Hometown Stories

Summer 2024 marked the 10th anniversary of the eruption of Mt. Ontake, Japan's worst volcanic disaster since the end of WWII. We follow bereaved family members who joined this year's memorial climb.

Fuga is a professional frame maker who offers clients the chance to display treasured items in custom-made frames. Meet some of the families that are preserving their precious memories.

In a remote Japanese village, people have long used bulls for farming and in a unique form of competition. But as the local population shrinks, the future of this beloved ritual seems uncertain.

Mito Kosei, 78, was exposed to radiation in the womb when an atomic bomb exploded over Hiroshima. For 20 years or so, he's been a volunteer guide, telling foreign visitors the truth about the bombing.

Oki Traditional Sumo has been practiced on an island in the Sea of Japan for over 200 years. In 2024, an all-night competition was held after a 12-year hiatus. We follow a summer of sumo excitement.

North of Tokyo, young trainees are working hard to become jockeys. For 2 years, they will live away from their families with no mobile phones allowed. We follow their first steps toward their dream.

Artist Fuse Tomoko discovered origami as a child. For over 60 years, she has created large-scale geometric works, earning global acclaim. We take a look into the art of creating worlds through paper.

After a lifetime's work, dairy farmer Yoshikawa Yuji was diagnosed with cancer and had to retire. As his son takes over the farm, what joys and struggles does he encounter?

A high school team from a city northeast of Tokyo took part in a nationwide calligraphy performance championship. They hope to send wishes for a revival to people affected by a massive earthquake.

An iconic story from bunraku puppet theatre features the legendary Princess Yaegaki. See how people living near the lake where the story is set work together to bring the tale back to its roots.

On New Year's Eve, families in northeast Japan are visited by monster-like figures called namahage. We follow a group of men trying to keep up their proud tradition as the local population dwindles.

A women's soccer team was created to energize an aging community. The team's top striker has built strong friendships with older neighbors. But now that player might have another goal in mind.

More than a decade after the Great East Japan Earthquake, two women who lost their daughters ask a painter to portray them as grownups. Will the portraits bring solace to the bereaved families?

With colorful pile fabric and comfortable knits, Wakayama prefecture is drawing global attention as a textile hub. We bring you striking images of its machines and the beat of its factories.

A local supermarket specializing in seafood closes after nearly 50 years. To keep its legacy alive, the founder teams up with a supermarket chain. Can it survive amidst fierce competition?

A former farming community east of Tokyo is soon to disappear due to an expansion project at Narita International Airport. Saito Koyata has been taking photos there to record local people's lives.