In Shiga Prefecture, where the expansive Lake Biwa, Japan’s largest, lies, traditions of craftsmanship endure. Here, artisans continue practices honed over centuries, producing wares like Shigaraki ware pottery and Wana velvet textiles. Our…

In Ibaraki Prefecture, we trace the lineage of local wisdom, observing its enduring presence in contemporary life. Our journey takes us to a town renowned for its organic farming practices, where we witness the meticulous craft of tradition…

Along the islands and coast of Yamaguchi, where the Seto Inland Sea gently laps the shore, one finds a genuine warmth. These small, industrious communities may lack for luxuries, yet they overflow with a quiet happiness and an abundance of …

A spring ride along the foot of the great mountain range reveals a scene of quiet industry: a craftsman shaping traditional snowshoes, a family preparing salmon trout sushi, and villagers gathering herbs for healing.

Kumamoto offers encounters with those deeply connected to their heritage and the natural world: a craftsman dedicated to the ancient art of inlay, a collective preserving the story of the embankment's construction, and a breeder of the dist…

Along the ancient Izumo Highway, we encounter individuals who cherish human connection: a craftsman of magatama jewelry, and a professional wrestler finding solace in the labor of a village farm.

In Osaka, a region celebrated for its exceptional food, we delve into the heart of local life. We encounter a couple patiently angling for hamo, the daggertooth pike conger, a summer delicacy; a farmer tending to fields of plump eggplants, …

This series follows our journey cycling across Taiwan. The first installment takes us to Taipei and the western coast, where we delve into the island's rich cultural heritage – exploring traditions surrounding a tea renowned for its unique …

The second installment of our Taiwan series explores the vibrant indigenous cultures of the southern regions and the east coast. Here, we encounter a Rukai man dedicated to safeguarding the forests, and the Bunun people, renowned for their …

The third installment of our Taiwan series takes us to the island's south, where we encounter spirited families. We meet one cultivating unusual vegetables, and another dedicated to raising dragon tiger groupers.

Across the Noto Peninsula, still bearing the scars of the 2024 earthquake, we cycle. We find a makeshift morning market, a place where those who lost their shops now offer their wares. And we encounter a salt-maker, diligently preserving an…