CATCH JAPAN (Jan. 2025)

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-Trip

Yamanashi Prefecture, located next to Tokyo, boasts a wealth of attractions, including the World Heritage Site of Mt. Fuji and an ancient Buddhist temple with over 700 years of history. Visitors can also enjoy traditional cuisine inspired by Buddhist principles, exquisite craftsmanship featuring the world's thinnest gold leaf, traditional dyeing and papermaking techniques, and breathtaking views of Mt. Fuji.

J-Tech

A groundbreaking substance is transforming the preservation of cultural heritage. Trehalose, a carbohydrate once thought to be just a food ingredient, is now a game-changer in the protection of historically valuable artefacts. This segment delves into how trehalose has dramatically reduced the time required to preserve artefacts that have spent centuries underwater, offering new hope for warships and other relics dating back as far as the 13th century. Discover how an innovative company has mastered the mass production of trehalose, and explore the efforts of those using it to unlock a new era in the preservation of cultural treasures.

J-Agriculture

Frost damage to tea farms, as well as fruits such as apples and grapes is a problem seen worldwide. This segment features the development of an anti-frost agent that uses polyphenols extracted from coffee grounds, which were being discarded after manufacture of canned coffee.

J-Food

Despite being located just about an hour from the center of Osaka, Hannan City remains a rich natural environment. The rain transforms into high-quality underground water, flowing from the mountains through the area and into the sea, blessing agriculture and fisheries. This program introduces a "circular and unique food culture" that efficiently harnesses the region’s blessings.