88 Hours Meltdown

The Fisherman and the Forest

The 2011 tsunami devastated many marine creatures. The efforts to revive oyster farming by the man who says "forests are lovers of the sea" involve the close harmony of the sea and the mountains.

Upcoming Airdates

Train Cruise: The Southern Rays and Breezes of Miyazaki

Miyazaki, located in southeastern Kyushu, is a sun-drenched prefecture facing the Pacific Ocean. In this episode, we travel 170 kilometers from north to south along its coastline, hopping on different trains named "Sunshine" or "Nichirin", which means the "sun" in Japanese. On our way, we have a spectacular view of the "Devil's Washboard", the huge wave-like rock formations on the seashore, savor sweet, delicious mangoes, and come across designer handbags and lampshades made of Japanese cedar. We enjoy the blessings from the sun and the sea in Miyazaki.

  • 2019-05-24T05:00:00-07:00

Reviving Kumamoto Castle

In 2016, a series of destructive earthquakes struck Kumamoto in southwestern Japan. When seen from afar, badly damaged Kumamoto Castle is gradually recovering its stately appearance but many parts, such as the main tower, remain off-limits, making it hard to get a full picture of the castle’s actual condition. This program takes an in-depth look at a major, 20-year project to restore it to its former glory. The team includes veteran masons tasked with re-laying an estimated 100,000 stones in the castle walls.

  • 2019-05-31T05:00:00-07:00

The March 11 Disaster 7 Years On: Reviving The Fisheries

7 years ago, a huge earthquake hit the Tohoku region of northeastern Japan. The fishery industry sustained heavy damage from the quake and the tsunami that followed. Reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant led to the spread of radiation. People became nervous about the safety of seafood. We followed the 7-year-long journey of the locals striving to overcome various challenges, including a fisherman trying to regain consumers’ trust and business owners trying to expand overseas.

  • 2019-06-07T05:00:00-07:00

Nike's Backstory: Unknown Bonds with Japan

Shoe Dog, the memoir by Nike founder Phil Knight, has been an unexpected hit in Japan. It candidly talks about how more than 40 years ago, Knight's fledgling running shoe business was in danger of going under – until a Japanese company came to the rescue. Interviews with people involved at the time reveal a group of businessmen taking on continuous risk during Japan's era of high economic growth. The 49-minute program is about the hidden story behind a global company's beginnings and the spirit of the Japanese trading company employees who supported him.

  • 2019-06-14T05:00:00-07:00