CATCH JAPAN
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-STREET
As the Tokyo 2020 Olympics approach, Tokyo has been undergoing redevelopment with numerous high-rises being built all over the city. In a corner of bustling Shibuya, is a place that retains traces of Japan’s post-war reconstruction era. “Nonbei Yokocho,” where 30 or so cozy eating joints and waterholes line the streets, is located a one-minute walk from the famous Shibuya crossing. This segment features snapshots of Tokyo’s bygone era that photographer Masahiro Yamaguchi has captured through the years.
J-TRIP
Ibaraki Prefecture is about 2 hours away from Narita Airport by express bus. A booklet compiling photographs of the prefecture’s beautiful sceneries, adorned with enticing descriptions in English, was published to showcase its appeal to more overseas tourists. Changing seasons, breathtaking nature, profound spirituality nurtured by its history, and more… In this segment, we rediscover Ibaraki Prefecture’s charms through the eyes of the booklet’s editor.
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 biogeographer Prof. Jared Diamond, who has put forward new perspectives regarding the environment and civilization to the world. What inspired him can be traced back to his field work in Papua New Guinea. This segment introduces a brief look at Prof. Diamond’s research and his proposition for the future.
J-FOOD
The Washoku World Challenge is a culinary competition for non-Japanese chefs of Washoku, or Japanese cuisine. One of the competition’s qualifying tournaments was held in San Sebastian in the Basque region of Spain, known as one of the world’s greatest gourmet regions. The contestants, culinary students of a local gastronomic sciences university, take on the challenge of preparing Japanese cuisine for the first time. This segment features the competition and what the students discovered about Washoku.
Washoku World Challenge Official Website:
https://www.washoku-worldchallenge.jp/7th/en/
J-ADVENTURE
After a harrowing 200km cycle ride from Kyoto to Tottori Prefecture, Dean and the team reach one of Japan’s biggest sand dunes – The Tottori Sand Dunes. They spend an entire day on the dunes, experiencing sand-boarding, pear orchards, camel rides, and learn why the dunes are Tottori’s most popular tourist destination.
For more runAway adventures, check out: https://www.youtube.com/runawayjapan
Host
Maxwell Powers
Voice Actor/MC/Bilingual Pro
From Oakland, California
Our Series
We follow Japan’s trailblazers breaking new ground in various fields and discover the purpose that keeps them moving forward.
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.
Featuring the stunning natural landscapes of Japan's National Parks, and the rich culture shaped there in harmony with nature.
This series explores the allure of traditional culture thriving in Fukui, a region rich in nature facing the Sea 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.
This series will feature how various culture in modern Japan and overseas blend together and influence each other.
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.
