Onigiri

E1

Onigiri are becoming a global phenomenon. Colorful new styles are generating a buzz on social media, and convenience stores continue to develop new products. We investigate the latest developments.

Repair

E2

As the need for circular economies grows, there's a new focus on repairing products. We look at how people in Japan maintain items using approaches ranging from traditional kintsugi to modern skills.

Japanophiles: Johan Leutwiler

E3

Johan Leutwiler, from Switzerland, is currently Japan's only foreign swordsmith. In a Japanophiles interview, he tells us about being drawn to the world of Japanese swords and sword making.

Octopuses

E4

Octopuses are not only eaten in Japan but also depicted in works of art. They may be regarded as objects of worship or even kept as pets. We untangle Japan's long relationship with these creatures.

Leather Shoes

E5

Japan's bespoke leather shoes are admired around the world, and there is even a Japanese leader in the realm of shoeshining. We explore the skills and services in Japan's leather shoemaking industry.

Torii

E6

Found all over Japan, torii are gateways to Shinto shrines and the deities within. We meet people trying to rebuild torii after a huge earthquake and examine what torii mean to Japanese people.

Mamachari

E7

Mamachari bikes, which originated in Japan, are designed to meet the needs of all kinds of people. They even helped women enter the workforce. We discover what makes them so unique and special.

Japanophiles: Stephen Turner

E8

Stephen Turner, from the UK, loves Japanese trains so much that his passion became his job. We join him on a trip through Chiba Prefecture and explore the appeal of Japan's regional railways.

Family Restaurants

E9

Family restaurants are uniquely Japanese establishments that are also popular with solo diners. We see how innovative services have helped them survive the ups and downs of the restaurant industry.