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January 7, 2025

Season 13

01. 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.

29min
January 7, 2025

02. 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.

29min
January 21, 2025

03. 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.

29min
February 4, 2025

04. 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.

29min
February 18, 2025

05. 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.

29min
March 4, 2025

06. 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.

29min
April 1, 2025

07. 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.

29min
April 15, 2025

08. 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.

29min
April 29, 2025

09. 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.

29min
May 20, 2025

10. 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.

29min
June 17, 2025

11. 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.

29min
July 1, 2025