CATCH JAPAN

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Aired: December 26, 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-BIZ (Part 1)

Iwase Cosfa is a specialized trading company with a nearly 90-year history. It handles over 5000 types of cosmetic raw materials from 600 companies. Throughout the years, the company has stressed the importance of the philosophy “Sanpo Yoshi”or “triple-win,” an old Japanese merchant’s philosophy of doing business with the satisfaction of both the seller and buyer in mind, and also for the benefit of society. This segment introduces how they’re keeping the concept alive.

Yoshinori Iwase, President of Iwase Cosfa

Iwase Cosfa’s open laboratory for its clients’ research and development of cosmetics

J-BIZ (Part 2)

Iwase Cosfa is currently eyeing further global expansion, particularly targeting Vietnam, a country that’s been seeing rapid economic growth in recent years. In 2017, it established a local subsidiary in Ho Chi Minh, equipped with a research laboratory, providing its clients with proposals on the most suitable ingredients and samples. The company’s business philosophy “Sanpo Yoshi” an old Japanese merchant’s philosophy meaning “triple-win,”is also at work in this new business stage. This segment features one of Iwase Cosfa’s business interactions with a long-established manufacturer located in a rural region of the country.

Yugo Yabiki and Toru Imamura of Iwase Cosfa Vietnam

J-ECO

Established by the Asahi Glass Foundation, the Blue Planet Prize is presented to individuals or organizations in recognition of their contributions to solving global environment issues. One of the winners in 2019 is geographer Prof. Eric Lambin. This segment introduces his research findings and the environmental preservation efforts the prize represents.

Prof. Eric Lambin, 2019 Blue Planet Prize Winner

Logo of the Blue Planet Prize, known as the nobel prize of environmental conservation

J-ADVENTURE

The team are in Kyoto, once Japan’s capital, and one of the best places to visit to experience traditional Japan. Dean explores Fushimi-Inari Shrine, a shrine made famous by its 1,000 red Torii gates and fox guardians. Meanwhile, Natali experiences a Maiko makeover, dressing in Kimono and trying the make-up of an apprentice Geisha. Finally, the team try Obanzai cuisine, which uses predominantly seasonal ingredients sourced in Kyoto.
For more runAway adventures, check out: https://www.youtube.com/runawayjapan

runAway team members Dean and Natali in Kyoto

The “Senbon Torii,” thousands of “torii” gates leading up to the sacred Mt. Inari

Host

Maxwell Powers

Voice Actor/MC/Bilingual Pro
From Oakland, California

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