop in Akihabara

A mood-detecting dog collar? A wind instrument with a keyboard? You'll never believe the ideas blooming at this workshop

Yokohama All Night Tonkatsu

The stage is set at a 24-hour tonkatsu restaurant in Yokohama's entertainment district. From early morning to late at ni

Kappabashi: Tokyo's Kitchen Capital

Kappabashi Street in Tokyo is a place like no other in the world, with 170 shops that stock everything from cooking uten

Christmas at the Bus Terminal

As Christmas approaches, people flock to Sapporo's terminal for expressway buses that connect this major city with desti

The First Dream at Tokyo Tower

Tokyo Tower, where the New Year's Eve has arrived, is the stage for this episode. Many people come to the observatory to

Benches and People: An Osaka Shopping Arcade

In Osaka you'll find Tenjinbashi-suji, one of the longest shopping arcades in Japan. At the end of the bustling, 2.6-kil

Tokyo in the middle of winter, the name is ”Hanako“

In a small zoo in Kichijoji, Tokyo, there is the oldest elephant in Japan. Her name is "Hanako. At 69 years old, Hanako

Winter, Tsugaru at the 100 Yen Onsen

In the middle of rice fields in the snowy Tsugaru plain, there is a public bathhouse “100 yen Onsen” where you can e

Valentine's Day at the Shrine

In Fukuoka Prefecture, there is a unique shrine dedicated to a deity of love. The approach to the shrine and its gate ar

72 Hours Japan-Korea Comparison SP

In Korea, there is a fixed-point observation program similar to “Documentary 72 Hours” in Japan. The name of the pro

Drawn to Showa Songs

The stage is set at a store in Shinjuku, Tokyo, that specializes in Showa-era songs. The store is visited by a wide vari

Daitokai: Dog and Cat Shelter in the Big City

In a small building in Yoyogi, Tokyo, there is an “animal shelter” that takes in dogs and cats from public health ce

Farewell Funabashi Auto

Auto race is a sport in Japan where motorcycles without brakes compete on asphalt tracks at speeds up to 150 km/h. In th

Akita: In front of a vending machine in midwinter, a regretful farewell

A udon vending machine for 200yen per cup at a store in Akita Port. In March, he introduced the 72nd hour of the human c

Tales Over Rice Bowls

The slogan of a 24-hour restaurant in Sendai, in northeastern Japan, is "born and raised on rice". For people fond of ri

Carrying a Stamp in a Foreign Country

The stage is a long-established stamp store in the Korean town of Shin-Okubo. Most of the customers are foreigners. In J

At the Food Court

In the countryside town of Isesaki, Gunma Prefecture, among flat fields that go on for miles, there is a gigantic shoppi

Route 439: Japan's Last Frontier

Route 439 is a national highway that cuts across the mountainous island of Shikoku, in southwestern Japan. In some spots

The Ferry to Volcano Island

In this episode we take a ride on a ferry to Sakurajima, an island with an active volcano just off the coast of Kagoshim

A Nostalgic Roller Coaster Ride

For 62 years, a rickety roller coaster that has a top speed of just 42 kilometers per hour has been a popular attraction

Kyoto's Kamo River Delta

When the locals in Kyoto want to relax, they stroll upstream along the Kamo River to a spot called the "Delta". This sce

Trapped in the Magic of Go

In Shinjuku Kabukicho, the largest entertainment district in Japan, there is a 24-hour Go club, which is rare in Japan.

Hiroshima: On the Street Corner Waiting for the President

In May, U.S. President Barack Obama visited Hiroshima for the first time as the incumbent president. How did the people

Relaxing in a Nagoya Café

From reasonable breakfasts to ice cream sodas to sweet bean paste on toast, our stage this time is a Nagoya café. Tea c

Faces Behind an Online Auction

From a second-hand ambulance to someone who will visit a grave for you, almost every imaginable item and service is sold

Brazil: Prayer-Filled Secret Sanctuary

Brazil is booming with the hosting of the Olympic Games, a symbol of modern capitalism. Behind the backdrop of a develop

A Women's Prison: Up-Close and Personal

For crimes ranging from drugs to murder, the number of women being sent to prison has multiplied in Japan over the last

Obon with a Bang in Nagasaki

In mid-August, families across Japan get together to celebrate Obon, when it is believed the spirits of their ancestors

Fukui: Unattended Ice Shop in Midsummer

An ice shop in Fukui that is open 24 hours a day, a rarity in Japan. The slowly frozen ice, ranging from huge sheets of

People-Watching at a Monster Hotspot

There's a monster-catching smartphone game that took the world by storm in the summer of 2016. And a park in the Kinshic

Where Cultures and Meat Meet

From the outside, this butcher shop in Hiratsuka, a city just southwest of Tokyo, looks like any other. But lining its s

The Little Station and the Sea

An hour's train ride from Ehime Prefecture's capital, you'll find Shimonada Station. This tiny, unmanned rail stop on th

Golf Driving Range: Slices of Life

A golf driving range in Tokyo's Adachi Ward is one of the largest in the city and is open around the clock throughout th

Art Supply Heaven in Tokyo

There's a huge art supply store in Tokyo with Japan's largest selection. From 50-cent pencils to necessities for paintin

Starlit Tales from a Nagano Tent Village

When the autumn leaves are at their finest, a huge tent village pops up in a valley in the Northern Alps in Nagano Prefe

Daycare Center in Fukuoka's Nightlife District

Nakasu in Fukuoka Prefecture is one of Japan's largest nightlife districts. Tucked away among the 2,600 dining and enter

The Traveling Ballot Box

In October 2016, an unusual mayor election was held for Iitate Village in Fukushima Prefecture. A ballot box was taken o

Behind the Masks: Halloween in Roppongi

At the end of October, 20,000 people of all ages and nationalities descend on the main intersection of Tokyo's Roppongi

From Okinawa to the World and Back

In the streets of Naha, Okinawa Prefecture, the air is filled with a dozen foreign languages as people dance the samba a

Lines and Lives at Airport Immigration

In the days leading up to Christmas, the immigration inspection area at Narita Airport heaves with tens of thousands of

A Cafe Awaits in Omiya

Omiya, a city where the largest train terminal in Saitama Prefecture links between the Tokyo metropolitan area and the s

The Melodies of a Street Piano in Miyazaki

In Miyazaki Prefecture, a brightly colored piano stands in a street side plaza. This "street piano" can be played freely

Beppu: A Century of Hot Springs

Beppu, the hot spring paradise. The stage is a 138-year-old traditional hot spring, known as the face of the city. The h

At a park in Yokosuka with a view of warships

The setting is a park in Yokosuka with a close-up view of huge warships. Passersby include local residents taking a stro

Cheap Underwear: Searching for Warmth

Tokyo's Kita Ward. A three-day look at a cheap underwear store in a traditional shopping district that attracts 1,000 cu

Wishing Upon Golden Kushikatsu

Chiyobo Inari (commonly known as Ochobo-san) is the god of commerce in Gifu Prefecture. There is a kushikatsu restaurant

A Walking Path Where You Can See Giraffes

Since the Kumamoto earthquake in April last year, the zoo has been closed. During the suspension of animal exhibitions,

Welcome to Chungking Mansions, Hong Kong

Hong Kong, a city of the near future. Located on the city's main street is the somewhat suspicious giant building known

Tokyo's Crossroads of Life

In a residential area of Tokyo is an unusual intersection where 7 roads meet. Bicycles, vehicles and pedestrians constan

New Bags, New Beginnings

We spend 3 days in a long-established bag shop in Tokyo's Ameyoko Market Street. Parents and children come to buy school

Small Funerals in a Big City

Small, personal funerals are becoming popular in Japan. At a one-stop funeral facility near Tokyo, a family arranges a s

Mt. Kongo: A Climb to the Webcam

An hour's drive from Osaka, Mt. Kongo is the perfect mountain for a casual hike. Attracting many visitors is a live webc

Yoru no Mori: Sakura Tunnel

The Yoru no Mori area in Fukushima is famous for its cherry blossoms, with old trees lining a 2.4-kilometer stretch. Sin

Fabric and Buttons and Me

From colorful cloth to stylish buttons to costume wigs: a large craft shop in Shinjuku carries over 500,000 types of cra

I Tried Zen Temple Training

Over 1,000 people a year come to this Zen temple in Kyoto to try training. The secret to its popularity is how easy it i

The Secret Marriage Counseling Room

On one floor of a building in Shinjuku, awkward conversations between men and women can be heard from booths partitioned

The Daily Life of a Tokyo Mosque

One of the largest mosques in Japan, Tokyo Camii is a gathering place for followers of Islam living in Tokyo. People fro

Jellyfish Wonderland

Facing the Sea of Japan in Yamagata Prefecture is an aquarium with one of the world's largest collections of jellyfish o

Truck Stop: A Break on Life's Journey

Long-haul truckers work and even sleep in their vehicles. A truck stop near a major distribution hub in Kyushu offers dr

Thoughts and Reflections on a Rooftop Ferris Wheel

The rooftop Ferris wheel in Matsuyama, western Japan, is an attraction that every local knows. During the slow 15-minute

Kitakyushu Kokura ‘100 Yen Bar’ Blues

Kitakyushu City has prospered as a steel town. The bar is located on a slightly retro and slightly shady street off the

Giant Housing Complex: Hello and Goodbye at a Secondhand Shop

Tama New Town, located in the suburbs of Tokyo, is home to over 200,000 people. The setting for this episode is a giant

The Elderly Care Facility with a View of the Sea

The elderly care facility is located on a hill overlooking the sea in Kanagawa Prefecture. With an average age of 84, ov

Mountain Restaurant: Creating and Reliving Memories

Is this a restaurant or an amusement park? When the mountains in western Japan are enveloped by the darkness of night, t

Summer Koshien: Another Youth

Summer Koshien. In Fukuoka, where strong teams abound, the prefectural East Chiku High School secured the representative

Midsummer Akita: Longing for Baba's Ice Cream

It's the height of summer in Akita. From supermarket parking lots and national highways to tourist spots and even rocky

When a Man Shines His Shoes

It's said that a man's shoes reflect his pride. This time, we spend 3 days in a street side shoeshine shop, a rare sight

The Base Town Adult Rock Festival

Fussa, Tokyo, home to the U.S. military's Yokota Air Base. In this area where American culture has taken root through mu

Born to be Wild: Motorcyclists' Road to Happiness

Riding a motorcycle might be hot in summer and cold in winter, but many riders would never consider any other mode of tr

Life Without a Smartphone

Could you get by if your smartphone stopped working? Our stage this time is a smartphone repair shop in Shibuya, Tokyo.

Kyoto's Too Quiet Library

Kyoto welcomes the autumn holiday. The setting is a library in a tourist area where talking is strictly prohibited. Peop

Spain's Canary Islands: Tuna Fishermen's Short Vacation

The Canary Islands are located 10,000 kilometers away from Japan. In September, Japanese-registered tuna fishing boats d

“See You Again at the English Conversation School

An English conversation school in Osaka's Umeda district that prides itself on one-on-one instruction. From the rows of

Guest House: A 3,000 Yen Per Night Oasis

3,000 yen per night. The setting is a low-cost accommodation facility called a “guest house.” Located in Kawasaki, t

Muscle Stiffness

Saitama City, a bedroom community with a population of 1.3 million. At a “massage parlor” in a residential area, cus

Printing Shop: Lives in Print

In this age where the shift toward digitization and going paperless seems irresistible, one business in Tokyo's Ikebukur

Ogasawara Islands: Weekly Delivery Service

The setting is Chichijima Island in the Ogasawara Islands, a 24-hour boat ride from Tokyo. The approximately 2,000 islan

Bento Tales from a Northern Fishing Town

When the herring season starts and winter's icy grip tightens on northern Japan, the locals in the fishing town of Nemur

Shinjuku Hanazono Shrine: Dreams Come True at Night

Hanazono Shrine is located near Kabukicho in Shinjuku. In late November, just before the end of the year, the shrine gro

Christmas at a 24-Hour Bakery

In a residential area in Koto Ward, Tokyo, is a bakery open 24 hours a day. Their Danish Bread, rich with butter and fre

Heading Home on the Strait Ferry

It's midwinter at Tsugaru Strait, where a huge ferry connects the 120 kilometers between Aomori Prefecture and Hakodate,

Legendary Game Center: Adults' Battles

In Tokyo's Takadanobaba district, there is a game center known as “the gamers' holy land.” On weekdays, 500 people v

COOL! Downtown Asakusa Batting Center

Just a short walk from Asakusa's Kaminarimon Gate, there's a new hotspot that's been getting more and more visitors over

Shibuya: Spring Flowers and Bartering

What kind of people and things will you encounter if you take a single flower into town and continue bartering with peop

A Park Where Dreams Take Wing

Located near Narita International Airport, Sakuranoyama Park offers visitors close-up views of planes arriving at and ta

Metropolitan Rat Patrol

We followed a rat extermination company in Tokyo. In early spring, they receive as many as 1,000 requests per month and

Lives Along Route 45

Route 45, a national highway that snakes along the Pacific coast of the Tohoku region, is a vital link between areas dev

Street Corner Legal Consultation Office

This time, the setting is a “legal consultation office.” People with problems they cannot solve on their own rush to

Traveling Beauty Salon

“Beauty salon delivery” is rapidly expanding. “Visiting beauty services” provide haircuts and perms at the homes

The Traveling Library Truck

For 3 days, we follow a library truck stocked with 2,800 books. In Matsuyama City, a public truck service has been deliv

A Spring Miracle: The Firefly Squid of Toyama

For a few days in spring, the normally quiet fishing town of Toyama Prefecture becomes festive as people gather from thr

Osaka, Nishinari: 24-Hour Family Restaurant

Nishinari, Osaka, is undergoing redevelopment. In one corner of the town, there is a restaurant that has been open 24 ho

The Joys and Sorrows of 1-Yen Pachinko

Along the national highway near Ishinomaki, Miyagi Prefecture, there is an area densely packed with pachinko parlors. In

The Women on the Cosmetics Floor

Sales at department stores have been sluggish in recent years, but the stores' cosmetics sections are providing a ray of

People Gathering at Akita's ‘Hot Spring of Life’

Akita's secret hot spring, Tamagawa Onsen, is said to heal various illnesses. Upon entering, a barren landscape of rocks

Flipping Backward, Looking Forward

A gym in a residential area of Tokyo offers classes for a slightly unusual activity where going backward is actually a s

The Race Before the Japanese Derby

The Japanese Derby is an annual race that draws over 100,000 spectators. Many fans start lining up near the entrances to

The Great Hospital Move

We cover an old hospital, built in the year of the 1964 Tokyo Olympics, as it moves to a new building. The new hospital

Goodbye! My Beloved Department Store

In June, a long-established department store beloved by the local community in Nagoya closed its doors after 75 years of

Hooked on Fishing in Tokyo Bay

In a corner of a major industrial zone on Tokyo Bay sits a park from which people can fish at any time of the day or nig

The Sight Beyond the Undersea Tunnel

It is 780 meters long, dead straight and has few distinguishing features, but the undersea pedestrian tunnel running 60

Coast Guard Academy

Coast Guard officers protect Japan's maritime security. They enforce regulations against illegal fishing and sometimes r

Surviving the Summer With Fresh Juice

Shimbashi, Tokyo, where office workers thrive. When they need refreshment, they head to a local, long-running juice stan

From the Remittance Office with Love

Our stage this time is a remittance office in Okubo, Tokyo, where 40% of the population is international. Foreign worker

To Shibuya, the ‘Holy Land of Amura

On September 16, the “Princess of the Heisei Era,” Namie Amuro, retired. At the fashion building in Shibuya once kno

Hakodate's Hamburgers of Happiness

About 5 million people visit Hakodate in Hokkaido Prefecture, but in recent years this picturesque northern city has bec

Tokyo Station: Meet Me at the "Silver Bell"

Each day, more than 1.8 million people pass through Tokyo Station. For 50 years, the Gin-no-suzu (silver bell) waiting a

Farewell to Tsukiji Market: At the Usual Standing Soba Noodle Shop

Last month, Tsukiji Market closed its doors after 83 years of history. The setting is a standing soba noodle shop locate

3333 Stones: Japan's Longest Flight of Steps

In a quiet mountain town in Kumamoto Prefecture, there's a flight of 3,333 stone steps. Measuring 2.1 kilometers, it's t

Shiga/Kusatsu Giant Parking Area

One hour by car from Osaka toward Nagoya and Tokyo. The stage is the Shiga/Kusatsu Parking Area, which boasts the larges

The DIYers of the Suburban Home Center

Our stage this time is one of the largest home centers in Japan, located in a suburb east of Tokyo. From daily necessiti

Hiroshima Workwear Store

The stage is set at a workwear store in Hiroshima frequented by craftsmen from various industries. The store offers stur

Shinjuku Music Studio: Why We Formed a Band

The setting is a 24-hour music studio in Shinjuku. Not only amateur musicians, but people of all ages and occupations co

A Matchmaking Lounge in Sendai

In this episode, the scene takes place at a so-called table-sharing lounge in Sendai City, where men and women of all ag

New Year Countdown at the Airport

Since opening in 2015, Narita Airport's Terminal 3 for low-cost carriers has attracted more passengers each year as trav

Winter Camping Ground with a View of Mount Fuji

On the first weekend of the new year, we visited a campground at the foot of Mount Fuji. Despite the sub-zero temperatur

Winter in Tokyo: Taiyaki Elegy

The redevelopment of the area around the station in Yotsuya, Tokyo, is progressing. In an alley off the main street, the

A Barter Chain in Osaka

If you start with a charm that supposedly brings good luck and offer to barter it with passersby on a bridge in Osaka Pr

Asahikawa Lottery Ticket Sales Office: Dreams Seen in a Blizzard

A lottery ticket sales office in Asahikawa, Hokkaido. Despite sub-zero temperatures, people continue to flock to the off

A Realtor in Fukuoka: Opening the Door to New Lives

This episode focuses on a small real estate agency near Fukuoka Prefecture's Nakasu entertainment district, the biggest

Close-up! Giant Job Fair

In February, we took a close look at the “Giant Job Fair” held in Tokyo. Over 300 companies participated during the

Osaka Ferry: A One-Minute Journey Through Life

The bay area of Osaka City, surrounded by rivers and canals. This episode focuses on the city-operated ferry. The fare i

Close-up! ‘The Rental Do-Nothing Person

“I rent myself out to do nothing.” There is a man who offers this strange service. Despite the fact that he does not

Small Island, Big Send-Offs

Spring in Japan is a time of new beginnings and also goodbyes. On Fukue Island, the largest of the Goto Islands in the f

A Rotary in a Student Town: Meeting Spot, Melting Pot

Takadanobaba is home to dozens of universities, university preparatory schools, and vocational colleges, making it one o

Jumokuso: Resting Beneath a Cherry Tree

At a large cemetery in a Tokyo suburb, cherry trees grow in between rows of traditional gravestones. The trees themselve

Inside Japan's Largest Freight Terminal

Tokyo Freight Terminal is Japan's largest distribution hub, with goods from across the nation arriving and being shipped

Shibuya Post Office: Countdown to a New Era

A few minutes' walk from the famous intersection in Shibuya, Tokyo, is a 24-hour post office. In recent years, this post

People Who Live for ‘Saba-ge’

As you drive through the farm roads of Chiba Prefecture, a mysterious spot suddenly appears. People dressed in camouflag

Fasting Retreat: A Break for the Body and Mind

Amid the ongoing health boom, many people have been tempted to try "short-term fasting" to improve their physical and me

Catching Goldfish at a Fishing Pond in Tokyo

A few minutes' walk from Asagaya Station, Tokyo, is a traditional goldfish fishing pond that has been operating in a qui

Wig Shop: A New Appearance, A New Self

For some people, a wig is a "secret item" that dramatically transforms their appearance and mood. An underground shoppin

Bargain Shoes for the Next Step in Life

A huge footwear store in Kobe attracts customers from far and wide. About 100,000 pairs of shoes, sandals, and boots fil

Climbing the Walls of Life

An indoor climbing gym in Kawasaki City, near Tokyo, gives climbers a venue to test their physical limit and improve the

Okinawa Driving School: Dreams Beyond a Driver's License

Okinawa is seeing an increase in tourists every year. Construction of hotels and department stores is booming throughout

A New Life Away From Bustling Tokyo

Japan's population continues to gravitate to the Tokyo area, but some people long to move from the capital to different

At a coin car wash after the rainy season

The setting is a self-service car wash in Shinagawa, Tokyo, where people line up to wait their turn. Using spray bottles

Nurse Visits: Home Is Where the Heart Is

As Japan's society continues to gray, the nation's hospitals are facing a chronic shortage of beds. At the same time, a

10-Year Milestones in Bikers' Life Journeys

In August 2019, more than 2,000 motorcycle fans from across Japan assembled at a remote parking area in the volcanic Mou

From Town to Town on Hokkaido's Blood Donation Bus

We follow a blood donation bus on its journey from town to town in Hokkaido Prefecture. Japan as a whole faces a chronic

Chasing Dreams in a Shared Office Space

Working styles are changing with the times. People no longer have to be physically present at their office at a certain

Osaka Castle Park: The Park That Never Sleeps

Osaka Castle, which stands in the heart of Osaka City, western Japan, is surrounded by a park covering more than 100 hec

China, Yunnan Province: A City Park Where You Can See Seagulls

This episode is a Chinese version of “Document 72 Hours” produced by a Chinese production company. The setting is Ku

Toothy Smiles and Dental Woes: A 24-Hour Dentist's Office

A dentist's office in Fukuoka, southern Japan, has people streaming in around the clock to be relieved of their pain or

A Toast to Life

A liquor store in Ginza, Tokyo, boasts a selection of over 3,000 types of mainly wine and whiskey from around the world,

Small Wedding Stories

In this episode, the stage is a low-budget wedding hall in Tokyo, where 30-40 couples shuffle through every day for affo

Mountain Views, Life Insights

Every autumn, people from across Japan flock to a large observation area about 1,600 meters above sea level in the mount

Amusement Facility at Twilight in Amagasaki

The setting is a little-known amusement facility in Amagasaki City, Hyogo Prefecture. With billiards and table tennis av

A 400K "Survival Run" in Okinawa

A liquor store in Ginza, Tokyo, boasts a selection of over 3,000 types of mainly wine and whiskey from around the world,

Aomori's Shimokita Peninsula ‘Wakeari Yokocho’

In December, in the Shimokita Peninsula of Aomori, there is a unique entertainment district in the center of Mutsu City.

Akihabara: Infatuated With Electronics

A store in Akihabara, Japan's biggest electronics town, sells over 100,000 electronics parts, including resistors, capac

Big Fish, Big Dreams

Every winter, anglers from across the country flock to one of Japan's most popular surf spots - Ishizakihama, in Miyazak

Home for the Holidays: A Supermarket in Fukushima

The Great East Japan Earthquake and the ensuing Fukushima nuclear disaster in 2011 forced all the residents of Namie Tow

Kobe: The Street Piano from That Day

Recently, “street pianos” have become a common sight in shopping districts and stations across the country. The pian

Tokyo's Downtown 24-Hour Yakiniku Restaurant

The setting is a 24-hour yakiniku restaurant in downtown Tokyo. Lunch starts at just 500 yen. People flock here day and

From Gang Ties to Business Suits

For junior high or high school graduates, or drop-outs struggling to find their place in society, landing a well-paid, s

Spilling the Beans at a Coffee Stall

Two brothers in their 70's operate this unpretentious street stall that has only one item on the menu - coffee. The stal

Finding Solace at Inokashira Park

By late June, about 1 month after Japan's coronavirus state of emergency had been lifted, people had gradually returned

Muscle and Bustle: A 24-Hour Gym in Tokyo

A large 24-hour sports gym in Tokyo's Harajuku district has members of all ages, sizes and strength levels. Among the pe

Tanabata Wishes at a Tokyo Temple

Many people in Japan celebrate the Tanabata Star Festival -- a tradition marked each July 7 -- by writing a wish on a th

Ishikawa Nagisa Driveway: Memories on the Sandy Beach

A rare sandy beach road in Japan where you can drive along the shoreline. The setting for this episode is the Nagisa Dri

Tokyo Taxi Oasis

A road near Tokyo's Roppongi district is an oasis for taxi drivers who are allowed to park here for as long as they like

Tokyo's Sumida River: A Quiet Summer Without Fireworks

The Sumida River Fireworks Festival, which usually colors Tokyo's summer, has been canceled. During this quiet summer, w

Why I Play an Instrument

The stage is a specialty store for wind instruments that boasts one of the largest selections in the country. With over

Adios, El Dorado Carousel!

The closure of Tokyo's Toshimaen amusement park in August 2020 marked the end of an era. For decades, El Dorado, the par

Seeds of Happiness at a Tokyo Garden Center

As many people have spent more time at home during the coronavirus pandemic, gardening has become a popular hobby. Tokyo

Kabukicho: Farewell to the Cabaret of Humanity

The setting for this episode is a long-established cabaret in Shinjuku's Kabukicho district that closed its doors in Feb

Giving Kitchen Equipment New Homes

A Tokyo store selling cheap, good-quality kitchen equipment is a boon for restaurant owners, especially during the coron

The Zoo on a Hill

It's small and has only a few large animals, but a hilltop zoological park in Kawasaki, Kanagawa Prefecture, has capture

Sapporo Born and Bread: A 24-Hour Sandwich Shop

With over 40 kinds of handmade sandwiches including egg, mince cutlet and even fruit available, it could be the wide sel

Opening New Doors at a Furniture Outlet Store

A major furniture outlet store in Chiba Prefecture boasts a stock of roughly 1,400 items from beds, sofas to tables. Cus

At the Pet Cemetery Where Animals Rest in Peace

The setting is a pet cemetery in Fuchu City, Tokyo, which has been in operation since the Taisho era. It has graves and

Tokyo Dry Cleaner's: Reviving Clothes, Reliving Memories

A small dry cleaner in a western Tokyo commuter town is known for removing stubborn stains from garments and items that

Shimanami Kaido: A Ride Along Life's Cycle

The 70-kilometer Shimanami Kaido cycling route, which links Honshu and Shikoku via a chain of bridges and islands, is a

Warming Body and Heart at a Yakiimo Shop

On a cold winter day in Japan, a piping-hot sweet potato baked so a natural sweet syrup oozes from its skin is hard to b

Tanga: The Market With a Big Heart

Tanga Market, a century-old market of 120 shops in western Japan, is known as the "kitchen of Kitakyushu." Although the

Seeing Out 2020 in the Heart of Tokyo Bay

The Umihotaru parking area in the heart of Tokyo Bay offers 360-degree views of the surrounding area. Among the visitors

The Old Year and the New Year in a Multinational Housing Complex

The setting is one of the country's leading “multinational housing complexes,” where 20% of the residents have forei

Fukushima Bento Shop: Serving Meals and Hope

It has been 10 years since the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami occurred, and nuclear meltdowns forced the town o

Document 1DAY: Yokohama Under Emergency Declaration

A 72-hour spin-off project. A multi-location simultaneous documentary of a day under emergency declaration. Cameras are

Life Stories at a Hospital Convenience Store

A convenience store inside a major hospital in Kamakura City, just south of Tokyo, is open around the clock for doctors,

New Beginnings from an Osaka Bus Terminal

In Japan, spring is a time when many people move for school or work. A highway bus terminal linking Osaka Prefecture wit

Starting Fresh: One-Stop Uniform Shop

A uniform specialty store in Shinjuku, Tokyo, sells an exhaustive range of attire for medical staff, chefs, security gua

Water Taxis: Across the Sea and Beyond

For the approximately 1,100 residents of Kakeroma Island in southern Japan, water taxis that travel to Amami Oshima, a n

Ginza Snack Rhapsody

The setting is a long-established snack specialty store in Ginza. It is a favorite among nearby bars and clubs, offering

The Station Under the Cherry Blossoms

A small, unmanned train station on the Noto Peninsula facing the Sea of Japan, is quiet for most of the year. But each s

Quiet Prayers at a Secluded Shrine

Near the towering apartment buildings in Tokyo's Tsukuda area is a blink-and-you'll-miss-it alley. But tucked away down

Why I came to the blood donation center

The setting is a blood donation center near Skytree. Although the observation deck is closed due to the state of emergen

Taking a Break at a Coffee Bean Stand in Kyoto

The setting is a stand-style specialty coffee bean shop in the heart of Kyoto. Kyoto, known for its traditional Japanese

Tokyo Stationery Store: Messages from the Heart

Meeting in person isn't easy these days, so sending a written message is a personal way to stay in touch. A stationery s

Giant Tropical Fish Store: A Life with Small Lives

The stage is a giant tropical fish store, one of the largest in the country. The aquariums contain 400 species of fish,

Midsummer Tokyo: The Phantom Marathon Course

Leaving the National Stadium, the 42.195 km course loops around Asakusa, Tokyo Tower, and other landmarks before returni

The Fishermen's Convenience Store

As bonito season peaks in mid-July, the port in Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, buzzes as fishermen unload their catches a

Fireworks Shop: Lighting Up a Quiet Summer

From handheld sparklers to skyrockets and novelty fireworks, a small shop in Yamanashi Prefecture sells over 400 kinds o

Salvaging Bargains at a Tokyo Grocery Store

A store in a Tokyo suburb selling short-dated, surplus or imperfect yet edible food items cheaply is a magnet for thrift

At an Underground Bicycle Parking Lot

The huge underground parking lot at Tokyo's Kasai Station can hold about 10,000 bicycles. Each day, from very early unti

Listening at an Earphone Specialty Store in Akihabara

Akihabara is one of Japan's leading electronics districts. The stage is a specialty store that handles about 5,000 types

Drone Training Ground: Take Flight into the Sky

Unmanned aerial vehicles, or drones, are used in a variety of fields, such as aerial photography and disaster assessment

Hair and Makeup Salon: Grooming the Eyebrows and Mind

With half of the face covered by masks, eyebrows can make a big statement. About 80% of the customers who visit the hair

Big City: 24-Hour Cheap Bento Shop

A 24-hour bento shop located in Okubo, Shinjuku Ward. All bentos, including fried chicken, grilled meat, and mapo tofu,

Boards and Bonds at a 24-Hour Skateboard Park

A large 24-hour skateboard park in an industrial area of Hekinan City, Aichi Prefecture, is popular with skateboarders o

Tokyo, Koganei: At the Neighborhood Water Pumping Station

The setting is a local “water pumping station” where natural groundwater flows. Located between apartment buildings

Finding Your Style at a Used Clothing Store

A huge used clothing store in Atsugi, Kanagawa Prefecture, has racks filled with 100,000 garments including jackets, jea

Episode 1

Nursing School: Nurturing the Next Nightingales

The 200 students at a nursing college in Nara Prefecture, Japan, range from new high school graduates to people seeking

Seeking a Sweet Finish to Another Busy Year

As 2021 draws to a close, workers in Tokyo's Shimbashi business district flock to a long-established western-style sweet

Bidding Farewell to an Amusement Park

Kashiikaen, an amusement park in Fukuoka Prefecture, southwestern Japan, closed at the end of 2021 after 65 years of ope

Tsugaru Railway: A Midwinter Lifeline

The Tsugaru Railway runs through a remote and snowy part of Aomori Prefecture in northern Japan. As well as being a vita

The Supermarket on Wheels

A small truck loaded with vegetables, meat, snacks and other items – a mobile supermarket – is a lifeline for reside

Heartfelt Flowers from a Miyagi Florist

The Yuriage district in Natori City, Miyagi Prefecture, was devastated by the Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami th

A Shinjuku Cell Phone Store

Smartphones have become a vital part of modern-day life. Many people flock to a large cell phone store in Tokyo's Shinju

Capturing Happy Moments in a Photo Booth

Photo sticker booths are a magnet for teenagers at a video arcade in Tokyo. Over 3 days in mid-March, we met 2 friends a

Episode 10

Plastic Model Shop: A Hobby Making Worlds Come Alive

A large plastic model kit store in Osaka Prefecture sells models, miniature trains, diorama supplies and other items. Th

Episode 12

Episode 13

Nature's Treasure Hunt on a Niigata Beach

A pebbly beach on Niigata Prefecture's Sea of Japan coast contains pieces of real jade. Some people who come here for a

The Vegetable "Vending Machine" in Tokyo

An unmanned stall in a residential area of Tokyo's Nerima Ward uses coin-operated lockers to sell locally grown vegetabl

Asakusa's Rakugo Theater: Filling Lives with Laughs

A theater for rakugo comic storytelling in Tokyo's Asakusa district has been tickling funny bones for decades. Visitors

Fluttering Yellow Handkerchiefs at a Seaside Station

Rows of yellow handkerchiefs fly in the breeze at a small train station in the Shimabara Peninsula, Nagasaki Prefecture.

Episode 18

Episode 19

Doronko Park" Children Running in the Rain

Children enjoy playing with mud, making fire, and water slides. The setting is a playground called “Play Park” in Ka

Osaka Shaved Ice Shop: Midsummer Memories

Kakigori, shaved ice drizzled with flavored syrup, is a summer staple in Japan. An ice shop in Hirakata, Osaka Prefectur

The Lure of a 24-Hour Fishing Shop

A 24-hour fishing gear shop in southern Chiba Prefecture is a haven for anglers stocking up before heading to the coast

Udon Vending Machines on Route 9: An Oasis for Drivers

Why are no-frills udon noodle vending machines irresistible for drivers passing by a small rest area on a busy national

Korokke Pan Shop: Happiness in a Bun

Korokke pan, or bread rolls filled with deep-fried potato croquettes, topped with sauce are a specialty of a family-run

Episode 25

Episode 26

Episode 27

Gunma-Brazil Presidential Election

A new type of documentary program by the “72 Hours” production team, in which the camera is not stationed at a singl

A Cat Temple: Soothing the Mind and Soul

Ohta-kun, Futa, Elf, Cowcow... are four of the sixteen cats that live on the grounds of a temple at the foot of the moun

Lifting Spirits in a Tokyo Liquor Store

A small back space of a liquor store in Tokyo's Asagaya neighborhood is a no-frills standing bar where customers can dri

Year-End Special 2022 Viewer Vote #2 On Location Special

A live broadcast of a scene from the show, as well as information on what happened to the characters after the show!

Year-End Special 2022 Viewer Vote #1 On Location Special

A live broadcast of a scene from the show, as well as information on what happened to the characters after the show!

University Art Festival: Portrait of Campus Days

In the fall of 2022, Musashino Art University in Tokyo welcomed the public to its annual art festival for the first time

Osaka: In an Apartment Building from the Showa Era

Three old apartment buildings lined up near the Port of Osaka. Built in 1965, when the shipbuilding industry was thrivin

At a Small Kobe Okonomiyaki Shop

A small shop selling okonomiyaki savory pancakes and obanyaki cakes has become a staple for locals in a part of Kobe dev

A Quiet Pier in Minamiboso

A simple pier, almost at water level, extends 160 meters out into Tokyo Bay from a beach in Minamiboso, Chiba Prefecture

Amami Oshima: On the Radio

A cheerful greeting rings out over the radio in an island dialect: "Ugamin shoran! (Hello!)" This time, we visit a stati

Fukushima - At a mountain lodge in the dead of winter

A 60-year-old mountain lodge located 1,350 meters above sea level on Mount Adatara in Fukushima Prefecture. Adatara at 1

Ringing in the New Year at a Fukuoka Bus Terminal

In the final days of 2022, an expressway bus terminal in Fukuoka Prefecture heaves with passengers traveling on over 1,0

Winter Stories of Ramen Stalls in Nagoya

Outside in winter. People sipping ramen in the bitter cold. This time, a ramen stall on a street corner in Osu, Nagoya,

Qualification Examination Preparatory School: My Path Forward

Judicial scrivener, condominium manager, state civil servant, social insurance worker labor consultant ... Lots of quali

The Convenience Store in a Midwinter Hokkaido Village

The Hokkaido village of Shosanbetsu is home to about 1,000 people and a single convenience store. Residents rely on this

Episode 11

Akihabara Doll Store

Beautiful eyes so elaborate that they could be mistaken for human eyes. The market for dolls is said to be worth as much

At a 24-Hour Roadside Restaurant in Okayama

A large parking lot and hearty servings make a 24-hour restaurant a haven for truckers in Okayama Prefecture. For three

Behind the Headlines at Ofunato's Local Newspaper

A small newspaper company with 30 employees in the city of Ofunato, Iwate Prefecture, which was devastated by the 2011 G

Saying Farewell to Once-Loved Dolls at Hofu Tenmangu Shrine

Each year, Hofu Tenmangu shrine in Yamaguchi Prefecture holds a "doll appreciation festival" at which people can give th

Harajuku, 100 yen store, in spring

Takeshita Street in Harajuku, a trend-setting area. The stage is set at a 100-yen store along the street. The shop sells

Sakura in the Seto Inland Sea

Each spring, Iwagi, an island in the Seto Inland Sea is painted pink with sakura cherry blossoms. It's home to some 4,00

Osaka Post Office, in spring

Rush documents overseas. Packages to my family at home. Moving procedures. This time, the setting is a post office on a

The Aomori Shrine Where "Umineko" Soar

Each spring, about 30,000 black-tailed gulls flock to a nesting site around a shrine in Hachinohe, Aomori Prefecture. Th

Okinawa All Night Bento Lunch

A 24-hour bento store in Ginowan City, Okinawa, serving everything from 120 yen per bowl of Okinawa soba noodles to taco

At a Hospital Roof Garden

A garden with seasonal flowers and a clear view of the sky. Its location? The roof of a hospital in Ochanomizu, Tokyo. P

Nishinomiya's "Manbow Tunnel" Under the Tracks

The ceiling of a narrow tunnel under a railway line in Nishinomiya, Hyogo Prefecture, is so low that adults must stoop o

Early Summer on the Kisoji

An old stone-paved road in dappled sunlight. We take a walk on the Kisoji, a mountain road connecting Nagano and Gifu Pr

Saraba, Nombe Yokocho (Farewell, Drinking Alley)

Izakaya (Japanese-style pubs), snack bars, small restaurants, and bars. In August 2023, the curtain will come down on 70

Episode 25

National Udon Vending Machine Trip - Gunma

About 300 yen per cup. Warm udon noodles from an old machine. This is a trip to visit the dwindling number of “udon ve

See You in Osaka's Korea Town

Osaka Prefecture's Ikuno Ward is home to Osaka Korea Town, a neighborhood packed with shops selling Korean food and othe

At a Tokyo Insect Store

Many insect fans are drawn to a store in Tokyo, Japan, that sells about 100 different species and equipment for keeping

Fuji Rock On the long-awaited summer day

Fuji Rock Festival, Japan's largest music event, was held normally for the first time in four years this summer with mor

Part-time High School Koshien

It depicts various thoughts that cross the day of destiny. A new documentary program sent by the "72h" production team,

Yomotsu Hirasaka: Between This World and The Next

We visit "Yomotsu Hirasaka" in Shimane Prefecture. It's a place linked to the underworld, referenced in Japanese mytholo

At a Standing Bar Beside Fukuoka's Boat Racing Stadium

With betting tickets in hand, customers at a no-frills bar near a motorboat racing stadium in Fukuoka, ride the ups and

Kabukicho, Shinjuku, at the hair salon that never sleeps.

Kabukicho, Shinjuku, a nighttime district of glittering neon lights. The story takes place in a 24-hour beauty parlor lo

Nagano: Watching for Hawks

At Shirakaba Pass in Nagano Prefecture, many are gathered here to watch hawks as they migrate to Southeast Asia. We find

Farewell to a Hyogo Chairlift

A beloved old chairlift on Mt. Myoken in Hyogo Prefecture. People flock here before the facilities close permanently in

24-Hour Chinese Restaurant in Tokyo Suburbs

The menu at a 24-hour Chinese restaurant in western Tokyo includes ramen, gyoza dumplings and a wide range of set meals.

“Rental Room” Life Story

The setting is a “rental room” inn in Beppu, a hot spring resort. Accommodation is inexpensive. There is no formal s

The Bench by Lake Biwa

On the east side of Lake Biwa there's something simply known as "the bench." What goes on in the minds of visitors as th

Nature's Bounty at an Okayama Community Garden

A community garden in Okayama City is a popular spot for people from all walks of life to try their hand at farming. For

Ueno: A Discount Women's Clothing Store

A discount women's clothing store in Ueno, Tokyo. The shop attracts customers for many reasons. We spent 3 days listenin

Ehime, Imabari At a sauna that has been in existence since the Showa Era

Sweat dripping from the body at temperatures exceeding 100 degrees Celsius. This time, the setting is a long-established

At Shinjuku's 24-Hour Drugstore

A drugstore in Tokyo's busy Shinjuku district sells medicine, cosmetics and snacks around the clock. Why do people shop

Kerosene Delivery Service in Snowy Sapporo

Kerosene home delivery is a key lifeline for residents of Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefecture. For three days in midwinter, we

Fukushima: An Ice Cream Shop in Winter

In the mountains of Fukushima Prefecture, there's an ice cream shop that people go to, even during winter. This shop has

Spinning On at a 24-Hour Osaka Laundromat

A 24-hour laundromat in Osaka Prefecture is a vital part of daily life for residents from all walks of life. For three d

National Route 4, Drive-in Never Sleeps

Motsu stew, fried rice, stamina set menus, curry, and more. National Route 4 stretches north from Tokyo. The setting is

A 24-Hour Discount Supermarket in Osaka

A 24-hour supermarket in Osaka Prefecture is known for its brightly colored exterior and very cheap bento meals and prep

Kagoshima Airport, In the Spring of Departure

It is close to Kagoshima Airport in the spring and the season of departure. Parents who see off their children who are l

A look at anime people in Ikebukuro in spring

Anime goods such as dolls, key chains, and badges. The story takes place in a store that buys these items. Located in Ik

A Midnight Soba Shop in Akita

There's a soba joint in Akita City that opens late at night until lunch the next day. All kinds of people come for drink

Fresh Starts at a Yokohama Electronics Store

An electronics retail store in Yokohama, Japan, has six floors filled with home appliances. For three days in spring, we

Asakusa Underground

In Asakusa, there is a mysterious underground shopping arcade that is said to be the oldest in Japan. Going down the sta

Racecourse in the Northern Territories

Banei Horse Racing" in Obihiro, Hokkaido, is the stage for this year's event. The horses are large horses that were once

China Cancer Hospital, Rental Kitchen in the Back Alley

Meatball soup, stewed tofu and crucian carp. This time the setting is Nanchang, Jiangxi Province, China. It is a rented

Life Voyages on a Sea of Japan Ferry

A ferry takes 16 hours to sail between Niigata Prefecture and Otaru, Hokkaido Prefecture. For three days, we asked passe

Gifu Nagara River, Watching the Current

The Nagara River is a clear stream that flows through the city of Gifu City. The river is also known for its cormorant f

A Low-priced Gas Station in Wakayama

A 24-hour gas station with prices that entice drivers from both near and far. From a couple who travels and sleeps in th

Paris, France - At a manga cafe on a street corner

What are the most popular Japanese manga in Paris today? The setting is a manga cafe on a street corner in Paris. It has

Lives Inside a Huge "Danchi" Housing Complex

A huge "danchi" housing complex in Chiba is home to 7,000 households. Built in the 1960s, this complex is a community in

Beyond the Books at a Kanazawa Library

A public library in Kanazawa resembles a sublime theater and offers more than 1.1 million books. For three days, we aske

A Local Penny Candy Shop in Tokyo

Gum, chocolate, candy and snacks are crammed into a penny candy shop in Akabane, Tokyo. What is the store's enduring app

A Midsummer Service Area on Awaji Island

Up to 12,000 vehicles pass through a service area on Awaji Island every day. People stop for a break at the food court,

A Farmers' Market in Inadani, Nagano

Inadani, Nagano Prefecture is home to a farmers' market which sells a wide array of vegetables, mushrooms, game and even

Obon in Tottori, at a seaside cemetery.

On the coast overlooking the Sea of Japan, there are twenty thousand graves. The stage this time is "Hanamigata Cemetery

Why I Wear Glasses

Tens of thousands of glasses are lined up in a glasses shop. There are a wide range of glasses, from attractive products

A Mobile "Warabi Mochi" Cart in Fukuoka

A mobile food cart selling a traditional Japanese sweet has been plying the streets of Fukuoka for over 75 years. For th

Praying for Blue Skies at Tokyo's Weather Shrine

A shrine in Tokyo is dedicated to a deity believed to control the weather. For three days in fall, a season of fickle we

An Everyday Family Diner in Tokyo

At a family diner, we meet customers of all ages, from solo diners to families and big groups. These diners' stories may

At a Huge Thrift Store in Saitama

Bargain-hunters and people decluttering their homes flock to a huge thrift store near Tokyo. For three days, we asked cu

A Martial Arts Gym in Tokyo

From beginners to pros, this gym in Tokyo welcomes people of all ages and skill levels. Each member has a unique reason

A Winding Road Through the Kii Mountains

A national road winds through a rugged mountain range on the Kii Peninsula. We drove the length of this road over three

Multinational food store Living in Japan

Bananas called mackerel, tilapia, mutton, frogs and hot spices. The stage is a multinational food shop in Kinshicho, Tok

A Niigata Drive-Through Restaurant in Winter

Many customers at a drive-through restaurant in Niigata Prefecture order "Italian" - fried noodles topped with meat sauc

Seiya Nagasaki Daihodojo Hospital cake shop

The first series of hospitals!　A cake shop in a hospital that is rare in Japan. Nagasaki University Hospital has more

Close! Moving a huge hospital.

2nd series of hospitals! Moving to a huge hospital. In January 2025, the University of the Ryukyus Hospital in Okinawa w

A Supermarket in Snowy Iwate

The only supermarket in Nishiwaga, Iwate Prefecture is stocked with a dazzling array of products. We spend three days me

Oku-Noto-Suzu Seaside public bath

Oku-Noto-Suzu. There are sento that continue to be crowded even though it is in the midst of repeated disasters. In the

Winter Sendai at midnight Nikuman Stand

Hot meat buns full of toro toro-toned pork, bamboo shoots, and chrysanthemums. Set in a stand-style Nikumanten on the st

Tokyo Botanical Garden My only winter

The stage is a botanical garden in the middle of Tokyo. Some people visit for something, even though they think that the

Kawasaki Taishu Shokudo Diary

Omelet rice, grilled fish, potesara, ramen, beer and shochu. The stage is a long-established popular restaurant near Kaw

The Lure of Token Games at an Amusement Arcade

An amusement arcade near Tokyo has row after row of token-operated games. For three days, we asked people about the appe

Gifu-Nishiyanagigase “Shutter Town” Blues

In Nishiyanagigase, Gifu City, there is a shopping street where nearly ninety percent of shops have shuttered. The bustl

Toast at “Japanese Izakaya” in Seoul, Korea

Draft beer, edamame, fried horse mackerel, yakisoba. The stage is a Japanese-style izakaya in Seoul, Korea. The owner wa

At a 24-Hour Ramen Restaurant in Fukuoka

Locals have slurped down bowls of noodles at a 24-hour ramen restaurant in Fukuoka for five decades. For three days, we

Spring running bread moving sales car

Colorful breads lined up on the bed of light trucks, such as red bean bread, bread, tuna dogs and donuts. This time, it

Journeys Up and Down a Steep Road in Tokyo

Nozokizaka, a steep hill in Tokyo's Toshima Ward, takes people's breath away in more ways than one. For three days, we a

Student Life in a Multicultural Dorm

Half of the residents of a university dorm in Oita Prefecture are from outside Japan. Students cook food, bathe communal

At a Prefab Soba Restaurant in Aomori

A small prefab restaurant in Aomori Prefecture sells only noodles and oden hotpot. For three days, we asked local custom

Bonsai Village: Growing a Small Universe in a Pot

Bonsai is a living art form that requires attention to detail and patience. For three days, we asked visitors to a hub o

Yamagata At a small zoo

The venue is set at a small zoo for free. This zoo in Yamagata Prefecture is popular for its elderly deer and peacocks,

Lion Statue Donations at Shinjuku Station

A roaring golden lion statue outside Shinjuku Station is a donation box for disaster relief and youth support. Many walk

Chiba 100 Years hardware store

One hundred years since its founding, it is set in a hardware store in Chiba Prefecture. From pots and knives to carpent

Nagoya Shinkansen platform Kishimen store

There are places where many travelers come to the Nagoya specialty Kishimen. A stand-up restaurant on the platform of Na

The "Last" Newsstand Near Shibuya Station

Newsstands have all but disappeared from the area around Shibuya Station in Tokyo. Yet, one still operates, even as sale

Staring at Shohei Ohtani Los Angeles and Iwate

What are all the people looking for in Shohei Ohtani and what kind of days are they spending? The stage is a park near D

A 10-yen Pool in Midsummer Ehime

An outdoor community pool in Ehime is super cheap even with a competition pool and water slides. It's been a local hotsp

Giant cosmetics store

From affordable petit plastic to high-class depacos. In the station building directly connected to Osaka Station, there

Nagasaki at the bus terminal in August

A bus terminal in front of Nagasaki Station where five thousand people come and go a day. Buses connecting all over Kyus

Karaoke Izakaya

"Karaoke Izakaya" is located in Nishinari, Osaka, near the Tsutenkaku Tower, where you can drink and eat and sing. For a

Rolling Along on Kochi's Streetcars

Streetcars have been rolling through the streets of Kochi City for more than 120 years. For three days, we asked passeng

Life in a Kagoshima Gold Mine

A gold mine in Kagoshima has 190 staff, from teens to veterans in their 60s, who work to extract gold used in jewelry an

Dining Alone at a Shinbashi Yakiniku Restaurant

A yakiniku grilled meat restaurant in Tokyo's busy Shinbashi district is tailored to solo diners. Why do these customers

A Modern Shared Home in Kobe

An apartment building in Kobe offers residents on-site care. The lounge is open to the public, and locals and kids gathe

Episode 33

Coming "Home" to a Maid Cafe in Akihabara

Tokyo's Akihabara is a hub of maid cafe culture. Once catering mainly to male customers, these cafes now also attract wo

At a Tokyo Bookstore That Never Sleeps

A 24-hour bookstore in Tokyo attracts a diverse range of customers. For three days and nights, we asked people what they

Episode 36

Episode 1

Episode 2

Episode 3

Episode 4

Episode 5

Episode 6

Episode 7

Episode 8

Episode 9

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Episode 14

Episode 15

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Episode 17

Episode 18