CATCH JAPAN

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Aired: November 28, 2019 (UTC)


Series Information

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-VILLAGE

While many foreign visitors are discovering the appeal of the Japanese countryside, rural communities remain under threat from population decline. A long-term resident of Japan from England has devised a way to make the countryside even more appealing while also training workers from the cities and supporting the host community. We take a closer look at what he's accomplished in a mountain village in Nakatsugawa, Yamagata.

Nakatsugawa, a mountain village in Yamagata Pref.
Adam Fulford, a long-term resident of Japan, is working to find new ways to revitalize the village

J-ART

Hotel Niwa Tokyo is located in the heart of the city, but is known for its verdant greenery. Founded in 1935 as a traditional Japanese inn called Morita-kan, it underwent a major renovation in 2009 and has been highly-reputed for the next decade. The hotel’s most notable feature is its “niwa” or garden, dutifully maintained by its landscape architect. This segment features the knowledge and skills responsible for the hotel’s garden.

The Hotel Niwa Tokyo’s garden
Landscape artists of the hotel’s garden

J-TECH

NTT, Japan’s largest telecommunications company, develops cutting-edge technology that is widely used in today’s society. The company is also focusing on research and development based on discoveries involving human communication capabilities. In 2019, at one of their research facilities in Kyoto, they announced a variety of technologies based on human sensation and perception. This segment features the efforts and work of NTT’s researchers.

A research on robot interaction by NTT
Demonstration of a research on human perception that gives the illusion of walking

J-ADVENTURE

Dean and his team have made it to Nara Pref. in western Japan. They pause their adventure through Japan to explore Todaiji, one of Japan’s most historically significant temples. The temple complex is located in Nara Park, also home to hundreds of deer who roam freely in the grounds. This month Dean will see Japan’s largest bronze buddha statue and also unexpectedly faces a challenge inside the temple to complete his Todaiji experience.
For more runAway adventures, check out: https://www.youtube.com/runawayjapan

runAway team leader Dean Newcombe at the Todaiji Temple grounds in Nara Pref.
The Todaiji Temple

Host

Maxwell Powers

Voice Actor/MC/Bilingual Pro
From Oakland, California

Maxwell Powers
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Our Series

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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.
Journeys in Japan's National Parks Featuring the stunning natural landscapes of Japan's National Parks, and the rich culture shaped there in harmony with nature.
The Heart of Fukui This series explores the allure of traditional culture thriving in Fukui, a region rich in nature facing the Sea of Japan.
SPIRIT OF JAPAN The program introduces the history and wisdom behind Japan’s technological strength and specialties, which are helping to revitalize regional areas of the country.
Explore Japan This series will feature how various culture in modern Japan and overseas blend together and influence each other.
Exploring the Lands of the Ainu In this series, we visit areas in Hokkaido with deep connections to the Ainu living there and showcase their prayers, dances, and traditional ceremonies passed down through generations.
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