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-TOWN

Osemachi is a rural community in northeast Japan. Like many Japanese towns and villages, it is struggling to cope with population decline. Adam Fulford, a community consultant, has been invited to participate in a new initiative. The first step is a workshop where Adam will be aiming to identify the community's unique appeal and some of the challenges it faces, together with local residents.

J-CONNECTION

Overseas travel has been put on a standstill due to the spread of COVID-19. As a preemptive move for when the pandemic subsides, the Japan National Tourism Organization (JNTO) has launched a project to introduce the charms of Japan from the unique perspective of foreign nationals living in the country. Popular YouTuber John Daub has been invited to share his know-how on how to effectively communicate Japan’s appeal to a worldwide audience via social media.

J-FOOD

The Washoku World Challenge is a culinary competition for non-Japanese chefs of Washoku, or Japanese cuisine. This year, due the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic, the contest was held online. Organizers carefully consider this format’s positives and negatives, working on how to further popularize the contest. This segment documents new ways on how Washoku continues to expand worldwide, as seen through the online event.

J-MOUNTAIN

Dean and Keiji are back in the 2nd and final part of their adventure in the mountains of Nagano Prefecture. After summiting one of the region’s highest peaks, Mt. Tateshina, they descend and head for a hidden camping area deep in the natural splendor and pitch their tent by the side of a mountain pond.