Seasoning the Seasons

The Sea of Okhotsk lines the coast of Hokkaido Prefecture, the northernmost main island of Japan. Once again, the season of drift ice has arrived. The ice has traveled 1,000 kilometers from the northern seas to get here. Local temperatures in winter drop to 20 degrees Celsius below zero. Phytoplankton thrive within the drift ice, attracting a variety of creatures in search of sources of life. In this episode, we take a look at stories of people living with drift ice on the coast of the Sea of Okhotsk.

In Japan, the word for sourness is suppai. Since ancient times, people in Japan have preserved foods through fermentation. Sour Japanese tastes include vinegar, pickled plums and yuzu, a citrus fruit. Sour Japanese foods are often tied to culture and tradition. In one example, we see how, in Okinawa Prefecture, the juice of the shikwasa, another citrus fruit, is used to wash traditional bashofu cloth.

The Aizu region is at the west of Fukushima Prefecture. Located in the southwest of this region is an area called Okuaizu. In some winters the snowfall has reached 4 meters in this remote area north of Tokyo. The warmth of people touches hearts, especially in winter. Seasoning the Seasons welcomes you to Okuaizu.

A famous pilgrimage in Shikoku requires a journey through 88 sacred sites. The route is linked to Kukai, a monk who traveled through the region in the first half of the 9th century. Pilgrims walking the route in spring are greeted by an incredible show of flowers. This is the story of Shikoku's spring pilgrimages.

Kyoto is known for its temples and shrines, but in this episode we feature the story of water that saturates everyday life in Japan's ancient capital. Water has had a deep relationship with Kyoto's traditions cultivated over its long history, as well as its development in modern times. We take a tour of Kyoto where water from a canal and from underground quenches the lives of locals.

The Izu Islands, off Japan's Pacific coast, are officially part of Tokyo. The islands are famous for producing a liquor called "shochu," a distilled drink made from ingredients such as barley or sweet potatoes. We travel to the Izu Islands, meeting local people and savoring the local spirits.

Since ancient times, those in power have tried to fill their lives with beautiful objects and delicious foods. Many masterpieces were created in response to these demands, with the utmost luxury, and without regard to profitability. This episode of Seasoning the Seasons welcomes you to a treasure trove of tributes loved by persons of power throughout Japanese history.

The region of Hida is in Northern Gifu Prefecture. Surrounded by high mountains, it is snowbound in winter. A local castle town still carries the feel of days gone by. In this episode, we introduce the stories of local people in Hida and their rich cold weather culture.