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FRONTRUNNERS

Season 2 · 16 episodes · Jan 31, 2024

  1. FRONTRUNNERS season 2 episode 1 still

    Episode 1

    Master Salt Maker - Sato Kyojiro

    Jan 31, 2024

    Meet 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

    Feb 28, 2024

    Follow 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

    Mar 20, 2024

    Meet 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

    Apr 24, 2024

    Globally-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

    May 1, 2024

    Watanabe 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

    May 29, 2024

    Meet 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

    Jun 19, 2024

    Ashikari 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

    Jun 26, 2024

    Monbetsu 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

    Aug 14, 2024

    Oda 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

    Aug 21, 2024

    Mizui 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

    Sep 25, 2024

    Kitamura 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.

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    Episode 12

    International Mountain Medic - Oshiro Kazue

    Oct 30, 2024

    Dr. Oshiro Kazue is a skilled mountain medic, dedicated to promoting awareness of alpine safety, and even spending her summers treating climbers from a cabin near the peak of the iconic Mt. Fuji.

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    Episode 13

    Drone Entrepreneur - Kawanoue Kazufumi

    Nov 20, 2024

    In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, heavy traffic hinders the delivery of blood for transfusions. Kawanoue Kazufumi hopes to overcome this challenge using drones, and build out a new aerial infrastructure.

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    Episode 14

    Medical Companion for Travel - Ito Reiya

    Nov 27, 2024

    Joy through travel: the mantra of Dr. Ito Reiya, who helps critical and chronic patients to plan trips. He accompanies them to the sea, familiar places or to see family, bringing them happiness.

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    Episode 15

    Horse-Powered Energy Innovator - Iwama Takashi

    Dec 4, 2024

    We follow a unique initiative led by expert horse-handler Iwama Takashi as he strives to harness the potential of horse-drawn carts to provide renewable electricity to off-grid communities in Senegal.

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    Episode 16

    Bonsai Master - Kobayashi Kunio

    Dec 25, 2024

    Kobayashi Kunio (76) is a celebrated bonsai artist working to secure the future of this traditional art form through outreach to children, and through efforts to protect the iconic shimpaku juniper.