Hometown Stories
5.5
2011
Documentary
Stories about people, stories about life. Intimate portraits of people from around Japan, each leading diverse lives while enriching lives of others.
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- Cast:
- lae astra
Episode 30 : A Fresh Start on a Small Island
December. 18,2022
Watakano Island in central Japan was once an entertainment hub, but its economy has declined in recent years. The local government sends 31-year-old Toge Hiroyuki there to revive the community. After a setback in the big city, Hiroyuki plans to make a fresh start on this small island. Islander Hayashi Kazuhiro anxiously watches over him in his role as adviser. Summer sees the return of the island's traditional festival after a three-year hiatus. We follow this young man and the islanders as they try to get their lives back on track.
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Episode 29 : Lighting the Way for Tradition
December. 04,2022
In summer 2022, the renowned Kanto Festival in Akita Prefecture was back after a three-year hiatus due to the Covid-19 pandemic. The traditional lantern festival is a key part of life for Kishi Toshiki, who leads a local kanto association and has taken part in the festival since he was 2 years old. Guided by the example of his late mentor, he is devoted to ensuring that children are part of this ancient event. This is a story of people struggling to carry on a tradition in the face of formidable obstacles.
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Episode 28 : Ainu: Engaging the Power of Dialogue
November. 19,2022
Ukaji Shizue once worked to improve the lives of Japan's indigenous Ainu people. An Ainu herself, she had moved to Tokyo to escape discrimination and eventually became involved in uniting the Ainu people. After some setbacks, she returned to her home, Hokkaido Prefecture, to talk to her fellow Ainu about the difficulties they face and to seek answers through dialogue. Now, at 89 years old, she is starting a new journey.
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Episode 27 : Okinawan Dance Flowers Far From Home
November. 13,2022
The year 2022 marks the 50th anniversary of Okinawa Prefecture's return to Japan from US control. Osaka Prefecture, western Japan, is home to many residents with roots in this southwestern prefecture. They support each other in their new home while taking great pride in their Okinawan culture. We follow a group that performs the traditional Okinawan dance called "Eisa" as they prepare for their first show in 3 years amid the COVID pandemic. The untold story of people who began to emigrate to Japan's mainland more than 100 years ago is now coming to light.
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Episode 26 : Building a Thatched-Roof, Building New Bonds
November. 06,2022
In a mountainous area in Wakayama Prefecture, a group of young people wanted to renovate a thatched-roof house to help attract visitors. With no experience or money, they relied on a local custom called yui that promotes mutual assistance. They recruited friends, local residents and professionals. One young team member even moved to the area to help make the project a reality. This is the story of how yui helped them overcome numerous challenges and create a lasting asset for the community.
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Episode 25 : Building Bonds With Books
October. 23,2022
In a hot springs resort town in Ishikawa Prefecture, a unique library debuted during the Covid pandemic. At Mikan, the books are owned by members of the community who display them on shelves that they rent. Each shelf reflects the tastes of the books' owners, including rare volumes, books filled with memories, even original works of art. All the books can be borrowed. We look at this remarkable library and the way it is helping to forge new connections between people.
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Episode 23 : Discovering Myself Through Dementia
October. 02,2022
After Shimosaka Atsushi was diagnosed with dementia at the age of 46, he felt that his life was over. But as he started to communicate with elderly people with the same disease and rekindling his passion for photography, his perspective began to change. Follow his journey as he shares glimpses of his life and feelings through social media, and discovers that one's most important memories will always remain.
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Episode 22 : The Future of an Ancient Ritual
September. 18,2022
The Nakanomata Kagura, an ancient ritual from a community deep in Japan's mountains, has been in danger of dying out due to population decline. But recently young people from outside the community are revitalizing it. They'd experienced kagura as students visiting the area, and are now members of a group that aims to be a force for preserving the tradition. This documentary follows these young people over a five-month period as they open up new possibilities for the transmission of culture.
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Episode 21 : The Drumbeat of a Mother's Heart
September. 11,2022
In western Japan, a group of women were practicing "wadaiko" Japanese drums for their first performance in three-and-a-half years since the COVID outbreak. They are all mothers who have children with hard-to-cure illnesses. They include one who is trying to inspire her son through the sound of drums, and another dedicating her performance to her late daughter. Another is trying to take a step forward after her daughter suddenly came down with an illness. We look into the thoughts behind their smiles as they devote themselves to drumming.
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Episode 20 : Saving Lives on an Isolated Island
September. 04,2022
After 2 decades on the mainland, a young doctor returns to his birthplace, a remote island in far northern Japan. He's left a surgical career on the forefront of medicine to take over a local hospital which his father has managed for 36 years. In that role, he gets to know the most intimate details of his patients' lives. We follow this dedicated physician on his daily rounds as he helps his patients receive the best care possible and live life to the fullest.
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Episode 19 : Building On a Sacred Tradition
August. 21,2022
Zenkoji Temple in Nagano Prefecture is a special place for local people. This spring, it held a major celebration, welcoming back the Gokaicho Festival which had been postponed due to COVID-19. Master builder Murai Kazuo has supported this traditional event for nearly 40 years. Due to failing health, he has decided to step down. His successor, Hanaoka Hirotaka, has limited experience. Will he be able to tackle his heavy responsibility and fulfill his key role in this historic festival?
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Episode 16 : The Future of Fukuoka's Food Stalls
July. 17,2022
With their great food and casual atmosphere, food stalls - or Yatai - are symbols of Fukuoka City. At the age of 20, Takada Yoshimasa endured an incredibly competitive selection process to become the city's youngest Yatai owner. His cheerful character made the business a huge success. But during the COVID-19 pandemic, the number of customers declined sharply. How will he overcome this crisis and forge ahead? We look at his passion for Yatai and his desire to preserve the legacy.
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Episode 14 : Finding Freedom in the Pool
June. 19,2022
Thirty years ago, a child was denied admission to a swimming school because of his disability. But 1 courageous coach reached out to help. What started with these 2 people has now grown into a school with more than 300 students, and produced a Paralympic medalist. Through it all, the coach has been there for children who had nowhere else to go, and for their anguished parents. We trace a journey of passionate dedication.
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Episode 12 : Rebuilding Lives After the Kumamoto Earthquake
May. 22,2022
Minamiaso once welcomed 6 million visitors a year. Then the tourism industry suffered catastrophic damage in the 2016 Kumamoto Earthquake. At 1 inn, a pair of guests were killed, another took 5 years to rebuild, while another reopened just as the COVID-19 pandemic struck and faced a string of cancellations. Will the innkeepers of Minamiaso ever recover, financially or emotionally? Several years after the earthquake, we look at the people working to rebuild their businesses – and their lives.
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Episode 10 : Many Vines, One Family
May. 08,2022
"I am the vine, and you are the branches." That cherished biblical quote guides a group of young people who, for reasons ranging from abuse to financial hardship, were separated from their birth parents and brought to live under the same roof in foster care. Even in adulthood, their strong connection continues. This is the story of foster children who are earnestly trying to branch out into the broader society.
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Episode 8 : Swordfish Fishing With My Father
April. 10,2022
With a single thrust, harpoon fishers can catch a swordfish weighing more than 100kg. 21-year-old Konno Misaki is a fisher like his father before him. When Misaki's hometown was hit by the tsunami following the 2011 earthquake, his family lost their home and boat. Yet, his father overcame these hardships. Now, warmer water temperatures have reduced the number of fish and his father's health is deteriorating. The program depicts a young man's struggle to make it on his own.
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Episode 5 : Longing for the Power of Touch
February. 20,2022
The COVID-19 pandemic has forced many eldercare facilities to restrict visits between residents and their families. The loss of direct contact with loved ones has caused many residents to become emotionally unstable. One family struggles to find the right words to cheer their mother up, while another wants to make the most of their last time with their mother who's in the final stages of life. This program follows families who are trying to maintain hope in spite of everything.
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Episode 1 : A Toast to the God of Sake
January. 09,2022
Sake from Fukushima Prefecture has swept up gold medals in a nationwide contest for new brews. A researcher who's played a key role in improving the local sake is Suzuki Kenji, known as the "god of sake." He's introduced scientific data to local master brewers, who once relied on experience and intuition. Now, he's developing a new style in response to the COVID-19 pandemic. We follow Suzuki as he makes the rounds of local breweries during the frigid Fukushima winter.
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