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Frontrunners - Episode Guide

Season 1

Helicopter Physician - Tsugita Nobuyuki

Episode: 1x08 | Airdate: Aug 30, 2023

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Airborne physician Tsugita Nobuyuki provides a vital service to island communities in west Japan's Seto Inland Sea. Despite aging populations, the islands of Momoshima and Sagishima lacked their own medical facilities. To address this situation, doctor and air-show exhibition pilot Tsugita opened clinics in both communities, and trained for a helicopter license. He flies between them, providing consultations and home visits as well as round-the-clock emergency care.

Kyoto Kimono Dyer - Tabata Kihachi

Episode: 1x09 | Airdate: Sep 27, 2023

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Kyo-yuzen is a famous dyed textile from Kyoto Prefecture, used in kimono. The Tabata family have been top producers for decades; they've produced garments for a royal wedding, costumes for maiko in a popular dance performance and modern kimono too. The 88-year-old, 5th generation owner, Tabata Kihachi, produces dynamic, contemporary designs that preserve traditional techniques. At a solo exhibition in Tokyo, he shares his wisdom with visitors, and explains why people wearing kimono seem to glow.

Season 2

Ainu Cultural Advocate - Monbetsu Atsushi

Episode: 2x08 | Airdate: Jun 26, 2024

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Monbetsu Atsushi is a cultural and wildlife advocate working to preserve Hokkaido Prefecture's traditional Ainu culture through ancient practices including hunting and forest management.

Season 3

Master Sculptor of Buddhist Statues - Matsumoto Shukan

Episode: 3x10 | Airdate: Aug 27, 2025

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Matsumoto Myokei, a "once-in-a-century" sculptor of Buddhist statues, is passing his skills onto his grandson, Shukan. 80 years on from the atomic bomb attacks, Shukan sculpts a message of peace.

Season 4

Dietitian: Egashira Fumie

Episode: 4x09 | Airdate: Mar 18, 2026

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Japan's population is aging, and millions suffer from dysphagia-they find it difficult to chew and swallow food. Nutritionist Egashira Fumie has helped thousands continue to eat normally.

Solar Sharing Pioneer: Higashi Mitsuhiro

Episode: 4x10 | Airdate: Mar 25, 2026

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Higashi Mitsuhiro works to revitalize regional communities by combining solar power generation with agriculture. He's been perfecting the idea in Japan, and has begun implementing it in Ethiopia.

Yabusame Horseback Archer: Kamimura Ayuko

Episode: 4x11 | Airdate: Jun 24, 2026

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Yabusame is traditional horseback archery. It's preserved as a Shinto ritual, but is not accessible to all. Kamimura Ayuko runs competitions open to women and international participants.

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