Episodes
PEAR
January 8, 2025
Japan's pears are a thing of juicy-sweet luxury thanks to strict quality control and unique ripening methods. See how they're cultivated and check out some amazing pear-focused recipes.
TURNIP
January 22, 2025
Turnips are a versatile ingredient that sparks the imagination of skilled chefs. Visit Japan's largest turnip production area and explore a variety of dishes, from Japanese to French cuisine.
MIRIN
February 12, 2025
Mirin, or sweet sake, is just as important in Japanese food as soy sauce or miso. It adds sweetness, depth and a lovely shine to ingredients! Learn more about mirin's key role in Japanese cuisine.
Kiriboshi Daikon
April 9, 2025
Kiriboshi daikon—daikon radish that's cut and sun-dried to preserve it. Both tasty and nutritious, it's gaining traction as a health food. Discover more about its unique texture and versatility.
Broccoli
April 16, 2025
Broccoli is still a relative newcomer to Japan, but has become a staple ingredient in Japanese households. Explore broccoli's wide appeal and how it's used in all kinds of dishes, even in sweets!
Spear Squid
May 7, 2025
In squid-loving Japan, spear squid is immensely popular. Tag along with fishers in Hokkaido and savor some regional cuisine, fresh sushi, and a special take on a beloved Italian-inspired inky dish.
Strawberries
May 21, 2025
Japanese strawberries stand out with a perfect sweet-sour balance and stunning looks. Join us in Fukuoka for some dazzling parfait and to meet the growers behind a famous variety.
Eggs
June 4, 2025
Unique Japanese egg dishes like raw egg over rice are a hit with inbound tourists. Visit farms that produce eggs safe to eat raw, and savor a variety of dishes at a long-established Kyoto restaurant.
Pineapple
June 17, 2025
Pineapples are grown on Japan's southern islands, the northernmost limit of their cultivation. New varieties continue to emerge, and pineapples left to fully ripen in the field are charming consumers.
Asari
July 2, 2025
Introducing asari, Japan's most popular clam. Visit Aichi to feast your eyes on asari dishes and see how they're cultivated using suspended cages. How about diving for some giant asari?!
Nira
July 16, 2025
Nira, with its garlic-like pungency and ability to boost stamina, is a true star. Visit a production site to marvel at nira's vitality and see how the ingredient can be used in a wide range of dishes. (Reporter: Robin Barde)
Garlic
August 6, 2025
Japanese garlic is big, with sweetness and umami. In Aomori, we explore what makes it special, take a closer look at black garlic, and sample all kinds of dishes that show off garlic's potential. (Reporter: Kailene Falls)
Hamo
August 20, 2025
Hamo, the pike conger with a fierce look, is deeply tied to Kyoto's food culture. Explore impressive bone-cutting techniques, local fishing methods, and mouth-watering regional dishes. (Reporter: Beru)
Eggplants
September 17, 2025
Eggplants—nasu—take the spotlight. Enjoy juicy mizu-nasu and melt-in-your-mouth Kamo-nasu. From traditional shojin ryori to sweets, discover the surprising range of Japanese eggplants.
Peaches
September 24, 2025
Peaches take the spotlight. From June to October, new varieties appear every two weeks, letting people enjoy them for months. Big, sweet, and juicy—discover the charm of Japan's finest peaches.
Amazake
October 29, 2025
Amazake, a traditional fermented drink made from rice and koji, is rich in nutrients, with a mild sweetness that enhances recipes. Discover the hidden power of this "drinkable IV drip."
Okra
November 5, 2025
Okra has only been widely eaten in Japan for about 60 years, yet new, stickier varieties keep appearing to suit Japanese tastes. Explore the vegetable's charm through a variety of unique dishes.
Walnuts
December 3, 2025
Walnuts have long been valued in Japan. In a major production area, join a wild harvest using bamboo poles and recreate an ancient meal. Back in Tokyo, enjoy walnut dishes at a renowned restaurant.
Nameko
December 10, 2025
Nameko are small mushrooms known for their slippery coating. Learn about indoor and natural log cultivation, then visit a mushroom-focused French restaurant in Tokyo.
