Seasons & Episodes
The Daily Struggles of a Pakistani Used Car Dealer
The number of people who've chosen Japan to be their new home reached the highest in history in 2019, exceeding 2.8 mill
Little India in Big Tokyo
"Little India" in Tokyo's Edogawa Ward is a community of about 4,000 Indian nationals first established about 20 years a
A Helping Hand for Foreign Women in Kyoto
Neighborhood relations, childcare, PTA: in Japan, issues that involve women are plenty and part of everyday routine. But
A Hot Meal for Every Child
Japan is the world's third largest economy yet its poverty rate is high, with one out of 7 children living below the thr
Support for Foreign Disabled and Elderly
The city of Toyota in Aichi Prefecture is home to some 18,000 foreigners, mainly Latin Americans of Japanese descent. We
A Budding Farmer Dreams of Peanuts
Struggling with depopulation and a dwindling farming industry, Akitakata City in Hiroshima Prefecture has been encouragi
Under the Coronavirus Outbreak
The coronavirus is shaking the world, and Japan is no exception with over 10,000 infected cases nationwide. The country
Working Under the Outbreak
Like in the rest of the world, the coronavirus is disrupting life in Japan. As businesses shift to telecommuting or temp
Chinese Entrepreneurs Fight for Survival
Chinese nationals make up about 30% of foreigners in Japan. Among the younger generations of Chinese living here, starti
Struggles for Recovery in the Restaurant Industry
A month after the state of emergency was lifted in Japan, we focus on 3 foreigners in the restaurant industry fighting f
Entertainers Under the Pandemic
The entertainment business in Japan has been dealt a heavy blow by the coronavirus pandemic. Join us as we look at the l
Tourism's Fight to Endure the Crisis
The coronavirus outbreak has taken a heavy toll on businesses that cater to tourists visiting Japan from overseas. From
Charmed by the Beauty and Flavor of Noto
This episode takes us to the Noto Peninsula in Ishikawa Prefecture where we visit an inn run by Australian-born Benjamin
A University Fostering Exchange and Diversity
On this episode, we follow Mali-born Oussouby Sacko, who has been the president of Kyoto Seika University for the past 2
Keeping the Faith in Chinatown
Yokohama is home to Japan's biggest Chinatown. The neighborhood has survived war and disaster over the course of its lon
For the Love of Sweets and Family
On this episode: a taste of sweetness with traditional confections, or "wagashi," prepared at a 200-year-old shop in Kum
Together We Can Make It Through!
This episode focuses on Vietnam-born Do Van Tuan, chairman of the Sendai Vietnamese Association. As the coronavirus pand
A Cozy Place for Everyone
One of the issues many foreigners face when they come to live in Japan involves looking for an apartment. Intimidated by
Uniting People Through Manga
On this episode, we meet manga creator René Hoshino from Cameroon who's been living in Japan since childhood after his
Coriander Farmers in Pursuit of Happiness
On this episode, we visit a coriander farm in Bando, Ibaraki Prefecture run by Thai-native Satapon Sukhanonchanapa and h
Keeping Wood Weaving Alive
The former village of Oguchi in Ishikawa Prefecture was home to a 400-year-old wood weaving technique using Japanese cyp
Rural Reinvigoration on Video
This episode takes us to the rural community of Kito in Tokushima Prefecture. While its population of around 1,000 is on
Chris's Little Nigerian Shop
On this episode, we meet Nigerian-native Chris Andrews, who runs a small shop in Saitama Prefecture's Koshigaya City. Op
American Taste, Japanese Apples
On this episode, we visit American-born Janie Ikegami who grows apples in Nagano Prefecture. Wishing to recreate the tas
Two Countries Linked by Tofu
On this episode, we meet Bhutanese Robin Sharma who works for an agricultural company in Uwa, Ehime Prefecture. Robin ha
A Meaty Thanks to Akita
This episode takes us to Akita Prefecture, where Polish-born Michal Taberski runs a sausage and ham manufacturing busine
A Pianist's Love, Loss and Life in Takasaki
On this episode, we visit Takasaki in Gunma Prefecture to meet Russian-native Yulia Lev, a pianist who's been active in
The Pandemic Rages On
People from around the world who have made Japan their home must adapt to a new community, but the unprecedented issue o
Say Cheese! to Life in Okinawa
This time, we meet American-born Pamela Ann Matsunaga who's traveled the world with her 5 children, spending several yea
Working Under the Pandemic
On January 7, 2021, a state of emergency was once again declared for 11 prefectures in Japan in response to a dramatic i
In Search of a Ray of Hope
As the pandemic shows little to no signs of abating, we continue to touch base remotely with some of the people we've me
Togo Tailored Kyoto Tradition
This episode takes us to Kyoto to meet Togo-native Kabressa Deabalo. A master tailor in his home country, he specializes
Vietnamese Vets and Hokkaido Horses
On this episode, we travel to Urakawa Town in Hokkaido Prefecture where Nguyen Van Bao and Nguyen Van Hieu, 2 veterinari
The Uniting Spirit of Karate
In recent years, the Nepalese population has been growing in Naha, Okinawa Prefecture. Acting as a bridge between his fe
Eatery Adversity Into Delivery Opportunity
We follow Chinese-born Aya Wu, owner of Szechuan restaurants in the Tokyo area. To help her business survive the pandemi
Living With Forest and Mountain
In this episode, we head to the forested Northern Alps of Nagano Prefecture with Lama Gyalu, a Sherpa and former mountai
The Big Top of Smiles
Step right up, ladies and gents! Come witness the thrilling spectacle that is our latest episode! With thorough preventi
Health Beyond the Wall of Words
When living abroad, the language barrier can be a major obstacle. This is particularly true in healthcare, notably with
To the Rescue of the Unemployed
With the pandemic, the number of foreigners in Japan who find themselves without work is on the rise. On this episode, w
A Messenger for Peace
On this episode, we visit Hiroshima to meet Mary Popeo from the US. She works there as a "Peace Guide," teaching visitor
Preserving a Village and Its Traditions
Like in many other small villages in Japan, the population of Sasama in Shizuoka Prefecture is declining due to aging. B
Beer Brewing in Harmony with Kyoto
United by their love and passion for craft beer and their adoptive Kyoto Prefecture, Chris Hainge from the US, Canadian
Abroad but Not Alone
Lack of social contact due to the pandemic can cause feelings of isolation and anxiety, which can be made even worse by
Firing Up the Colors of Nature
On this episode, we meet UK-born potter Adam Smith who lives in Nagano Prefecture. After learning Japanese-style pottery
Business with Passion and Spice
We follow Nitin Hingarh who runs a Tokyo company selling ingredients from his native India to restaurants around Japan.
Elderly Care Under the Pandemic
In recent years more and more foreign workers are being hired in Japan in response to the shortage of care laborers for
Guiding Preschoolers Through Language Barriers
This time, we head to Kikugawa in Shizuoka Prefecture where many non-Japanese workers live. For the children of foreign
New Country, New Life, New Dream
We meet Maurice Torralba, a former member of the national volleyball team in his native Cuba, whose competitive career w
Enchanted by the Hues of Gifu
On this episode, we head to Gifu Prefecture to meet German-native Bernd Kestler, a knitting artisan whose work is inspir
A New Take on a Beloved Cake
In Japan, castella cake has been popular for generations. It's the descendant of "pao-de-lo," a dessert brought to 16th-
The Pie-oneer in the North
Join us as we visit Naganuma in the northern prefecture of Hokkaido where Australian Karl Diercke runs a pie shop. Among
Finding Hope Among the Rubble
On July 3rd 2021, massive mudslides caused by heavy rainfall swept through the town of Atami in Shizuoka Prefecture, lea
Sake Mastery Starts With Rice
This episode takes us to Shiga Prefecture, home of Lake Biwa, the largest lake in Japan. It's there that a few years ago
Bending Industry Back Into Shape
On this episode, we visit Kamata in Tokyo, which is home to many small factories expert in machining parts for a variety
Cultivating a Circle of Collaboration
This time, we follow Dharma Lama, a mandala artist born and raised at a temple in his home country of Nepal who now runs
Giving Japanese Knives a New Edge
In Osaka City is a kitchen knife shop run by Canadian Bjorn Heiberg. Promoting the quality of Japanese knives and workin
Presenting Japanese Puppetry to the World
On this episode, we meet 2 gray-bearded North Americans passionate about Japanese traditional arts. First, we head to To
Prayers for Peace from Okinawa to Ukraine
This time, we visit Okinawa Prefecture to meet Ukraine-born Katarin Honma, whose soul was shaken by Russia's invasion of
Fostering a Future for Fishery
On this episode, we visit Nakanoshima Island off the coast of Shimane Prefecture to meet Myanmar-born Aung Moe Oo, who l
A Helping Hand for Our Fellow Sri Lankans
We visit Ibaraki Prefecture where 2 Sri Lankan businessmen work to support their compatriots in need. At his welding fac
Far from Their Homeland, But Not in Heart
On this episode, we meet two Ukrainians supporting their compatriots in Japan, from before and after Russia began to inv
Seeing Tokyo from the Trees
On this episode, we discover a lesser-known side of Tokyo with US-born magazine Editor Lucas Badtke-Berkow. After introd
Striving for a Barrier-free Society
On this episode, we meet Canadian Josh Grisdale. A wheelchair user due to cerebral palsy, Josh works for a social welfar
Alan's Cultural Center Without Borders
In 2020, Yamashita Alan, a Brazilian of Japanese descent and former Japanese champion of Brazilian jiu-jitsu, founded a
An App to Support Women and Ukraine
This time, we meet Ukrainian Anna Kreshchenko, an entrepreneur in Kyoto who creates apps that provide support for health
Supporting Childbirth in a Faraway Land
For women, giving birth abroad can be a daunting prospect. Luckily, the Brazilian expectant mothers of Hamamatsu in Shiz
No One Left Behind
On this episode, we visit Myanmar refugee Aung Myat Win who runs a restaurant in Osaka Prefecture that serves the authen
Pas de Deux for Peace
On this episode, we meet Yevhenii Petrenko and his wife Nagasawa Mie – two professional dancers for a famous ballet co
A Ukrainian Boy's Martial Art Journey
This time we head to mountainous Nagano Prefecture where 13-year-old Artem Tsymbaliuk fled from the war in his homeland
Tony's Canteen for Kids Hits the Road
On this episode, we revisit Ghana-native Tony Justice, who runs a canteen for children from families in financial diffic
Welcome to the Village in the Sky!
On this episode, we head to the forested mountains surrounding the village of Totsukawa in Nara Prefecture to meet Frenc
Children's Tales Cast in Shadows
This time, we visit Toyama Prefecture to meet US-born Jack Lee Randall, a weaver of tales for children using shadow pupp
Kendama Connects the World
On this episode, we meet US-born Shelby Brown in the city of Nagai in Yamagata Prefecture. Shelby is passionate about ke
May the Biwa's Beauty Live On
The biwa is a Japanese string instrument with a long history, and the 130-year-old chikuzen biwa is a relatively more mo
Saving the Serpentine Soup of Ryukyu
On this episode, we go to Kitanakagusuku Village in Okinawa Prefecture to meet US-born Alex Hopson, who works at a resta
A Town's Festive Refreshening
We visit Kochi City in Kochi Prefecture to meet US-native Owen Wade, a member of a local business owners' association. W
Concerto on a Stringed Survivor
This time, we visit Hiroshima Prefecture to meet Ukrainian-born Hiraishi Olena and her son, budding violinist Eishin. Si
A Fresh New Start for an Old Cowboy
On this episode, we meet US-born Tim Jones in the town of Kuromatsunai in Hokkaido Prefecture. A veteran cattle farmer f
Cultivating Land and Community
This time, we meet American Thomas Kloepfer, a farmer living in Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, where he revived abandon
Growing Tasty Shiny Jewels
On this episode, we head to Mitoyo in Kagawa Prefecture to meet French-native Jerome Rupp who grows Shine Muscats, a var
Farm-bot to the Rescue!
The aging of the population and labor shortages are some of the biggest issues Japanese agriculture is currently facing.
Handcrafting the Beauty of Nature
This time, we head to Wakayama Prefecture to take in the beauty of Japanese nature captured by German-born Dominik Schmi
Climb a Tree, Change Your Life!
On this episode, we venture into the woods of Seto in Aichi Prefecture to do some tree climbing with Canadian John Gathr
Martial Arts Build Unbreakable Bonds
We revisit the Ukrainian families who came to Nagano Prefecture in April 2022 to flee the war in their country. The kids
Fostering the Future of the Countryside
Japan finally eased its restrictions on entering the country - good news for the inbound tourism industry. UK-born Paul
Hunting with Reverence for Life and Nature
This time, we venture into the forested mountains of Miyazaki Prefecture to meet aspiring hunter Antonia Schult from Ger
Hitting the Powdery Backcountry in Safety
This time we visit the snow-covered mountains in Hakuba, Nagano Prefecture, where Canadian Dave Enright runs an outdoor
Caring for Patients Like Family
On this episode, we meet Nguyen Quoc Dam, a nurse in Kashiwa, Chiba Prefecture. Nine years ago, Dam took advantage of an
Life Lessons Learned Through Play
On this episode, we head to Sakegawa Village in Yamagata Prefecture, where American Frederick Lauer organizes activities
Preserving the Memories of 3.11
It's been twelve years since the massive earthquake and tsunami of March 11, 2011 hit northeastern Japan. We visit Richa
Bound in Heart by Sumo
On this episode, we step into the ring to meet Gantugs Rentsendorj from Mongolia, a coach for the sumo club of a famous
Chin Up! Let's Dance!
Put on your dancing shoes and get ready for some toe-tapping good time in Yokohama with Filipino Eduardo Macarat. Years
Two-Wheelers Like None Other
This time we visit Toyonaka in Osaka Prefecture to meet Gerson Aizawa Hara, a third-generation Brazilian of Japanese des
In Search for the Taste of Yashiostan
Home to a large Pakistani community, the city of Yashio in Saitama Prefecture is nicknamed Yashiostan. It's here that we
Bridging Cultural Gaps in Work and Life
This time, we visit Shimane Prefecture to meet Vietnamese Pham Van Toi, the president of an agency that finds employment
For Little Smiles Beyond the Ocean
This time, we visit Nagano Prefecture to meet Fidea Kobayashi, who supports orphans in her native Tanzania. Donating the
Never Give Up, Your Chance Will Come
On this episode, we visit Fussa, Tokyo, to meet American Frederick Roberts. While stationed at a local US air base, Fred
A Ugandan Teen's Big-league Dream
This time, we take you out to the ballgame! Or more specifically to Sanda City in Hyogo Prefecture, home of the Bravers,
Keeping the Fire of Folkcraft Burning
Mass-produced items are nice and cheap, but none have the beauty and warmth of handmade objects. This is especially true
Glamping Mongolian Style
This time we go to Tsukuba in Ibaraki Prefecture to meet Mongolian Chimedtseren Amarzul, or Amura to her family and frie
Happiness Rests on the Clouds
We follow Alek Pashkowski and Vadym Bezvuliak, a Ukrainian music duo that's been entertaining audiences in Nagasaki Pref
Living It Slow in Rural Japan
This time, we discover the enchanting natural landscape of Miyama in Kyoto Prefecture. Drawn to the appeal of a slowly p
A Crafter of Wheelchairs and Smiles
On this episode, we visit the workshop of Habib ur Rahman, a craftsman from Pakistan who designs and builds power wheelc
A Fresh New Breeze in Glass Art
The city of Otaru in Hokkaido Prefecture is famous for its glass making tradition. Fascinated by Otaru glassware, Chen Y
A Brazilian's Journey to Buddhist Priesthood
In the village of Yamakogawa in Chiba Prefecture, Brazilian Joken Fernandes trains at a temple to be a Buddhist priest.
A World of Home Flavors in Saitama
On this episode, we take you on a culinary tour of Saitama Prefecture's diverse international community as we meet non-J
Kayla's Festival of Friendship
We visit the Iizuna Highlands in Nagano Prefecture where Canadian Kayla Afrin runs a popular café. Having grown up unde
When Horse, Rider and Bow Become One
Performed at Shinto shrines, Yabusame is a ritual in which an archer on horseback shoots arrows at targets. Australian M
Pastor Istvan's Botanical Blessings
We meet Istvan Lorincz, a Romanian of Hungarian origin who's a pastor and expert herbalist in Sapporo, Hokkaido Prefectu
A Personal Chef with a Personal Touch
We meet French-born Germain Guibilato who works as a personal chef for events and special occasions in Kochi City, as we
Trust in the Healing Power of Anime
We meet Italian Francesco Panto, a psychiatrist in Saitama Prefecture who develops a therapy method that makes use of Ja
A Hearty Recipe for Recovery
This time, we meet Togawa Aya, a naturalized Japanese born in China who runs a cafeteria in Okuma, Fukushima Prefecture,
Spirits Strengthened by Martial Arts
This time, we follow three Ukrainians – a teenage boy and a female entrepreneur who both came to Japan thanks to marti
A Prayer for Peace in Song and Images
We revisit Ukrainian musicians Alek and Vadym in Nagasaki Prefecture as they create a music video to express their praye
Top Your Sushi With Conviction
We meet Jan Markiewicz from Poland, who trains at a Tokyo sushi restaurant in preparation for the World Sushi Cup, as we
Mr. Deo, the Dedicated Teacher
We meet Uganda-born Kalule Deogratius who teaches English at a middle school in Nagano Prefecture, and Vietnamese Nguyen
A Well-Rooted Future for Children
We meet Muhammad Nurul Elahi in Niigata Prefecture who grows lotus roots to fund an elementary school he opened in his n
Preserving Lacquerware Beyond the Quake
We follow UK-born Suzanne Ross - a lacquerware artisan in Wajima - in her efforts to recover after this January's quake,
Step Into the Ring for Ukraine
We meet Ukrainian Ivanna Berezovska, a female sumo wrestler who trains at a university club in Fukuoka Prefecture, and I
Children's Books Cross Barriers
On this episode, we meet American Jerry Martin, an author of children's books based in Saitama Prefecture, and Daniel Mu
Prayers for Peace in Gaza from Hiroshima
We meet Ashley Souther from the US, who teaches a class on peace at a secondary school in Hiroshima Prefecture, as well
Chin Up! Let's Dance Again!
On this episode, we revisit Filipino dance instructor Eduardo Macarat in Yokohama who changed his career to support his
Drawn to the Land of Carpentry
We meet South Korean Kang Dong Ju who runs his own carpentry business in Takayama, Gifu Prefecture, and German Max Geige
Racing for Peace
We meet South Sudanese Abraham Guem, a 1,500-metres runner who trains in Japan in hope to qualify for the Paris Olympics
Saving the Giant Salamanders
We meet Richard Pearce, a British ecotourism guide who runs an NPO dedicated to Japanese giant salamander conservation i
A Festival to Bring Cultures Together
We meet Indian Choudhury Rudra Charan Mohanty who organizes a festival in Aichi Prefecture to bring the Indian and Japan
Spreading Smiles with a Parfait Passion
This time, we accompany Finnish native Laura Kopilow on her journey to discover tasty parfaits all over Japan, and meet
A US Pro Coach for Japan's Youth Baseball
We meet American Bianca Smith, a former pro baseball coach who now trains children and teens in Hokkaido Prefecture, and
The Right Words for Young Carers
In Gunma Prefecture, we meet Pakistani Aziz Ahmed who helps children that have to interpret for foreign parents with lim
Eco-friendly Farming in Fukushima
We meet French illustrator Emilie Bouquet who runs an eco-friendly farm in Okuma, Fukushima Prefecture, and Brazilian Su
Creating the Wheelchairs of Tomorrow
We revisit Pakistani Habib ur Rahman, a crafter of custom-made power wheelchairs in Kobayashi, Miyazaki Prefecture, and
Work Opportunities for Syrian Evacuees
In Tokyo, we meet Syrian Iskandar Salama who works to find job opportunities for his fellow Syrians in and out of Japan,
Sowing the Seeds of Peace
We meet Polish Izabela Ishikawa who works to find and return the remains of those who died during World War II in Okinaw
Closer to the Heart
We meet Peruvian Estela Nakazaki and her daughter Namiko, both working in elderly care in Narashino, Chiba Prefecture, a
Roly Keeps the Apples Rolling
We meet English-born Roland Gregory, a.k.a. Roly, who runs his own apple orchard in the Nagano countryside, and Gethmina
Keeping the Traditions of Noto Alive
We revisit Aussie chef Benjamin Flatt and lacquerware artist Suzanne Ross from the UK in their efforts to preserve the c
Follow Your Heart and Listen to the Soup!
We meet Austrian fashion designer Edwina Horl Ota who works to bring her late husband's Tokyo ramen shop back to its for
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