2017

Narita Airport on Christmas Day. We spend three days closely observing the immigration checkpoint, where the passports and travel purposes of foreigners arriving in Japan are checked. Young people on vacation visiting their lovers, Nepalese people confused because they don't understand the language. Some are refused entry and have to turn back... As the airport reaches its peak in terms of passenger traffic, efforts to prevent illegal entry and terrorism intensify on Christmas Eve. From this massive human intersection where tens of thousands of people come and go, the current state of the world emerges.

Omiya in Saitama, where trains connecting the city and the north come and go. Behind the bustling downtown area lies a slightly unusual café. The interior is crammed with mysterious antiques, and all 300 menu items are served in large portions. Customers include friends enjoying the signature spaghetti napolitan, local Saitama residents who love their hometown, and even snack bar staff returning from work. For those from the Tohoku region, it's the gateway to the city, and for those working in the city center, it's a place to relax. This is the story of three days at this mysterious café.

In the tropical city of Miyazaki, there is a mysterious piano placed in a bustling corner of the city. Anyone can play this “street piano” freely at any time. An elderly man waiting for the bus plays a children's song with one finger, while a young man plays the theme song from a drama. Since it was placed there three years ago with the aim of bringing vitality to the city, this spot has quietly gained popularity. People gather to applaud the music played by a man who has been visiting daily since the piano was installed and practicing on his own. What are the feelings of the people reflected in the piano melodies echoing through the streets?

Beppu, the hot spring paradise. The stage is a 138-year-old traditional hot spring, known as the face of the city. The hot spring, which has only one old-fashioned, weathered bath, is visited by people enjoying a “bathside meeting” before work, those who came for hot spring therapy and ended up staying, and travelers passing through... In Beppu, where many people do not have baths at home, some visit multiple times a day. For three days, people from around the world gather in search of the ever-constant hot spring water.

The setting is a park in Yokosuka with a close-up view of huge warships. Passersby include local residents taking a stroll, families of US military personnel letting their children play, and enthusiasts who come to see the US Navy's Aegis destroyers and Japan Self-Defense Force escort vessels. During the three days in late January when the new President Trump was inaugurated across the sea, we listen to the voices of people moving through this place where “daily life” and “extraordinary events” intertwine.

Tokyo's Kita Ward. A three-day look at a cheap underwear store in a traditional shopping district that attracts 1,000 customers daily. Socks, underwear, and nightwear are priced at an unbeatable 60 yen or 80 yen. Among those who visit daily to enjoy the ever-changing selection are local housewives, a snack bar owner who says, “You really have to be careful about underwear,” and underground idols striving to save money. Women push large carts with excitement, enjoying conversations with staff. Over three days, the underwear they choose reflects the lives of women.

Chiyobo Inari (commonly known as Ochobo-san) is the god of commerce in Gifu Prefecture. There is a kushikatsu restaurant that shines like gold on the crowded approach to the shrine. The shop is decorated in gold from the walls to the tables for good luck, and on some days, it sells 40,000 skewers of katsu at 90 yen each. On the once-a-month all-night operation day, various people visit, from cabaret club staff wishing for business prosperity to clam fishermen praying for a bountiful catch, and single mothers hoping for remarriage. What are the wishes of the people who visit “Ochobo-san” and enjoy the katsu?

Since the Kumamoto earthquake in April last year, the zoo has been closed. During the suspension of animal exhibitions, a walking path where you can see giraffes and elephants basking in the sun from outside the zoo has become a popular spot. Residents jogging by to peek through the fence, people visiting regularly to watch the growth of a giraffe born after the disaster, and those sending photos of the animals to family members living far away... Over three days, people sought to regain a sense of normalcy while observing the giraffes and elephants leisurely going about their day.

Hong Kong, a city of the near future. Located on the city's main street is the somewhat suspicious giant building known as Chungking Mansions. Maze-like passageways are lined with currency exchange offices and restaurants, while the upper floors are packed with cheap guesthouses. People from more than 100 countries, including black and Indian people, come and go, making it a veritable giant human intersection. In recent times, with news of anti-immigrant sentiment spreading around the world, this three-day program explores the possibility of coexistence through the diverse community of Chongqing Mansion.

The stage is a rare “seven-way intersection” in Ota Ward. Seven roads converge here, with bicycles, cars, and pedestrians constantly passing through. With so many roads, traffic lights cannot be installed, yet surprisingly, accidents are rare, perhaps because people naturally yield to one another. At each of the seven corners, various shops—from produce stores to snack bars—line the streets, bustling with people from dawn until late at night. This intersection, known as “Seven Crossroads,” emerged during land reform in the Taisho era. What kind of lives lie beyond these crossroads?

Three days at a long-established bag store in Ameyoko, Tokyo. Parents and children excitedly shopping for school bags, a man choosing a huge bag to hold his survival game gear, and a woman returning from the spring equinox holiday who says, “I'm looking for the last bag of my life as part of my end-of-life preparations...” Stories of people who pack their lives into bags and set out on new journeys during this season of change.

Three days at a funeral home near Shin-Yokohama Station. The services they handle are simple, intimate funerals for small groups. People following the will of the deceased who didn't want to burden their family with a large-scale ceremony, and those spending a quiet night with their family in a room within the building... Over the few days leading up to the funeral, the family repeatedly visits the deceased, gradually coming to terms with their feelings. They were present for the final moments with their loved one.

An hour's drive from Osaka Station, Mount Kongō is equipped with a ropeway and is perfect for casual hiking. Among its attractions, the live camera installed at the summit is particularly popular. The camera takes a photo every hour, capturing the images of hikers on the internet. Some people make it a daily routine to check the camera at a set time, while others visit to show their loved ones back home that they are doing well. Some even strike up friendships with strangers they happen to meet in front of the camera... Over the course of three days, people from all walks of life gather at the summit, each trying to capture a fleeting moment.

The Yoru no Mori area in Fukushima is famous for its cherry blossoms, with old trees lining a 2.4-kilometer stretch. Since the nuclear accident, few people visit, but in spring, former residents gather and the area bustles with activity for a short time. This year's cherry blossoms are a little special. In April, the evacuation order for part of the “cherry blossom tunnel” was lifted. Some people are returning to the village to restart their lives in sync with the cherry blossoms, but the remaining 80% of the tunnel remains in the “difficult-to-return zone,” where residency is still prohibited. For three days, people gather under the full bloom of the flowers, reminiscing about their hometown.

From colorful fabrics to stylish buttons and wigs for cosplay, this large craft store in Shinjuku offers a selection of 500,000 craft and fashion items. People buying Gobelin-woven mats for cherry blossom viewing, a woman spending hours searching for “simple white fabric,” a British man looking for materials for doll clothes... Over three days, people hold small buttons and fabrics in their hands, letting their imaginations run wild.

Over 1,000 people a year come to this Zen temple in Kyoto to try training. The secret to its popularity is how easy it is to join. You can book from a few thousand yen per night for as many nights as you like, and since it shows up high in internet searches, modern people looking for a quick reset keep coming back. Monastic life runs from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., beginning with meal etiquette, followed by zazen meditation, and work duties (cleaning), creating a continuous series of cultural shocks. What is the mindset of those who seek to reflect on themselves through this somewhat rigorous training?

On one floor of a building in Shinjuku, awkward conversations between men and women can be heard from booths partitioned off like a net cafe... These “private room-style marriage counseling rooms” have been popular for about 10 years. Parties tailored to specific needs, such as “for plus-size women,” “for women who want to become mothers within three years,” and “for otaku,” are held one after another. The program delves into the true feelings of the men and women who visit, such as “I want to do marriage counseling without others overhearing my conversations” and “I want to have both a fulfilling career and personal life.”

In a residential area of Shibuya, Tokyo, mysterious sounds can be heard from a pure white dome. This is Japan's largest mosque, “Tokyo Camii.” Those who visit include Bangladeshi sushi chefs, Turkish kebab shop owners, and Japanese women drawn to the unique culture of Islam. Among them, Friday is a sacred day. Over 500 people gather from across the Kanto region, and after prayers, they enjoy free meals while engaging in lively conversations. In the corner of the city, people from dozens of countries come together in this mysterious mosque for three days.

Along the Sea of Japan coast in Yamagata Prefecture, there is an aquarium known for having one of the world's largest collections of jellyfish. Among them, the most popular attraction is a 5-meter-diameter tank containing 5,000 moon jellyfish. While watching the jellyfish float like stars in space, a high school student dreams of a future building rockets. Another person stares at baby jellyfish for 30 minutes straight. At night, some people participate in the “Overnight Aquarium” program, spending the night inside the aquarium. What kind of feelings do people have for jellyfish, which float aimlessly without brains or hearts?

In Tosu, Kyushu, where large trucks come and go, there is a place where drivers gather in a city lined with large warehouses. A “truck station” with parking for large vehicles, dining facilities, and baths. The voices heard there are unexpected. “Though it's often seen as a ‘black industry,’ after driving for four hours, a 30-minute break is mandatory.” “In the past, we used to drive non-stop, but now the company doesn't allow it, so our take-home pay keeps decreasing.” Over three days at this key logistics hub, we reflect on working conditions and the fulfillment of the job.

On the rooftop of a department store in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, there is a Ferris wheel that every citizen knows. It takes 15 minutes to complete one full rotation, and once you reach the top, you can see the entire city. Visitors include high school students during exam periods, young people who have decided to work outside the prefecture, and an elderly woman living alone who always stops by while shopping. Why are people drawn to this mysterious closed space where they simply go up and come down? A 15-minute drama unfolds as each person spends their time as they please.

Kitakyushu City has prospered as a steel town. The bar is located on a slightly retro and slightly shady street off the entertainment district. At the center of the bar is a machine that automatically pours alcohol. Amazingly, it's only 100 yen per drink. Attracted by the cheap, well-chilled drinks, the 24-hour establishment is bustling with unique patrons. A frugal couple discussing their future. A man who has escaped the underworld, savoring ordinary happiness—. From the tables piled with coins, the blues of each individual echoes.

Tama New Town, located in the suburbs of Tokyo, is home to over 200,000 people. The setting for this episode is a giant secondhand shop with a sales floor area of 1,500 tsubo (approximately 5,000 square meters) towering over the center of the town. Most of the 600,000 items filling the floor are things that have been brought in because they are no longer needed. From brand-new trendy items to a father's heirlooms, music equipment filled with memories of youth, and a “takoyaki maker” once enjoyed with children—each item holds a story. What do people think when they let go of these items?

The elderly care facility is located on a hill overlooking the sea in Kanagawa Prefecture. With an average age of 84, over 450 residents live quiet lives here. Some have spent over 30 years here. A 90-year-old former engineer says, “I never expected to live this long.” A 90-year-old couple who met after losing their spouses. An 80-year-old woman who dedicated her life to work now spends her days alone on the sofa, watching people come and go. In the era of a 100-year lifespan, the question arises: “What is happiness?”

Along a national highway running through the Chinese mountains. Late at night, there is a mysterious family restaurant that glows with seven colors. The exterior is said to be modeled after a “bandit's fortress,” with bold cuisine and flashy decorations. They use every trick in the book to entertain their customers. During the day, the restaurant is bustling with families, but at night, it transforms completely. Young people are drawn to the lights and gather one after another. Locally, it is said that once you get your driver's license, this is the first restaurant you should visit. What is the reason people go out of their way to cross the mountains to visit?

Summer Koshien. In Fukuoka, where strong teams abound, the prefectural East Chiku High School secured the representative spot for the first time in 21 years. Expecting a lively atmosphere, I headed to the town where the school is located for the first game. A barbershop that has been cutting the hair of baseball players for over 30 years. A couple who purchased an apartment with a view of the field to watch practice. A former baseball team member who works at a local bank, wiping sweat from his brow as he visits clients. What does the players' battle bring to the town? On the day of the decisive match, another drama unfolds.

It's the height of summer in Akita. From supermarket parking lots and national highways to tourist spots and even rocky areas where no one goes, colorful parasol stalls suddenly appear all over the prefecture. What they sell is ice cream served by women called “baba” using spatulas, commonly known as “baba-hera.” With over 50 years of history, Baba Hera is a summer tradition in Akita. What do people returning home for Obon think of this nostalgic taste of their hometown? A three-day documentary following the elusive Baba.

Tokyo's Yurakucho district, bustling with businessmen. Here, there is a now-rare “street shoe polishing” shop. Under the skilled hands of the craftsmen, even the most worn-out shoes can be polished to a shine in just 10 minutes. The reasons why men obsess over the shine of their shoes vary. There are salesmen who want to make a good impression on clients by dressing stylishly, men who bring in shoes given to them as gifts by their wives, and those who believe that shoes are a “mirror reflecting a man's pride.” A three-day exploration of the lives of men today, viewed from the soles of their shoes.

Fussa, Tokyo, home to the U.S. military's Yokota Air Base. In this area where American culture has taken root through music and fashion, there is a rock festival that has been going on for over 30 years. What sets it apart from other festivals is that the musicians performing on stage are a bit older. Most are in their 40s to 60s and work locally. What do the young people who once shouted “Love & Peace” shout now? What do their songs bring to the audience? A three-day documentary on a handmade rock festival at the end of summer.

Riding a motorcycle might be hot in summer and cold in winter, but many riders would never consider any other mode of transport. Some even cut back on buying a daily coffee to save money for their bike. There is a large parts store in Tokyo where riders come to seek new accessories or simply to show off their prized vehicle. Among the steady stream of riders drawn to this store are a 75-year-old man who started a part-time job to buy a new bike, a hydroelectric power plant engineer whose career was inspired by a bike, and a man who liked bikes so much he became a courier on 2 wheels. For 3 days, we spoke to these people about why they can't get enough of their motorcycles.

Could you get by if your smartphone stopped working? Our stage this time is a smartphone repair shop in Shibuya, Tokyo. The customers range from a young man wanting to restore precious photos of a summer spent with friends, to a female student worried about being unable to contact anyone. Their phones are filled with personal connections and the memories of daily life. What do they choose to save? What connections are most valuable to them? We spend 3 days filming this repair shop to catch a glimpse of what people keep on their phones.

Kyoto welcomes the autumn holiday. The setting is a library in a tourist area where talking is strictly prohibited. People head to their booths, maintaining absolute silence. Their reasons vary. Some are striving to survive in a rapidly changing industry. Others dream of finding new employment. Even elementary school students have clear future goals... Regulars who have been coming for over a decade say there's an odd sense of camaraderie among strangers. They want to be alone, but they don't want to be lonely. From the quietest place in program history, we glimpse the “distance modern people keep from loneliness.”

The Canary Islands are located 10,000 kilometers away from Japan. In September, Japanese-registered tuna fishing boats dock at the island's port. They repair their boats and refuel in preparation for fishing in the North Atlantic. The fishermen eagerly await their first vacation on land in months. The island offers a variety of restaurants open late into the night. For fishermen who lead a harsh life at sea, this is a precious time to relax and recover from their travels. The program follows the fishermen from their arrival in Japan and around the world until they set sail again three days later.

An English conversation school in Osaka's Umeda district that prides itself on one-on-one instruction. From the rows of booths, you can hear the slightly awkward English of people with various goals. A salaryman who was suddenly ordered to transfer overseas and started attending in a hurry. Others who believe that mastering English will lead to changes in themselves and their lives. Globalization, reforms in English education, the Tokyo Olympics... As the distance between people and English continues to shrink, we follow three days in the lives of those seeking their own unique paths.

3,000 yen per night. The setting is a low-cost accommodation facility called a “guest house.” Located in Kawasaki, this guest house can accommodate 200 people and is easily accessible to the city center. It is not only popular with travelers but also with working people. Construction workers moving between sites in the developing city center. Job seekers aiming for full-time employment using the guesthouse as a base. People who miss the last train after a drinking party and choose not to go home even though they have a place to stay. A space of about two tatami mats separated by curtains. This program delves into the guesthouse where diverse lives intersect.

Saitama City, a bedroom community with a population of 1.3 million. At a “massage parlor” in a residential area, customers with tired bodies rush in day and night. The causes of their muscle stiffness vary. An elderly woman overwhelmed by caring for her grandchild. A delivery driver constantly pressured by speed and efficiency. A regular customer who says that simply being touched by someone gives them the energy to move forward. What are the causes of both physical and mental stiffness? Over three days, we listened to the honest murmurs that slipped out from the comfort of the space.

In today's increasingly digital world, there is a place that consumes more than 10,000 sheets of paper a day. It is a 24-hour print shop in Ikebukuro. Offering complex printing services like posters and bookbinding that are difficult for individuals to handle, the shop attracts a steady stream of customers day and night. Businesspeople rush in to print important presentation materials, while regular customers come to add to their end-of-life notes as a hobby. What is it they want to convey or leave behind? The thoughts and feelings embedded in each printed item.

The setting is Chichijima Island in the Ogasawara Islands, a 24-hour boat ride from Tokyo. The approximately 2,000 islanders look forward to the weekly delivery service. Thanks to the rapid expansion of online shopping, even this island, 1,000 kilometers from the mainland, receives all kinds of goods. Recently, the number of people moving to Chichijima from the city has been increasing. Who receives what items? For approximately three days until the deliveries are completed, we follow the delivery truck closely. We look into the lives of the people behind the small packages.

When the herring season starts and winter's icy grip tightens on northern Japan, the locals in the fishing town of Nemuro turn to a convenience store offering warming, satisfying meals with a difference. The 24-hour store close to the port is busy day and night as customers are seduced by its freshly baked bread and extensive range of handmade bento meals. It even sells 150 servings of its signature grilled meat "yakitori" bento each day. Nemuro boasts Japan's largest catches of saury, but the 2017 season was hit by a record-breaking poor haul. What are customers thinking about as they reach for a piping-hot bento at this convenience store? For 3 days, we listened to their personal stories at a store that warms the hearts of many people in Nemuro.