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Discovering Japan

目撃!にっぽん [NHK]

SERIES Refining Traditional Wall-Building Skills

DC241959Documentary

それでも石を積みつづける [NHK]

|Length : 34 |Year : 2019

Stone walls are part of the fabric of traditional Japanese scenery, especially in mountainous Shikoku in western Japan. Walls delineate fields, protect homes and support a rural way of life. But today, the expertise needed to maintain and repair them is in danger of dying out.
In college, Reo Kaneko, now 30, was charmed by the walls’ functionality and simple elegance. He took on the challenge of learning traditional wall-building techniques and passing them on to the next generation. Quitting his job and moving to Tokushima, he set about making his living solely by repairing broken walls and teaching others how to do it.
However, the realities of marriage and a child are causing financial strain. He remains committed to living and working in rural Shikoku, while his wife works for a construction company in Tokyo. Can he find a way to build both walls and a family life?

SERIES Rice Ball Revolution ~ Farmers Pursing New Roads~

DC241858Documentary

おにぎりで革命を!~減反廃止・コメ農家はいま~ [NHK]

|Length : 34 |Year : 2018

Beginning in 1971, a Rice Acreage-Reduction Policy has been in effect in Japan for nearly 50 years. With the abolishment of this policy, farmers will be able to grow rice freely, but will lose subsidized funding that was provided by the government. As a result, many farmers are deeply concerned, not knowing where this development will lead. But among them, one farmer from Akita Prefecture is gathering attention: Takayuki Suzuki. Though not from a farming background, Suzuki has opened a chain of specialty shops selling rice balls made from rice he grew himself. Now, Suzuki is considered a prodigy in the rice industry y. A veteran farmer, Kenjiro Sato, assists him in his endeavor, placing his trust in Suzuki in order to protect the future of rice farming. As the times change, we explore the thoughts and struggles of these farmers as they work together to pioneer a way to live on rice.

SERIES High School Working Poor ~Beginning a New Journey~

DC241857Documentary

高校生ワーキングプア 旅立ちの春 [NHK]

|Length : 34 |Year : 2018

Despite Japan’s image as a wealthy economic power, there are Japanese children who live in relative poverty. In particular, “High School Working Poor” who must work to support their families are on the rise. One high school girl works day in and day out for her family’s sake, giving up on going to college despite her high grades. Wishing to help her single mother raise her younger siblings, she’s instead decided to pursue vocational school to work as a flight attendant. Meanwhile, two brothers have worked part-time jobs to support each other after the death of their single father. The older brother works during the day and attends evening school in order to protect his younger brother. To return the favor, the younger brother works part-time after school. In spring, with gratitude towards each other in their hearts, the two brothers finally graduate high school and get real jobs, taking their next step together into society. We follow the journeys of these high school working poor as they strive to move forward in life.

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