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January 8, 2025

Season 4

01. Nihonbashi - The Mercantile Center of Old Tokyo

Nihonbashi is a district in downtown Tokyo centered on a historic bridge of the same name. We trace its development into a thriving hub of commerce whose mercantile spirit lives on today.

28min
January 8, 2025

02. Nakano - From Dog Sanctuary to Anime Wonderland

Home to manga, anime and toy stores, the Nakano neighborhood is famous for its subculture spirit. As we explore, we discover its rich past as a dog sanctuary, blossom-viewing spot and military hub.

28min
February 5, 2025

03. Along the Setagaya Line - A Taste of the Slow Life

The Setagaya Line is a small but central streetcar line in Setagaya Ward. Join us as we explore a 450-year-old flea market, visit a temple brimming with cats and meet members of the community.

28min
February 19, 2025

04. Marunouchi - A Marvel of Urban Planning

The Marunouchi district has repeatedly reinvented itself through large-scale development projects. We trace its evolution from a samurai quarter to an office district to a sophisticated business hub.

28min
March 5, 2025

05. Haneda - Memories of Sky and Sea

Join us as we explore the Haneda district, best known for its airport. As we trace its history, we learn about its past as a fishing community and tourist destination famous for its ocean views.

28min
March 19, 2025

06. Hamura - The Story of a Tranquil Waterworks Town

We visit Hamura in the upper reaches of the Tama River. In this tranquil town far west of the city center we trace the origins of Tokyo's water supply back to the age of the samurai, centuries ago.

28min
April 2, 2025

07. Hino - The Granary That Gave Rise to Warriors

Hino in western Tokyo is known for irrigation canals and its past as a rice cultivating center during the Edo period. The fertile lands gave rise to the men who would form the legendary Shinsengumi.

28min
April 16, 2025

08. Komagome - A Community United Under Cherry Blossoms

Komagome is the birthplace of Somei-yoshino, the most popular cherry blossom variety in Japan. We visit a scenic garden, meet locals who cultivate cherry tree saplings, and explore shopping streets.

28min
April 30, 2025

09. Tateishi - A Riverside Town of Creative Manufacturing

Tateishi is a riverside neighborhood in eastern Tokyo that developed as a center of manufacturing. We learn about the local dyeing and toy industries and explore an old-fashioned shopping arcade.

28min
May 21, 2025