Episodes
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 three days, we talked to customers fond of a snack unchanged over the decades.
29 min
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 edible insects. Explore local food culture and approaches to life in rural Japan.
29 min
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 weather in Japan, we asked people why they wanted divine help for sunny skies.
29 min
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 seem ordinary, but all kinds of quiet dramas lie within these everyday moments.
29 min
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 asked people what books piqued their interest and how they spend their time here.
29 min
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 customers what drew them to this place filled with an array of second-hand goods.
29 min
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 for training here. We find out what they're wrestling with in their lives.
29 min
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 days to meet some of the residents in this remote region.
29 min
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, observation deck or even the Ferris wheel. We find out where they're headed.
29 min
A Niigata Drive-Through Restaurant in Winter
Many customers at a drive-through restaurant in Niigata Prefecture order "Italian" - fried noodles topped with meat sauce. For three days, we asked them why this comfort food always hits the spot.
29 min
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 appeal of games that offer no cash or prizes, no matter how many tokens are won.
29 min
A Supermarket in Snowy Iwate
The only supermarket in Nishiwaga, Iwate Prefecture is stocked with a dazzling array of products. We spend three days meeting customers as they trek through heavy snowfall to visit this food hub.
29 min
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 asked customers why this simple ramen is more than just a cheap meal.
29 min
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 asked people why they go up and down this road that's also a test of stamina.
29 min
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 communally and stay up chatting. We learn about their friendships and frustrations.
29 min
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 of bonsai nurseries near Tokyo about the appeal of bonsai in a fast-paced world.
29 min
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 customers why this no-frills business holds such a special place in their hearts.
29 min
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 past while others offer small kindnesses. Who donates over 72 hours, and why?
29 min
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 sales keep falling. For three days, we asked customers what they bought, and why.
29 min
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 hotspot for 50 years. Meet the visitors making midsummer memories over three days.
29 min