CATCH JAPAN

Explore a colorful variety of modern Japan’s most popular topics, including food, technology, ecology and regional promotions, with a focus on the innovative ideas and passionate effort from the people behind it all.

J-TRIP

Himeji Castle, also known as the White Heron Castle, is the symbol of Himeji City. A fresh image for the city is inspired by the word “Shiro”, which means “white” in Japanese. The Shoshazan Engyoji Temple is known as one of the settings of the film The Last Samurai. We visit a Japanese sake brewery and the young female chief brewer in charge, tasting some sake made from pure white rice, and also feature white bean paste “shiro-azuki” confection at Kineya Japanese sweets shop to conclude the trip. This segment features Himeji experiences with the “Shiro” theme.

J-TECH

In 2015, Japan’s national rugby team achieved a historic victory against South Africa, making headlines around the world. It was dubbed a miracle by sports writers, but was actually the result of consistent and consolidated total management of the team’s physical condition, training logs, and injury records using an IT tool. The software was developed by Euphoria, a company currently expanding its business with “ONE TAP SPORTS,” a cloud-service for managing players’ condition. The service is based on the order-made system that supported the national rugby team’s training. Their goal back in 2012 was to improve all aspects of the team to gear up towards the 2019 Rugby World Cup. This segment documents the national team’s IT strategy.

J-FOOD

There is a straight road in Fukushima Pref. called the Peach Line that runs through a stretch of fields along the Abukuma River. During the July to September harvest season, visitors can enjoy plump, juicy, sweet peaches. The peaches from the northern town of Koori are known for their particularly high quality. We visit a fruit farm that has been in business for three generations, a tourist favorite for its peach picking tour, and a fruit-sorting facility that sorts hundreds of thousands of peaches in a single day during high season. This segment introduces what’s behind the peaches that are garnering high marks in Japan and overseas.

J-ADVENTURE

It’s time for the runAway team to take to the seas! They’re traveling from Aichi Prefecture to Mie Prefecture by kayak! On their way through Ise Bay, they encounter a Buddhist priest who teaches them the art of the perfect tea! A fisherman who shares his catch straight from the sea! And Japan’s youngest BMX rider, quite possibly! Hey, those rhymed!
For more runAway adventures, check out: https://www.youtube.com/runawayjapan