Hometown Stories Season 14, Episode 16: Lasting Memories of a Vanishing Town

1

Searching for Closure: 10 Years Since a Deadly Eruption

Summer 2024 marked the 10th anniversary of the eruption of Mt. Ontake, Japan's worst volcanic disaster since the end of WWII. We follow bereaved family members who joined this year's memorial climb.

25 min

2

Framing Family Memories

Fuga is a professional frame maker who offers clients the chance to display treasured items in custom-made frames. Meet some of the families that are preserving their precious memories.

25 min

3

Bull Battles – A Community's Beloved Tradition

In a remote Japanese village, people have long used bulls for farming and in a unique form of competition. But as the local population shrinks, the future of this beloved ritual seems uncertain.

27 min

4

Planting Seeds of Peace in Hiroshima

Mito Kosei, 78, was exposed to radiation in the womb when an atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima. For 20 years or so, he's been a volunteer guide, telling foreign visitors the truth about the bombing.

25 min

5

An Island Stays Awake for Sumo

Oki Traditional Sumo has been practiced on an island in the Sea of Japan for over 200 years. In 2024, an all-night competition was held after a 12-year hiatus. We follow a summer of sumo excitement.

25 min

6

Chasing the Dream of Being a Jockey

North of Tokyo, young trainees are working hard to become jockeys. For 2 years, they will live away from their families with no mobile phones allowed. We follow their first steps toward their dream.

25 min

7

Unfolding a Life with Origami

Artist Fuse Tomoko discovered origami as a child. For over 60 years, she has created large-scale geometric works, earning global acclaim. We take a look into the art of creating worlds through paper.

26 min

8

Life in a Land of Grass

After a lifetime's work, dairy farmer Yoshikawa Yuji was diagnosed with cancer and had to retire. As his son takes over the farm, what joys and struggles does he encounter?

25 min

9

Calligraphy Creating Hope for Revival

A high school team from a city northeast of Tokyo took part in a nationwide calligraphy performance championship. They hope to send wishes for a revival to people affected by a massive earthquake.

27 min

10

Puppet Tale: Foxes, a Princess and a Sacred Lake

An iconic story from bunraku puppet theatre features the legendary Princess Yaegaki. See how people living near the lake where the story is set work together to bring the tale back to its roots.

27 min

11

Becoming Gods for a Night

On New Year's Eve, families in northeast Japan are visited by monster-like figures called namahage. We follow a group of men trying to keep up their proud tradition as the local population dwindles.

27 min

12

An Ace Soccer Player Lights Up a Small Town

A women's soccer team was created to energize an aging community. The team's top striker has built strong friendships with older neighbors. But now that player might have another goal in mind.

25 min

13

Loved Ones Reunited on Canvas

More than a decade after the Great East Japan Earthquake, two women who lost their daughters ask a painter to portray them as grownups. Will the portraits bring solace to the bereaved families?

25 min

14

Factory Groove: Wakayama's Textile Industry

With colorful pile fabric and comfortable knits, Wakayama prefecture is drawing global attention as a textile hub. We bring you striking images of its machines and the beat of its factories.

20 min

15

Reinventing a Small Town Supermarket

A local supermarket specializing in seafood closes after nearly 50 years. To keep its legacy alive, the founder teams up with a supermarket chain. Can it survive amidst fierce competition?

25 min

16

Lasting Memories of a Vanishing Town

A former farming community east of Tokyo is soon to disappear due to an expansion project at Narita International Airport. Saito Koyata has been taking photos there to record local people's lives.

25 min

17

A Doc's Best Friend

When orthopedic surgeon Nakamura Kaoru developed an intractable disease, his life lost its meaning. But then a service dog named Juliette came along, filling his days with renewed determination.

25 min

18

Holding on to Peace: Atomic-bomb Survivor's Message

Kiriake Chieko helped cremate schoolmates after the atomic bombing in Hiroshima. At 95, as the oldest surviving witness, she continues to give her testimony, urging people to hold on dearly to peace.

25 min

19

The Future of an A-bombed Shrine

A shrine in Nagasaki City, and its legendary camphor tree, survived the atomic bomb. But its beloved annual festival is in danger of extinction. How can the local community keep its traditions alive?

25 min

20

Revitalizing Cherry Trees in Fukushima

Tree surgeon Kobayashi Masaru helps people in Fukushima prefecture revitalize cherry trees neglected after the 2011 earthquake and nuclear accident. We follow him and local volunteers over one year.

25 min

21

A Rookie Fisher & His Grandpa in the Sanriku Seas

A young fisher is learning the art of aquaculture from his grandfather. But rising temperatures and labor shortages pose challenges. The grandson is reviving traditions, but will it save the day?

25 min

22

Following in the Footsteps of a National Treasure

The grandson of a famous ceramicist once resented the idea of pursuing his grandfather's path. Now an artisan himself, he seeks the older man's advice while exploring new forms of expression.

25 min

23

A Beloved Local Paper in a Flood-hit Village

Miyahara Osamu publishes a small newspaper in Kuma Village, western Japan, hit by heavy rains in 2020. We follow him as he encourages disaster-hit villagers in their efforts to rebuild their lives.

25 min

24

Tuning a Piano to the Sound of the Heart

Shiomi Hirokazu is one of the few experts in Japan entrusted with tuning pianos for concert halls. Whether tuning for a top pianist or a small child, his aim is to capture the sound in their heart.

25 min

25

Playing Ping Pong with Parkinson's

Koyama Rie was diagnosed with Parkinson's disease several years ago. An avid table-tennis player, she now teaches the sport to fellow Parkinson's patients to improve their health and their outlook.

25 min

26

Chasing a Dream With a Horse

Nishino Masatoshi didn't know what he wanted to do with his life until he learned about horse logging. Now, he's chasing his dream in the forests of Hokkaido with the help of his trusty sidekick, Kap.

25 min

27

Survivors: Capturing Life After the Atomic Bomb

Tsuchida Hiromi has photographed the everyday lives of people who survived the atomic bombing of Hiroshima, decades apart. Now, 80 years after the bombing, what fresh realities will he capture?

25 min

28

Preserving the Site of a Plane Crash

In 1985, a passenger jet crashed into Osutaka Ridge, killing 520 people. Kurosawa Kanichi looks after the area, preserving memorials and guiding bereaved family members up the mountain.

25 min

29

Talking With the Eyes

A stroke left a former reporter unable to move - except for his eyes. His wife helps him communicate using eye movements. Together, they have created a humorous written chronicle of their lives.

25 min

30

A Place to Prepare for Dementia

A farm brings together people with something in common: fear of developing dementia. As they engage in planting and harvesting, staff members observe their actions and help them find a way forward.

25 min