Seasoning the Seasons

Hakodate, a port city located in southern Hokkaido, is known for having one of the best night views in Japan. As the surrounding seas darken, the lights of the city warm the hearts of dwellers. Beneath each light lies the lives of citizens. As the winter cold chills Hakodate, the city shines even brighter.

Eating together and making conversation, snack time connects people. For those living away from home, hometown tastes bring back nostalgia in just one bite. Anybody of any age is happy when sharing snacks together. In this episode, it's snack time all over Japan.

Naha, in Okinawa, is a hilly city. At the top of one prominent hill is Shuri Castle, which hosted the royal court of the Ryukyu Islands for 450 years. Naha, the center of Ryukyu culture, grew around the royal court. The steep paths linking the castle on the hill to the city below have always been part of community life.