FRONTRUNNERS (2023)
FRONTRUNNERS highlights professionals at the very forefront of their field. We showcase their amazing work, discover their motivations, and learn about the challenges they face in the future.
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Episode 1 - Master Salt Maker - Sato Kyojiro
Release Date: 2024-01-31Meet salt maker Sato Kyojiro, whose unique, naturally produced, labor-intensive creations have earned fans among Japan's leading chefs.
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Episode 2 - Medical Interpreting Pioneer - Minamitani Kaori
Release Date: 2024-02-28Follow Dr. Minamitani Kaori, head of a pioneering medical center in Osaka Prefecture that is leading the way in providing care to patients from overseas with limited Japanese skills.
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Episode 3 - Poet & NPO Founder - Ueda Kanayo
Release Date: 2024-03-20Meet Ueda Kanayo, an Osaka-based poet, activist and NPO founder helping disadvantaged former manual laborers to build community and discover themselves through the creative arts.
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Episode 4 - Snow Country Chef - Kuwakino Keiko
Release Date: 2024-04-24Globally-renowned chef Kuwakino Keiko uses a new take on traditional methods to showcase the culture, climate and produce of Minami-Uonuma, one of the snowiest places in Japan.
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Episode 5 - Supporting Street Children - Watanabe Hiroki
Release Date: 2024-05-01Watanabe Hiroki is co-founder of an NGO in Bangladesh. It gives long-term support to underprivileged children on the street, proving that they can make a positive contribution to society.
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Episode 6 - Orthopedic Shoe Meister - Nakai Yosuke
Release Date: 2024-05-29Meet Nakai Yosuke, a qualified prosthetist and German-certified orthopedic shoe "meister" leveraging his skills to help Japanese seniors maintain their mobility and independence well into old age.
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Episode 7 - Cricket Food Producer - Ashikari Seiya
Release Date: 2024-06-19Ashikari Seiya explores the potential of crickets as a nutritious solution to the global food crisis. He works with farmers in Cambodia to establish green, sustainable production methods.
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Episode 8 - Ainu Cultural Advocate - Monbetsu Atsushi
Release Date: 2024-06-26Monbetsu Atsushi is a cultural and wildlife advocate working to preserve Hokkaido Prefecture's traditional Ainu culture through ancient practices including bowhunting and forest management.
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Episode 9 - Accessibility NPO Founder - Oda Yuriko
Release Date: 2024-08-14Oda Yuriko suffers from a progressive disease, but by running a patient association, developing an app and other activities, she's working toward a society in which anybody can enjoy life.
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Episode 10 - Coconut Entrepreneur Tackling Poverty - Mizui Yu
Release Date: 2024-08-21Mizui Yu is tackling poverty in the Philippines using coconuts—he develops food and cosmetics for sale in Japan. His business is improving lives. What products will he develop next?
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Episode 11 - Nebuta Artist - Kitamura Asako
Release Date: 2024-09-25Kitamura Asako is the first female floatmaker in the 300-year history of Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri, battling prejudice as she upholds this very male tradition while also imbuing a fresh new sensibility.