Without the work of numerous subcontractors, the manufacturing of Toyota cars, Japan's top brand, would simply not be possible. This documentary takes an up-close and personal look at a tiny Toyota subcontractor, four steps down the supply chain. In a 7.5 square-meter factory, the owner, a lively woman, works with two other housewives who live nearby. Their work consists of gluing small parts together. All seems well in this cozy factory until one day in the fall of 2008, a global recession is triggered by the fall of Lehman Brothers. Suddenly, sales of Toyota cars dry up. How does the owner of this tiny factory deal with the crisis? By closing down. However, despite the grim reality, the factory is always filled with laughter. What can we learn from this upbeat story of business closure?
The Manchuria Pioneering Youth Voluntary Army sent Japanese youths in their teens to Manchuria during the Second World War. Impoverished farming children thus headed off to the Chinese mainland with dreams of becoming landowners. This documentary revisits the wartime experiences of teenage volunteers on the colonial front lines, largely through their own eyes as now-elderly visitors. From the personal accounts of survivors and other records, we hear a hitherto untold story, and confront some difficult questions. What do such experiences mean for them now, after 64 years? And what is the purpose of war?
Kosuke (Shigeru Izumiya) struggles to carry on a family tradition of lamprey eel fishing on the Ishikari River. But discouraged by dwindling catches, his constant quarrelling with his wife leads her to leave him. After their divorce, his only son Tsuyoshi (Ken Yasuda) grows to detest his father and also abandons him and their rapidly declining hometown. Ten years pass and Kosuke doesn't hear a word from his son. Now over 60, Kosuke contemplates getting remarried. "Tsuyoshi will probably never return home- I should renovate this house so we can start life anew when we get married..." But just then, Tsuyoshi suddenly returns. Facing hard times, Tsuyoshi has lost his bearings and can't seem to find his way. He has hit rock bottom and has nowhere to turn but to a father and hometown he despises. This program weaves a detailed tapestry of emotions as a father supports his son's struggle to find himself in a hometown to which he has unexpectedly returned.
Kunimasu or black kokanee is a fish that was believed to have gone extinct in 1940 due to an increased level of acidity in its native habitat of Lake Tazawa, in northern Japan. Then, on December 14, 2010, a chance request led to the discovery of a live specimen in another lake called Saiko near Mt. Fuji. The news of the rediscovery made the front pages of the national press and spread around the country. Join popular Japanese illustrator and TV personality "Sakana-kun," a visiting associate professor at Tokyo University of Marine Science and Technology and fish expert Professor Tetsuji Nakabo of Kyoto University for a recounting of the whole fascinating story of the rediscovery of Kunimasu, from the surprise find and the confirmation of the fish's identity through to the triumphant public announcement. It's a captivating tale of serendipity that you don't want to miss.
Nukuri Station is a small, unmanned railway station that is deep in the mountains of central Japan. Today, steam locomotives on the historic Oigawa Main Line pass by the station without stopping, but the building still bustles with activity, when a group of elderly women works hard inside preparing meals. In this touching story, you'll meet Grandma Sayo, a woman with a hard earned but spirited smile, who is indispensable at the little deli in the old station. She not only cooks and sells food, but also delivers homemade meals and heartwarming smiles to other seniors in the local community, helping them savor the pleasures of each day.
Visit the idyllic mountains of western Japan and discover a school without any buildings, where nature itself is the classroom, and the teachers act as guides instead of guardians, encouraging their students to think and act independently as they grow up in the heart of nature. Filmed over a period of two-and-a-half years in the rural town of Chizu, Tottori Prefecture, this eye-opening documentary introduces an unauthorized private nursery school called Marutanbo. The school's unique style of fostering independence in young children raises interesting questions about early education, and stands in stark contrast to the overprotective childrearing practices that have become popular in contemporary Japan.
In 1977, the small mountain village of Fukiya was designated as an Important Preservation District in recognition of the vintage red-brown townhouses that line its streets. Known in former days as a producer of a red pigment called "bengara," it became a popular tourist destination. But with an aging population, it has become more and more difficult to maintain the old houses and shops that make Fukiya so special. Faced with a crisis, 11 local residents with no business experience took a bold step to save their community for future generations. This program follows their progress as they create a corporation and set out to convert an old townhouse into a chic tourist guesthouse.
"The Act in Caregiving" is a 2018 documentary that was produced and broadcasted in Okayama Prefecture. It is about Tadao Okada, a 91-year-old man who has been taking care of his senile wife for over 10 years. Not knowing how to handle his wife's senile behavior, Okada had long been suffering. But his life changed for the better when he met actor and professional caregiver Naoki Sugawara. By taking on the main role in the theater performances about aging and going senile, put on by Sugawara's theater troupe, Okada became able to accept his wife for who she is. This documentary focuses on Okada's daily life as he serves as the star actor of a theater troupe while being the primary caregiver to his senile wife.
"Every Day is a Good Day" is a television program that was produced and broadcasted in Fukui Prefecture. It is about 4 elderly brothers: Ryoichi, 100 years old; Eiichi, 97 years old; Sakae, 90 years old; and Ryosaku, 88 years old. Ryoichi, the eldest brother, does all the housework as his wife is sickly, but still enjoys his days dancing and singing karaoke. Eiichi, the second eldest, does 100 push-ups every day, and was at one time the Masters track and field shot put record holder of Japan. This program follows Ryoichi and his younger brothers as they all live their lives with a whole lot of energy and a positive outlook.
"SUMO GIRL!" is a program that was produced and aired in Aomori Prefecture. The sumo team at Goshogawara Commercial High School once reigned as national champions. However, in 2014, the team almost was disbanded, as it became an empty one without a single member. The team was saved when 2 novice boys joined, along with a girl named Yoshina, who jumped in as the team's assistant. Urged by the will to be stronger herself, Yoshina began practicing sumo herself. This documentary follows Yoshina throughout her high school life, as she dedicates her passion and energy to the sumo team.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases excellent programs produced by Japanese commercial broadcasters. The closure of a school in Kochi Prefecture after 132 years led to the opening of a new attraction at the site. Sharks and sea turtles enjoy themselves in the pool where students used to swim. The facility has been repurposed as the Muroto Closed School Aquarium. Despite being a two-and-a-half-hour drive from the prefectural capital, the aquarium has attracted hundreds of thousands of visitors. When the idea was proposed, critics called it a waste of money for a small town with a declining population. However, organizers came up with fun ideas that could be achieved with a modest budget. The result has brought new life to a struggling community.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases excellent programs produced by Japanese commercial broadcasters. Professional wrestlers train their bodies and minds to dazzle fans with over-the-top performances. Kyushu Pro-Wrestling was founded as a non-profit organization in 2008, operating under the slogan "We're going to energize Kyushu." Management and personnel challenges arose in the early years of the operation, but the group was able to rise to the occasion and stay in shape. The fierce battles carried out on the ring were more than entertainment. They embodied a message: "No matter what sort of trials await, I will believe in myself and deal with them head on." More than a decade after its founding, Kyushu Pro-Wrestling is slamming its way to success.
Oita Technical High School has been around for more than a century. Graduates of 6 departments have gone on to successful careers in Mechanical Engineering, Architecture, Civil Engineering, Industrial Chemistry, Electrical Engineering and Electronic Engineering. Once a year, though, the students turn their attention away from the classroom to the Sports Day competition, in which the departments go head to head. In the school's long history, the Architecture Department has the largest number of victories, and the other departments always set out to stop Architecture's winning ways. The program shows the fervor that teenagers bring to the contest, in an effort to claim 365 days of bragging rights.
The Ainu are an ethnic minority indigenous to Japan. Since their culture and language had mainly been passed down orally, much of their traditions and language have been lost or forgotten. Kuzuno Tatsujiro was an Ainu man who was called Ekashi, which means "respectable elder" in the Ainu language. To preserve Ainu culture for coming generations, he spent his life documenting Ainu traditions and language on about 100 notebooks. Now, about 20 years after Tatsujiro's death, his young grandson Daiki is studying the notebooks to reclaim the Ainu culture and keep it alive.
For ages in the small fishing town of Ijika, Mie Prefecture, all men became fishers and all women became Ama, divers who dive for seafood. But today, this town is suffering from a serious lack of successors. However, there are 2 young people who are determined to spend their lives out at sea. Aiko is a young woman who moved to the town 4 years prior from Tokyo to be an Ama diver. Shusuke, a young man who conducts fishing tours with his father, makes the bold move to build a brand-new boat. This program looks at how in Ijika, times have changed, but the townspeople's wish for great hauls has not.
This program provides a touching portrait of nine-year-old Michitsuji Yuna, a blind girl from the city of Isahaya in Nagasaki Prefecture who dreams of delighting people as a singer. While introducing the loving and resilient family who supports her, it portrays Yuna as a strong and determined person who stays true to her dream after losing her sight when she was just 4 months old.
This program documents 5 years at a bathhouse in Nagano Prefecture, Japan, that has long provided emotional comfort for local residents. In a time when bathhouses are quickly vanishing from Japan, this program shows the important role the public bathhouse serves as a place where the people of a community can gather, communicate, care for each other, and share laughter.
Professor Jeffrey S. Irish of the International University of Kagoshima is the protagonist of this documentary. He's an American man who lives in a rural town in Japan. And in an effort to save the town he lives in from the looming threat of total depopulation, Jeffrey sets out on a difficult challenge to secure vacant houses so that people from other areas can move into the town he loves so dearly.
Kokkodesho is a performance that has long been featured at the Nagasaki Kunchi Festival. 40 men run through town over the span of 3 days, carrying and tossing a wooden float that weighs over a ton. As the dynamic performance demands perfect coordination, explosive physical power, and impregnable mental strength, the carriers just could not do it without the passionate support of the whole town.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases excellent programs produced by Japanese commercial broadcasters. Blown away by the deliciousness of the fish caught in the Sanriku region of Japan, Yagi Kenichiro started up a business there, processing and selling local fish. When preparing the fish, Yagi adopts the use of medical and lab equipment, and wears scrubs. And the fish he sells are winning international acclaim as being "better than raw." This program follows Yagi as he relentlessly works with the local community to revive the Sanriku area, devastated by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases excellent programs produced by Japanese commercial broadcasters. Through the special adoption system, the Higuchis welcomed 2 children into their family. Ikki, the elder child, is slowly understanding that he is different from the children around him as he has 2 mothers. His little sister Miina is a baby with Down syndrome. This is a story of how this family, unrelated by blood, becomes a real family with the progression of time. By telling the stories of the people involved in special adoptions, this program explores the idea of what makes a family.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases programs by commercial and cable television broadcasters in Japan. This program focuses on a small fishing town called Izari in Tokushima Prefecture, southern Japan that has for the past 20 years actively brought in young families with children to live in their community as a means to keep the town alive. The people of Izari enjoy raising the children together as a community, and the children get to grow up in an environment rich with nature and social interaction.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases excellent programs produced by Japanese commercial broadcasters. Terabayashi Shuma is a 6th grader who loves to play softball and dreams of becoming a professional baseball player. But in 4th grade he was rushed to the hospital and diagnosed with Type 1 diabetes, a serious disease from an unknown cause. The more he exercises, the lower his blood sugar level goes, making sports a life-threatening activity. Shuma's mother urges him to quit softball, but he doesn't understand why being sick should prevent him from playing. With full support from his family and friends, Shuma continues to work toward his dream.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases excellent programs produced by Japanese commercial broadcasters. Imagawa Ryuji is a doctor in Mie Prefecture. His ability to hear is very limited, as he can only barely hear the sound of a roaring airplane engine in front of him. Inspired as a child by manga character Black Jack, Imagawa began aspiring to become a doctor. And now, he works as one, using lip-reading and other techniques to communicate with patients. This award-winning documentary follows Imagawa over the span of 2 years as he overcomes hurdle after hurdle, including the COVID-19 pandemic.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases programs by commercial broadcasters in Japan. This award-winning program follows thatcher Matsuzawa Tomonori and his roof thatching crew over the span of a year. Matsuzawa's crew makes and repairs thatched roofs in the traditional way. Although that involves time-consuming, manual work, it is certainly worth it, as the roofs they make are extremely durable as well as beautiful. And at home, Matsuzawa is called "Daddy" by his 3 children.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases programs by commercial and cable television broadcasters in Japan. This installment features Goto Daishu, a master crafter of the traditional Karakuri mechanical doll. Originally a carpenter, Goto also studied the art of Noh mask making before he entered the world of Karakuri dolls in his 50s. We followed Goto over the span of a year when he was 90 years old and witnessed him draw upon techniques from multiple disciplines to create his very last masterpiece.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases programs by commercial and cable television broadcasters in Japan. About midway between Tokyo and Kyoto Prefecture, Nishio City's Kira Onsen, with scenic views of Mikawa Bay, has long been a popular hot spring resort town. But since the onset of the pandemic, overseas visitors and large tour groups vanished. Over the course of a year, we talk with the people of Kira Onsen as they struggle to rediscover the appeal of their hot spring town and attract new visitors in a bid for survival. This interview-style documentary offers a frank depiction of life in regional Japan.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases programs by commercial and cable television broadcasters in Japan. Matsushima Island lies on the Genkai-nada Sea and is part of Saga Prefecture. The island's main industry is fishing; local Ama divers fish for sea urchin, abalone and turban shells. But as sea temperatures rise, seaweed beds are dying, and the coastal sea life population is decreasing. Residents are struggling to make a living off of fishing alone. Yet the island boasts a high percentage of young residents who love the island and hope to spend their lives there. These young islanders have taken up the challenge of building a new economic future for their home. This program follows one such islander, Sou Hideaki, for three years, as he pioneers new industries and initiatives on the island, such as the construction of a glamping site.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases programs by commercial and cable television broadcasters in Japan. When his father passed away, Nakanishi Mitsuo hastily selected a photo from a family album to use as a "funeral portrait." However, he was unhappy it didn't properly reflect his father's true personality. Nakanishi, the owner of a photo studio in a mountain town in Kochi Prefecture, vowed to help others avoid a similar situation. Bringing humor and friendship to his area's older adults, Nakanishi captures their natural smiles and genuine expressions and has to date photographed over 700 people.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases programs by commercial and cable television broadcasters in Japan. In 2019, doctor Maekaku Emi opened the Yodaka Clinic, which specializes in home health care. As the sole doctor there, she works with nurses and staff to care for 80 patients a month. Maekaku wishes for patients to continue enjoying the good things in life, regardless of their medical situation or advanced age. Through Maekaku's eyes, this program sheds light on the importance of home health care in aging communities and explores the possibilities and ideals of hospice care.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases programs by commercial and cable television broadcasters in Japan. This documentary follows Akiyama Daiki, a young man in Nagasaki Prefecture with brittle bone disease. Over the three years we followed Daiki, we witnessed his treatment at the hospital, time with friends, his preparation for the high school entrance exam and his first steps toward his dream. No matter the difficulty, Daiki is able to overcome it with his positive attitude and the loving support of his family.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases programs by commercial and cable television broadcasters in Japan. 15-year-old Hirabayashi Taichi is a blind boy on Nagano Prefecture's sole blind soccer team who aspires to compete in the Paralympic Games. His journey in blind soccer began in first grade, and his skills swiftly flourished. In sixth grade, he encouraged his dormmate to join the sport, and their progress has instilled them with the resilience to overcome their impairments. This program encapsulates seven years of Taichi's soccer adventures, cherished family moments and enduring friendships.
Broadcasters' Eye showcases programs by commercial and cable television broadcasters in Japan. With healthcare improvement in Japan, the number of children receiving daily medical care has increased and stands at 20,000 cases. Families of kids with medical complexities must be vigilant: even at night, an alarm may sound, warning their child is in danger. We look at a family that negotiates with the government for their child to attend regular elementary classes and another who relies on home visits. Ultimately, we ask, "What does it mean to live?"
Funahashi Kazuo was born with cerebral palsy, which left him with physical disabilities. He wasn't expected to live more than 20 years, but is still strong at 74. His wife, Mizue, helps him communicate with those around him. Fifty years ago a documentary was made about Kazuo's adventures with his friends with physical disabilities. Now, we follow the couple along with their two daughters and grandson, as they enjoy dining out, traveling, going to baseball games, and living life to the fullest.
The Tori-cho shopping arcade is located in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture. It's home to a variety of small specialty businesses, some of which have been in operation for over a hundred years. One of them is Yoshida Barbershop, whose 86-year-old owner, Yoshida Satomi, still wields her scissors with skill. Fifty years ago, the salon was bustling with locals and visitors alike. These days, it's a much quieter place. Customers come to spend time with the warm and friendly Yoshida as she happily tends to her work.
An 11-year record of how Korean national Han Seong Min revitalized a community in Yamanashi Prefecture and made a JICA project in the Philippines a success through the production of mulberry leaf tea.
Chef Enmi Katsushi helps people who have difficulty swallowing food regain one of life's great pleasures. Collaborating with medical professionals, he creates menus that satisfy both stomach and soul.
Symptoms of Tourette syndrome include vocal and motor tics and there is currently no known cure. We follow young people who have struggled to fit into society and make their dreams come true.
Many parents face wrongful accusations of child abuse due to symptoms related to unexplained brain injuries. We follow one family's five-year battle to challenge a false accusation.
A look into a man's continuous mission to rid the Seto Inland Sea of the trash polluting it. Dubbed a garbage fool by some, his wish is to restore the sea and beaches' beauty for future generations.
Noda Yoshiki is the deputy priest of a Buddhist temple in central Japan. He grapples with an unexpected opportunity, and along the way he makes new discoveries that help him to grow as a priest.
Gen-Z Sato Mari travels Japan living in a tiny van. After leaving a company job, she now works as a designer. Follow along as she interacts with fellow freelancers, searching for a "new normal" life.
