CATCH JAPAN

Aired: August 27, 2021 (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-CULTURE

Wagashi, or Japanese sweets and snacks, have a thousand-year history. Many types of Wagashi originated in Japan’s ancient capital of Kyoto, and their roots can be traced back to mochi rice cakes. Today, with the global spread of Japanese cuisine and new perspectives from overseas, Wagashi continue to evolve and become well-loved not only in Japan, but also abroad. This segment features the charms of rice-based Wagashi from Kyoto.

Dango sweet rice dumpling
Bubu-arare used as a sweets topping

J-FACTORY

Furniture company Akiyama Mokko is well-known in the industry for its top-notch group of craftsmen. It produces high-quality, made to order furniture that are delivered to the Imperial Household Agency, first-class hotels and others. The company is known not only for its quality products but also for its method of training its young recruits into first-rate artisans. They employ a unique training system in which the young employees live together in the company president’s care, honing the heart, technique, and physique.

Toshiteru Akiyama, president of furniture company Akiyama Mokko
Yuto Yonebayashi, artisan in training at Akiyama Mokko

J-FACTORY

“Egi” is a traditional lure to catch squid. Using it is becoming widely known as “Egi” among anglers. Yamashita, a manufacturer of fishing equipment, continues to develop innovative squid jigs through researching the biology of the animals. This segment documents the efforts of a long-standing manufacturer to spread the joy of fishing.

Eisuke Kawakami, Eging Master
Yuhei Mori, developer of Egi squid lures

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
The Hotel Niwa Tokyo’s exterior

Our Series

Trailblazers We follow Japan’s trailblazers breaking new ground in various fields and discover the purpose that keeps them moving forward.
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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