Broadcasters' Eye

Imagawa Ryuji is a doctor in Mie Prefecture. His ability to hear is very limited, as he can only barely hear the sound of a roaring airplane engine in front of him. Inspired as a child by manga character Black Jack, Imagawa began aspiring to become a doctor. And now, he works as one, using lip-reading and other techniques to communicate with patients. This award-winning documentary follows Imagawa over the span of 2 years as he overcomes hurdle after hurdle, including the COVID-19 pandemic.

This award-winning program follows thatcher Matsuzawa Tomonori and his roof thatching crew over the span of a year. Matsuzawa's crew makes and repairs thatched roofs in the traditional way. Although that involves time-consuming, manual work, it is certainly worth it, as the roofs they make are extremely durable as well as beautiful. And at home, Matsuzawa is called "Daddy" by his 3 children.

This installment features Goto Daishu, a master crafter of the traditional Karakuri mechanical doll. Originally a carpenter, Goto also studied the art of Noh mask making before he entered the world of Karakuri dolls in his 50s. We followed Goto over the span of a year when he was 90 years old and witnessed him draw upon techniques from multiple disciplines to create his very last masterpiece.

About midway between Tokyo and Kyoto Prefecture, Nishio City's Kira Onsen, with scenic views of Mikawa Bay, has long been a popular hot spring resort town. But since the onset of the pandemic, overseas visitors and large tour groups vanished. Over the course of a year, we talk with the people of Kira Onsen as they struggle to rediscover the appeal of their hot spring town and attract new visitors in a bid for survival. This interview-style documentary offers a frank depiction of life in regional Japan.

Matsushima Island lies on the Genkai-nada Sea and is part of Saga Prefecture. The island's main industry is fishing; local Ama divers fish for sea urchin, abalone and turban shells. But as sea temperatures rise, seaweed beds are dying, and the coastal sea life population is decreasing. Residents are struggling to make a living off of fishing alone. Yet the island boasts a high percentage of young residents who love the island and hope to spend their lives there. These young islanders have taken up the challenge of building a new economic future for their home. This program follows one such islander, Sou Hideaki, for three years, as he pioneers new industries and initiatives on the island, such as the construction of a glamping site.