This program takes you on an aerial journey across 21st century Japan. Enjoy the bird's-eye view of unique landscapes as well as intimate portraits of the people who inhabit the archipelago.
Where to Watch JAPAN FROM ABOVE: UP CLOSE • Season 1
Shiretoko Underwater PhotographerIn this episode, we meet an underwater photographer who has been diving among the ice floes of Shiretoko for over 30 years.
Tsugaru 'Snow' Railway
E2
Tsugaru 'Snow' RailwayIn this episode, we visit the snow-covered region of Aomori Prefecture and travel along the famous Tsugaru railway.
Mino Washi Makers
E3
Mino Washi MakersIn this episode, we meet a couple who are dedicated to preserve the art of Japanese paper-making in Mino, Gifu Prefecture.
Kagura Mask Maker
E4
Kagura Mask Maker
Ureshino Tea Grower
E5
Ureshino Tea GrowerIn this episode, we meet a tea grower in Saga Prefecture.
Hot Spring Doctor
E6
Hot Spring DoctorIn this episode, we meet a "hot spring doctor" in Noboribetsu, Hokkaido Prefecture who is in charge of managing the resort town's water sources.
Salmon Hatchery Farmer
E7
Salmon Hatchery FarmerIn this episode, we meet a man who runs a salmon hatchery in the Shonai plains of Yamagata Prefecture.
Azumino Wasabi Farmer
E8
Azumino Wasabi FarmerIn this episode, we meet a wasabi farmer in Azumino, Nagano Prefecture.
Hiroshima Storyteller
E9
Hiroshima StorytellerIn this episode, we meet a woman who is determined to preserve the memories of atomic bomb survivors in Hiroshima Prefecture.
Beppu Hot Springs
E10
Beppu Hot SpringsIn this episode, we visit the famous hot spring resort of Beppu located on the east coast of Kyushu.
Home for Retired Horses
E11
Home for Retired HorsesIn this episode, we meet a woman in Hokkaido Prefecture who takes care of retired racehorses.
Remembering Tsukiji Fish Market
E12
Remembering Tsukiji Fish MarketIn this episode, we take a last look at Tsukiji Fish Market, the world's largest seafood market which was moved to a new location in 2018.
Nara Sword Master
E13
Nara Sword MasterIn this episode, we visit Nara Prefecture and meet one of the great masters of Japanese sword-making.
Hiroshima Oyster Farmer
E14
Hiroshima Oyster FarmerIn this episode, we meet an oyster farmer in Etajima Island located off the coast of Hiroshima Prefecture.
Okinawa Shiimii Festival
E15
Okinawa Shiimii FestivalIn this episode, we meet a family in Okinawa Prefecture as they celebrate a festival dedicated to their ancestors.
Two Seasons at Lake Furen
E16
Two Seasons at Lake FurenIn this episode, we travel to Lake Furen in the east part of Hokkaido Prefecture, located in the northern part of Japan.
Mt. Fuji Mural Painter
E17
Mt. Fuji Mural PainterIn this episode, we fly above Tokyo, Japan's capital. We meet a mural painter who specializes in painting the walls of sento or Japanese public baths.
Noto Salt Maker
E18
Noto Salt MakerIn this episode, we meet a traditional salt maker in Noto Peninsula.
Shodoshima Olive Grower
E19
Shodoshima Olive GrowerIn this episode, we meet an olive grower in Shodoshima, a small island in the Seto Inland Sea.
Christianity in Nagasaki
E20
Christianity in NagasakiIn this episode, we travel to the city of Nagasaki Prefecture and Goto Islands to visit various monuments that tell the history of Christianity in Japan.
Ainu Culture in Asahikawa
E21
Ainu Culture in AsahikawaIn this episode, we meet 3 women who are trying to preserve and pass on the traditional music of Ainu, the indigenous people of northeastern Japan.
Dewa Sanzan Cuisine
E22
Dewa Sanzan Cuisine
Plant Hunter
E23
Plant HunterIn this episode, we meet a "plant hunter" in Osaka Prefecture who uses creative ways to connect people with nature.
Shikoku Pilgrimage
E24
Shikoku PilgrimageIn this episode, we follow an elderly couple as they walk along the pilgrimage trail in Shikoku Island.
Free Diver in Yonagunijima
E25
Free Diver in YonagunijimaIn this episode, we visit Yonagunijima, Japan's most western point. Here we meet a free diver who takes us on an underwater adventure.
Kushiro's Red-crowned Cranes
E26
Kushiro's Red-crowned CranesIn this episode, we visit Kushiro in the eastern part of Hokkaido Prefecture and meet a woman who is dedicated to the conservation of red-crowned cranes.
Shonai Rice Farmer
E27
Shonai Rice FarmerIn this episode, we visit a rice farmer in Shonai Plains in the northeastern part of Japan.
A Maiko in Kyoto
E28
A Maiko in KyotoIn this episode, we visit Kyoto Prefecture, the old capital of Japan, and enter the world of geiko. Geiko, meaning "a girl of the arts," is how geisha are referred to in Kyoto. We meet a young apprentice, or maiko, who is learning the tricks of the trade.
Bizen Ware Potter
E29
Bizen Ware PotterIn this episode, we meet an artist in Okayama Prefecture who uses local clay to create a new kind of pottery that builds on the traditions of Bizen ware.
Stories of Volcanoes
E30
Stories of VolcanoesIn this episode, we visit Sakurajima, one of the volcanic islands in Kyushu. Here, we meet a children's book illustrator who wrote a story that depicts the relationship between the volcanoes and the local people.
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