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 13 : Forging Bonds Under a Starry Sky
May. 25,2024
What happens when people gather to gaze at the stars? Through a variety of programs, a Japanese organization enables a broad range of participants to learn more about the universe and themselves.
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Episode 12 : Pearls for Remembrance
May. 18,2024
Families come to Ago Bay, central Japan, to have loved ones' ashes encased in pearls. They insert them into oysters so they can grow in the sea. We explore what has made families reach this decision.
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Episode 11 : Navigating a World with Words
May. 04,2024
An improper diagnosis in early childhood led Shibasaki Akane to spend nearly half her life in a world without words. We follow her as she expands her horizons and moves toward an independent future.
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Episode 10 : New Approach to an Old Festival
April. 27,2024
In Nagasaki, a group of men practice for a traditional performance so tough that some have to drop out with injuries. Under their motto of "Smile," will they succeed and pass on the custom?
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Episode 9 : Hiking Guide Connects Hearts
April. 13,2024
A popular hiking guide in northern Japan brings smiles to the faces of all her clients. What events from her past brought her to where she is today? And what is her secret for spreading happiness?
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Episode 8 : Life Lessons by a Crystal-Clear River
March. 24,2024
A small high school canoeing club trains hard every day. While persevering and improving their skills, they learn valuable life lessons in the clear waters of the Shimanto River in Kochi Prefecture.
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Episode 7 : Taxi Drivers in a Tsunami-hit Town
March. 10,2024
Twelve years after a massive quake and tsunami in northeast Japan, we followed taxi drivers in Kesennuma, one of the affected towns, to experience people's memories and hopes through their eyes.
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Episode 6 : Nepalese Students Find a Taste of Home
February. 25,2024
Nepalese students who are studying in Japan are finding community at a local store selling Nepalese goods. What challenges do they face as they pursue their dreams so far from home?
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Episode 5 : Conquering Peaks on One Leg
February. 18,2024
A one-legged climber, who uses forearm crutches, aims to conquer two rugged peaks in central Japan at the same time. We find out what spurs him to take up the challenge and what views await him.
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Episode 4 : Nagasaki's Long-Forgotten Choir
February. 04,2024
During World War II, a radio children's choir brought joy to its members and listeners alike. We uncovered the story of the teacher who led it, working to promote the cause of peace through music.
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Episode 3 : A Mosque in a Japanese Community
January. 28,2024
There is a mosque in western Japan where local Muslims gather to pray and seek help when they are troubled. For them, the mosque is like a second home that provides happiness and emotional support.
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Episode 2 : A School for Two
January. 14,2024
A shuttered elementary school reopened for just one family that moved back to their beloved hometown. We look at their joys and struggles, and local efforts to enliven a small fishing settlement.
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Episode 1 : Korean Family Meals for Rural Japan
January. 07,2024
There's a Korean restaurant in Northeastern Japan run by a woman from South Korea. She moved to the area over 30 years ago to marry a Japanese man. We follow her as she connects with local people.
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