← FRONTRUNNERS

Season 4

13 episodes · 2026

  1. 1Cheesemaker and Dairy Farmer: Matsubara Masanori

    07 Jan 2026 · 28 min

    Matsubara Masanori uses a natural, sustainable farming method to produce cheese that wins international prizes. His cows and goats live in the mountains, feeding on leaves and grass.

  2. 2NPO President - Shiraishi Yuriko

    21 Jan 2026 · 28 min

    92-year-old Shiraishi Yuriko teaches women in Côte d'Ivoire to make surimi, a Japanese fish paste, supporting their independence and improving nutrition across the nation.

  3. 3Pizza Entrepreneur - Masuko Yosuke

    04 Feb 2026 · 28 min

    Japanese pizza entrepreneur Masuko Yosuke is revolutionizing the restaurant industry in Vietnam and beyond, working to spread happiness through delicious food, great hospitality and green initiatives.

  4. 4Health Tech Entrepreneur - Ajima Masumi

    04 Feb 2026 · 28 min

    Health tech entrepreneur Ajima Masumi has developed an app to analyze the condition of children with developmental disorders, aiming to help them reach their potential regardless of their background.

  5. 5Wajima Lacquer Artist: Akagi Akito

    11 Feb 2026 · 28 min

    In 2024, an earthquake damaged the production of Wajima lacquerware, a tradition with a shrinking number of practitioners. Lacquer artist Akagi Akito works to pass on his skills, and revive the craft.

  6. 6Master Whisky Blender: Akuto Ichiro

    18 Feb 2026 · 28 min

    In 2024, master blender Akuto Ichiro was inducted into a prestigious international whisky Hall of Fame. His latest challenge is to produce grain whisky, using corn grown in northern Japan.

  7. 7Koi Masters – Mano Futoshi & Mano Shigeru

    25 Feb 2026 · 28 min

    Every year, breeders of colorful carp (koi) compete in Tokyo for the title of World Champion. The Mano brothers, Futoshi and Shigeru, endured a devastating earthquake, and are seeking victory.

  8. 8NPO Founder - Doya Yuto

    11 Mar 2026 · 28 min

    Social entrepreneur Doya Yuto supports Ghana through his fashion brand and NPO. By providing fair wages and reinvesting profits, he builds schools and expands education in disadvantaged communities.

  9. 9Dietitian: Egashira Fumie

    18 Mar 2026 · 28 min

    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.

  10. 10Solar Sharing Pioneer: Higashi Mitsuhiro

    25 Mar 2026 · 28 min

    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.

  11. 11Yabusame Horseback Archer: Kamimura Ayuko

    24 Jun 2026 · 28 min

    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.

  12. 12World-Leading Nearsightedness Specialist: Ohno-Matsui Kyoko

    15 Jul 2026 · 28 min

    Ohno-Matsui Kyoko is an expert in high myopia—severe nearsightedness. She runs the world's first specialized clinic, and pushes the boundaries of diagnosis and treatment.

  13. 13Recycling Specialist: Nakamura Takatoshi / Vietnam

    26 Aug 2026 · 28 min

    Nakamura Takatoshi runs a recycling company in Vietnam. He works with junk buyers, who collect recyclables from shops and homes, to improve the country's recycling rate and build a sustainable future.