Broadcasters' Eye

In a mountain town in Kochi Prefecture, a photographer has taken funeral portraits of the area's older adults for over 10 years. Bringing friendship, he strives to keep them smiling.

When his father passed away, Nakanishi Mitsuo hastily selected a photo from a family album to use as a "funeral portrait." However, he was unhappy it didn't properly reflect his father's true personality. Nakanishi, the owner of a photo studio in a mountain town in Kochi Prefecture, vowed to help others avoid a similar situation. Bringing humor and friendship to his area's older adults, Nakanishi captures their natural smiles and genuine expressions and has to date photographed over 700 people.

In 2019, doctor Maekaku Emi opened the Yodaka Clinic, which specializes in home health care. As the sole doctor there, she works with nurses and staff to care for 80 patients a month. Maekaku wishes for patients to continue enjoying the good things in life, regardless of their medical situation or advanced age. Through Maekaku's eyes, this program sheds light on the importance of home health care in aging communities and explores the possibilities and ideals of hospice care.

This documentary follows Akiyama Daiki, a young man in Nagasaki Prefecture with brittle bone disease. Over the three years we followed Daiki, we witnessed his treatment at the hospital, time with friends, his preparation for the high school entrance exam and his first steps toward his dream. No matter the difficulty, Daiki is able to overcome it with his positive attitude and the loving support of his family.

15-year-old Hirabayashi Taichi is a blind boy on Nagano Prefecture's sole blind soccer team who aspires to compete in the Paralympic Games. His journey in blind soccer began in first grade, and his skills swiftly flourished. In sixth grade, he encouraged his dormmate to join the sport, and their progress has instilled them with the resilience to overcome their impairments. This program encapsulates seven years of Taichi's soccer adventures, cherished family moments and enduring friendships.

With healthcare improvement in Japan, the number of children receiving daily medical care has increased and stands at 20,000 cases. Families of kids with medical complexities must be vigilant: even at night, an alarm may sound, warning their child is in danger. We look at a family that negotiates with the government for their child to attend regular elementary classes and another who relies on home visits. Ultimately, we ask, "What does it mean to live?"

Funahashi Kazuo was born with cerebral palsy, which left him with physical disabilities. He wasn't expected to live more than 20 years, but is still strong at 74. His wife, Mizue, helps him communicate with those around him. Fifty years ago a documentary was made about Kazuo's adventures with his friends with physical disabilities. Now, we follow the couple along with their two daughters and grandson, as they enjoy dining out, traveling, going to baseball games, and living life to the fullest.

The Tori-cho shopping arcade is located in Ina City, Nagano Prefecture. It's home to a variety of small specialty businesses, some of which have been in operation for over a hundred years. One of them is Yoshida Barbershop, whose 86-year-old owner, Yoshida Satomi, still wields her scissors with skill. Fifty years ago, the salon was bustling with locals and visitors alike. These days, it's a much quieter place. Customers come to spend time with the warm and friendly Yoshida as she happily tends to her work.