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Front Runners

Season 1 Episode 9: Kyoto Kimono Dyer - Tabata Kihachi

The Tabata family, renowned producers of Kyo-yuzen dyed textiles from Kyoto, have been crafting exquisite garments for generations. From royal weddings to modern designs, their work showcases traditional techniques infused with contemporary flair. In a solo exhibition in Tokyo, 88-year-old Tabata...

Season 1 Episodes:

Episode 1 Prosthetics Pioneer - Usui Fumio

1. Prosthetics Pioneer - Usui Fumio

Aired: Mar 22, 2023

Usui Fumio, a renowned prosthetist, has spent decades developing sporting lim...

Episode 2 Kyoto Foraging Master - Nakahigashi Hisato

2. Kyoto Foraging Master - Nakahigashi Hisato

Aired: Mar 29, 2023

In the mountain village of Hanase, near Kyoto, a traditional inn has been uph...

Episode 3 Rope Rescue Expert - Hayashida Akihiro

3. Rope Rescue Expert - Hayashida Akihiro

Aired: Apr 19, 2023

Rope rescue teams expertly use cords, clasps, and pulleys to reach people str...

Episode 4 Children's Hospice Founder - Tagawa Hisato

4. Children's Hospice Founder - Tagawa Hisato

Aired: May 24, 2023

Next episode, we'll be exploring the story of Tagawa Hisato, a dedicated foun...

Episode 5 Vegan Washoku Chef - Kusumoto Katsumi

5. Vegan Washoku Chef - Kusumoto Katsumi

Aired: Jun 28, 2023

Next episode of FRONTRUNNERS features a Tokyo restaurant that's a global vega...

Episode 6 Japanese Cheese Trailblazer - Shibata Chiyo

6. Japanese Cheese Trailblazer - Shibata Chiyo

Aired: Jul 19, 2023

Rural Chiba Prefecture is home to pioneering cheesemaker Shibata Chiyo, who r...

Episode 7 Master Gardener - Kitayama Yasuo

7. Master Gardener - Kitayama Yasuo

Aired: Jul 26, 2023

The next episode follows Kitayama Yasuo, a 74-year-old master gardener, as he...

Episode 8 Helicopter Physician - Tsugita Nobuyuki

8. Helicopter Physician - Tsugita Nobuyuki

Aired: Aug 30, 2023

Tsugita Nobuyuki, an airborne physician, provides crucial medical services to...

Episode 9 Kyoto Kimono Dyer - Tabata Kihachi

9. Kyoto Kimono Dyer - Tabata Kihachi

Aired: Sep 27, 2023

The Tabata family, renowned producers of Kyo-yuzen dyed textiles from Kyoto, ...

Episode 10 Thatching Innovator - Sagara Ikuya

10. Thatching Innovator - Sagara Ikuya

Aired: Nov 14, 2023

The art of traditional Japanese thatched roofs is facing a decline, as the sk...

Episode 11 Pioneering Neurosurgeon - Kato Yoko

11. Pioneering Neurosurgeon - Kato Yoko

Aired: Dec 26, 2023

Dr. Kato Yoko is a renowned expert in stroke treatment, boasting an impressiv...

Guest Starring

Hannah GraceSelf - Narrator (voice)

Info about Front Runners

Seasons: 3

Current Status: Returning Series

Network: NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Production Country: Japan

Genres:News