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All Seasons

Season 1

  • S01E01 On the Front Lines of Robotics

    • July 27, 2018
    • NHK

    The development of AI and the IoT are on the verge of triggering a dramatic change in on-site manufacturing in Japan. Attention from around the world has been particularly focused on Japanese robotics (robot technology) for which there are high expectations. Since ancient times, Japan has had the tradition of making “karakuri” mechanical dolls, and in recent years has honed precision technology for making bipedal robots and robot dogs sold as household toys. As for industrial robots, Japanese companies hold many of the top positions in the world. To not only boost productivity, but to also deal with the issues of the declining population, declining birthrate, aging population, and labor shortages, there is a need for technological advances to be made in robotics. This program will focus on the passion of developers, and their mission for the future, through Japan’s advanced technologies in motorcycle-riding robots, construction robots, automated warehouses, entertainment robots, etc.

  • S01E02 Extraordinary Perspectives

    • October 12, 2018
    • NHK

    Japan is said to be a “developed country that faces new problems.” The country has faced a variety of problems from lack of space as a small island nation, to lack of resources, and overcrowded cities, yet every time, Japan has succeeded in turning problems into opportunities to create new cultures and businesses. This program focuses on such episodes and what went on on-site.

  • S01E03 Food, Technology, Ecology, Regional Initiatives

    • February 28, 2019
    • NHK

    J-FOOD The KIKKOMAN LIVE KITCHEN TOKYO in Ginza, the heart of Tokyo, opened in November of 2018. A unique restaurant based on the concept “Fusion of Food Culture,” it is a place where chefs of various cuisines including Japanese, Western and Chinese, collaborate to create new dishes. J-FACTORY Acrylic sheet manufacturer Shinshi plays a significant role in the competitive market of aquariums in Japan. This segment features the technological prowess involved in overcoming challenges in the production and installation of large-scale aquarium tanks. J-ECO Motorcycle manufacturer Yamaha Motor has developed a water purification system to provide clean water to their employees based in countries around Asia. This segment introduces the system that is on its way to being used around the world. J-TRIP “Host Towns” are cities and municipalities all over Japan that will be welcoming national teams from overseas and offering them pre-competition training camps for the Tokyo 2020 Olympics and Paralympics. This segment showcases the charms and highlights of Shizuoka City, the host town of Taiwan’s track and field team.

  • S01E04 Episode 4

    • April 25, 2019
    • NHK