Season 1
10 episodes · 2013
1Hokkaido
In the first of a new series, host Adam Liaw discovers the delights of sea urchin, pond smelt and boutique cheesecake on Japan’s wintry, northern-most island, Hokkaido.
2Tohoku
Adam Liaw goes to sea with the Japanese fishermen who caught the "million dollar tuna", and then meets the soy sauce maker who saved most of his staff from the 2011 tsunami.
3Hokuriku
In his wife’s hometown, Adam Liaw uncovers the secrets to superb sake, samples some of the world’s best sushi and prepares a classic Japanese dish with his mother-in-law.
4Nagoya
Adam Liaw discovers and devours some of the finest miso, Nagoya chicken and Wagyu beef in Japan, before meeting a 74-year-old who free-dives for precious abalone.
5Tokyo
In the vast urban sprawl of Tokyo, Adam Liaw explores a food culture that not only sustains the "salaryman" workers in style, but retains the culinary traditions of the annual Cherry Blossom Festival.
6Tokyo - Part II
Adam Liaw explores the restaurants of food-crazy Tokyo to find food as diverse as yakitori made from the reproductive organs of chickens to a degustation delight called "soil 2013".
7Kyoto
In Kyoto, traditional Japanese culture is thriving (as is the food scene), so when Adam Liaw takes us on a journey of discovery we meet a Tea Master, a Maiko and a Michelin Star chef who makes risotto into sushi.
8Osaka
Adam Liaw explores Japan’s high-energy financial centre, Osaka, and finds the world’s best fast food, a sumo wrestler turned chef and soba noodles to die for.
9Kyushu and Shikoku
In Japan’s southern islands, Kyushu and Shikoku, Adam Liaw finds a vibrant, warm culture where old ladies use iPads to harvest the forests, organic farmers grow fruit for their pigs, and the cuisine is as fascinating as its people.
10Okinawafinale
In this, the final episode of Adam Liaw’s culinary expedition through Japan, we meet the people of Okinawa and discover an eclectic cuisine derived from Chinese, American, Thai, Japanese and Korean influences, and learn the secret to long life.