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-LAB

African Swine Fever (ASF) is a severe viral disease which affects pigs currently spreading around the world. At present, there is no vaccine for this highly fatal disease, causing massive losses in production and the economy. Pharmaceutical company neopharma Japan Co., Ltd. succeeded in the mass production of 5-Aminolevulinic Acid (5-ALA), an amino acid that can improve the functioning of antibodies. This segment introduces the first initiative in the world to prevent the spread of a contagious disease by enhancing auto-immune functions.

J-TOWN

Akkeshi, a town in eastern Hokkaido of about 9000 people, is home to an internationally renowned whisky. This segment features the challenges of a distillery creating its original whisky using local ingredients and materials and local townspeople supporting their efforts.

J-MOUNTAIN

In this segment, we join Dean and his stepson Keiji as they hike the 2,530m Mt. Tateshina in Nagano Prefecture. Japan has over 16,000 mountains, but only 100 are listed in the famous ‘Hyakumeizan’ book, which was created in 1964 and has become the most important list of mountains to summit in Japan. Mt. Tateshina can be hiked in a day, but can Keiji make it all the way to the top at just 7 years old?

J-NATURE

Japan has 34 national parks throughout the country. This segment features the Akan area of Akan-Mashu National Park located in Japan’s northern region Hokkaido. Our reporter, along with park rangers and nature guides, explore the secret behind Lake Mashu’s clear water and blue hue, known also as “Mashu Blue,” and the history of Mt. Iwosan, which continues to emit sulfurous gases today.