Hometown Stories (2011) | StreamScapeX

Episodes

Season 15, 25 episodes

Episode 1: Aiming for Glory: Japan's Senior Esports Team
- Now playing
- 25m
- Jan 5, 2026
In northern Japan, a senior esports team with an average age of 69 is aiming high. Pushed relentlessly by their coach, more than 30 years their junior, they dream of competing in a world championship.
Episode 2: The Island of Boze Deities
- 26m
- Jan 27, 2026
Despite earthquakes and isolation, the people of Akusekijima Island work to uphold local traditions, including the mysterious Boze deities. A new generation is helping to keep those traditions alive.
Episode 3: Tradition and Innovation: Tochigi's Sake Masters
- 26m
- Feb 2, 2026
An energetic mix of brewers strives to enliven the sake scene in Tochigi Prefecture, a place not well known for its breweries. With pride and innovation, they bring new life to an ancient tradition.
Episode 4: Hope at Your Fingertips
- 26m
- Feb 16, 2026
Cancer treatments can leave a patient's fingernails weak and dark, adding to their anxiety. So a doctor opened a nail salon to help clients improve both their appearance and their outlook on life.
Episode 5: A Doctor Duo: Songs to Comfort the Heart
- 26m
- Feb 23, 2026
Two doctors in western Japan have an alter ego as the music duo Insheart, whose songs bring hope to patients and families. We follow them and the fans who find strength and comfort in their music.
Episode 6: A Ten-Year-Old Takes the Reins
- 26m
- Mar 2, 2026
In Ehime Prefecture, children on horseback take part in a 600-year-old tradition. With fewer participants each year, one strict trainer sees promise in a young rider spurred on by his love of horses.
Episode 7: A Morning Market in Early Winter
- 25m
- Mar 24, 2026
For the past century, Saga Prefecture's Yobuko morning market has been one of Japan's leading destinations for fresh seafood. We cover recent changes, as old shops close and new ones take their place.
Episode 8: Breaking Barriers by Farming
- 25m
- Apr 6, 2026
Mako and Fahmi, an international couple living in a small Japanese town. Their farm is a gathering place for people of diverse backgrounds, including foreign residents and people with disabilities.
Episode 9: Soul-Searching in a Mikan Orchard
- 25m
- Apr 13, 2026
In winter, seasonal workers arrive at mandarin orange groves for the two-month harvest. While living in communal lodgings, they share their views of the world, and plot new paths in life.
Episode 10: Moments of Happiness: Living with Younger-Onset Dementia
- 29m
- Apr 27, 2026
We follow people with younger-onset dementia in their daily lives, their work as public speakers, and the support they receive from those around them as they seek life's fleeting moments of happiness.
Episode 11: Preserving a Midwinter Tradition
- 25m
- May 4, 2026
Every winter, a group of performers in Kikonai, Hokkaido drench themselves in freezing water in hopes of inviting a bountiful harvest and catch. We follow efforts to preserve this timeless ritual.
Episode 12: A Musical Rivalry Between Two School Bands
- 25m
- May 26, 2026
In a rural town in Hokkaido, wind ensembles from neighboring junior high schools have a longstanding rivalry. As they face off in a big national competition, which one will take home the prize?
Episode 13: Learning Japanese One Step at a Time
- 25m
- Jun 1, 2026
A high school allows students with international roots to use their native language while learning Japanese. Teachers hope it will help them build confidence and adapt better to their environment.
Episode 14: Pulling Together for a Dream
- 25m
- Jun 15, 2026
The Funky Girls are a women's tug-of-war team with an average age of 50. Three nights a week, they forget all their personal problems and practice in pursuit of a shared dream—champions of Japan.
Episode 15: A Teacher's Words of Wisdom
- 25m
- Jun 22, 2026
A retired kindergarten principal has a magical ability to understand her former students' needs. But illness is affecting her ability to speak. What lies ahead for her and those who seek her advice?
Episode 16: A Bookstore for Everyone
- 25m
- Jul 6, 2026
Bookstores are closing across Japan but a shop owner in a small town in Hiroshima Prefecture is trying to beat the odds. He listens to the community for ideas on how to keep his store open.
Episode 17: Yumori: The Hot Spring Caretaker
- 25m
- Jul 17, 2026
After 40 years, a local yumori, or hot spring caretaker, is retiring. A crew of young workers has been chosen to replace him. But with no manual to guide them, will these novices be up to the task?
Episode 18: My Friend, the AI Chatbot
- 25m
- Jul 28, 2026
For three weeks, school children shared their feelings with AI chatbots. At a time when many kids are unable to engage in conversations with their peers, could AI help them learn how to communicate?
Episode 19: Unspoken Memories of the Double Hibakusha
- 25m
- Aug 3, 2026
About 150 people experienced both atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They are known as "double hibakusha." One woman is trying to retrace their steps and learn the truth about their stories.
Episode 20: My Favorite Meal, One Last Time
- 25m
- Aug 17, 2026
A clinic in Japan serves terminal patients their favorite dish one last time. The staff carefully makes each meal to fit their dietary restrictions, allowing the patients to relive their happy past.
Episode 21: Forging Bonds Through Boxing
- 25m
- Aug 31, 2026
A free boxing gym helps people of all ages who are facing personal challenges to work hard and reach new goals. Meanwhile, its owner is battling cancer, and searching for a reason to keep on going.
Episode 22: The Mountain Village Where Ancient Whales Sleep
- 25m
- Sep 29, 2026
Far from the ocean, a small community in the mountains of western Japan bonds over ancient whales. An amateur excavation club digs up fossils while providing residents with a sense of belonging.
Episode 23: The Charcoal-Maker's Apprentice
- 25m
- Oct 5, 2026
Iwate charcoal is known for its high quality, but it faces increased competition, and an aging and shrinking number of artisans. But one young person is trying to breathe new life into the craft.
Episode 24: The Man With Two Hats
- 25m
- Oct 12, 2026
In Otaru, Hokkaido, Honma Kimihiro has juggled two roles, Shinto priest and doctor, for over 30 years. How does tending to the community's spiritual and physical health help him and his neighbors?
Episode 25: My Kind of Independence
- 25m
- Oct 19, 2026
18-year-old Miyako Haruto has decided to leave his children's home and live on his own. But his caregivers worry about his reluctance to open up. We follow him as he embarks on a life of independence.

2011 to present
15 seasons
30m per episode
Documentary

Overview

Stories about people, stories about life. Intimate portraits of people from around Japan, each leading diverse lives while enriching lives of others.

Fun facts

Episodes
15 seasons and 319 episodes so far
Source for Episodes, opens in a new tab

Details

Status: Returning Series
Seasons: 15
Episodes: 319
First aired: February 6, 2011
Last aired: October 19, 2026
Original language: English
Countries: Japan

Network

Production

Cast

lae astraSelf - Narrator (voice)

Episodes

Season 15, 25 episodes

Episode 1: Aiming for Glory: Japan's Senior Esports Team
- Now playing
- 25m
- Jan 5, 2026
In northern Japan, a senior esports team with an average age of 69 is aiming high. Pushed relentlessly by their coach, more than 30 years their junior, they dream of competing in a world championship.
Episode 2: The Island of Boze Deities
- 26m
- Jan 27, 2026
Despite earthquakes and isolation, the people of Akusekijima Island work to uphold local traditions, including the mysterious Boze deities. A new generation is helping to keep those traditions alive.
Episode 3: Tradition and Innovation: Tochigi's Sake Masters
- 26m
- Feb 2, 2026
An energetic mix of brewers strives to enliven the sake scene in Tochigi Prefecture, a place not well known for its breweries. With pride and innovation, they bring new life to an ancient tradition.
Episode 4: Hope at Your Fingertips
- 26m
- Feb 16, 2026
Cancer treatments can leave a patient's fingernails weak and dark, adding to their anxiety. So a doctor opened a nail salon to help clients improve both their appearance and their outlook on life.
Episode 5: A Doctor Duo: Songs to Comfort the Heart
- 26m
- Feb 23, 2026
Two doctors in western Japan have an alter ego as the music duo Insheart, whose songs bring hope to patients and families. We follow them and the fans who find strength and comfort in their music.
Episode 6: A Ten-Year-Old Takes the Reins
- 26m
- Mar 2, 2026
In Ehime Prefecture, children on horseback take part in a 600-year-old tradition. With fewer participants each year, one strict trainer sees promise in a young rider spurred on by his love of horses.
Episode 7: A Morning Market in Early Winter
- 25m
- Mar 24, 2026
For the past century, Saga Prefecture's Yobuko morning market has been one of Japan's leading destinations for fresh seafood. We cover recent changes, as old shops close and new ones take their place.
Episode 8: Breaking Barriers by Farming
- 25m
- Apr 6, 2026
Mako and Fahmi, an international couple living in a small Japanese town. Their farm is a gathering place for people of diverse backgrounds, including foreign residents and people with disabilities.
Episode 9: Soul-Searching in a Mikan Orchard
- 25m
- Apr 13, 2026
In winter, seasonal workers arrive at mandarin orange groves for the two-month harvest. While living in communal lodgings, they share their views of the world, and plot new paths in life.
Episode 10: Moments of Happiness: Living with Younger-Onset Dementia
- 29m
- Apr 27, 2026
We follow people with younger-onset dementia in their daily lives, their work as public speakers, and the support they receive from those around them as they seek life's fleeting moments of happiness.
Episode 11: Preserving a Midwinter Tradition
- 25m
- May 4, 2026
Every winter, a group of performers in Kikonai, Hokkaido drench themselves in freezing water in hopes of inviting a bountiful harvest and catch. We follow efforts to preserve this timeless ritual.
Episode 12: A Musical Rivalry Between Two School Bands
- 25m
- May 26, 2026
In a rural town in Hokkaido, wind ensembles from neighboring junior high schools have a longstanding rivalry. As they face off in a big national competition, which one will take home the prize?
Episode 13: Learning Japanese One Step at a Time
- 25m
- Jun 1, 2026
A high school allows students with international roots to use their native language while learning Japanese. Teachers hope it will help them build confidence and adapt better to their environment.
Episode 14: Pulling Together for a Dream
- 25m
- Jun 15, 2026
The Funky Girls are a women's tug-of-war team with an average age of 50. Three nights a week, they forget all their personal problems and practice in pursuit of a shared dream—champions of Japan.
Episode 15: A Teacher's Words of Wisdom
- 25m
- Jun 22, 2026
A retired kindergarten principal has a magical ability to understand her former students' needs. But illness is affecting her ability to speak. What lies ahead for her and those who seek her advice?
Episode 16: A Bookstore for Everyone
- 25m
- Jul 6, 2026
Bookstores are closing across Japan but a shop owner in a small town in Hiroshima Prefecture is trying to beat the odds. He listens to the community for ideas on how to keep his store open.
Episode 17: Yumori: The Hot Spring Caretaker
- 25m
- Jul 17, 2026
After 40 years, a local yumori, or hot spring caretaker, is retiring. A crew of young workers has been chosen to replace him. But with no manual to guide them, will these novices be up to the task?
Episode 18: My Friend, the AI Chatbot
- 25m
- Jul 28, 2026
For three weeks, school children shared their feelings with AI chatbots. At a time when many kids are unable to engage in conversations with their peers, could AI help them learn how to communicate?
Episode 19: Unspoken Memories of the Double Hibakusha
- 25m
- Aug 3, 2026
About 150 people experienced both atomic bombings in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. They are known as "double hibakusha." One woman is trying to retrace their steps and learn the truth about their stories.
Episode 20: My Favorite Meal, One Last Time
- 25m
- Aug 17, 2026
A clinic in Japan serves terminal patients their favorite dish one last time. The staff carefully makes each meal to fit their dietary restrictions, allowing the patients to relive their happy past.
Episode 21: Forging Bonds Through Boxing
- 25m
- Aug 31, 2026
A free boxing gym helps people of all ages who are facing personal challenges to work hard and reach new goals. Meanwhile, its owner is battling cancer, and searching for a reason to keep on going.
Episode 22: The Mountain Village Where Ancient Whales Sleep
- 25m
- Sep 29, 2026
Far from the ocean, a small community in the mountains of western Japan bonds over ancient whales. An amateur excavation club digs up fossils while providing residents with a sense of belonging.
Episode 23: The Charcoal-Maker's Apprentice
- 25m
- Oct 5, 2026
Iwate charcoal is known for its high quality, but it faces increased competition, and an aging and shrinking number of artisans. But one young person is trying to breathe new life into the craft.
Episode 24: The Man With Two Hats
- 25m
- Oct 12, 2026
In Otaru, Hokkaido, Honma Kimihiro has juggled two roles, Shinto priest and doctor, for over 30 years. How does tending to the community's spiritual and physical health help him and his neighbors?
Episode 25: My Kind of Independence
- 25m
- Oct 19, 2026
18-year-old Miyako Haruto has decided to leave his children's home and live on his own. But his caregivers worry about his reluctance to open up. We follow him as he embarks on a life of independence.

Episodes

E1 Episode 1: Aiming for Glory: Japan's Senior Esports Team

E2 Episode 2: The Island of Boze Deities

E3 Episode 3: Tradition and Innovation: Tochigi's Sake Masters

E4 Episode 4: Hope at Your Fingertips

E5 Episode 5: A Doctor Duo: Songs to Comfort the Heart

E6 Episode 6: A Ten-Year-Old Takes the Reins

E7 Episode 7: A Morning Market in Early Winter

E8 Episode 8: Breaking Barriers by Farming

E9 Episode 9: Soul-Searching in a Mikan Orchard

E10 Episode 10: Moments of Happiness: Living with Younger-Onset Dementia

E11 Episode 11: Preserving a Midwinter Tradition

E12 Episode 12: A Musical Rivalry Between Two School Bands

E13 Episode 13: Learning Japanese One Step at a Time

E14 Episode 14: Pulling Together for a Dream

E15 Episode 15: A Teacher's Words of Wisdom

E16 Episode 16: A Bookstore for Everyone

E17 Episode 17: Yumori: The Hot Spring Caretaker

E18 Episode 18: My Friend, the AI Chatbot

E19 Episode 19: Unspoken Memories of the Double Hibakusha

E20 Episode 20: My Favorite Meal, One Last Time

E21 Episode 21: Forging Bonds Through Boxing

E22 Episode 22: The Mountain Village Where Ancient Whales Sleep

E23 Episode 23: The Charcoal-Maker's Apprentice

E24 Episode 24: The Man With Two Hats

E25 Episode 25: My Kind of Independence

Overview

Fun facts

Details

Network

Production

Cast

More like this

Episodes

E1 Episode 1: Aiming for Glory: Japan's Senior Esports Team

E2 Episode 2: The Island of Boze Deities

E3 Episode 3: Tradition and Innovation: Tochigi's Sake Masters

E4 Episode 4: Hope at Your Fingertips

E5 Episode 5: A Doctor Duo: Songs to Comfort the Heart

E6 Episode 6: A Ten-Year-Old Takes the Reins

E7 Episode 7: A Morning Market in Early Winter

E8 Episode 8: Breaking Barriers by Farming

E9 Episode 9: Soul-Searching in a Mikan Orchard

E10 Episode 10: Moments of Happiness: Living with Younger-Onset Dementia

E11 Episode 11: Preserving a Midwinter Tradition

E12 Episode 12: A Musical Rivalry Between Two School Bands

E13 Episode 13: Learning Japanese One Step at a Time

E14 Episode 14: Pulling Together for a Dream

E15 Episode 15: A Teacher's Words of Wisdom

E16 Episode 16: A Bookstore for Everyone

E17 Episode 17: Yumori: The Hot Spring Caretaker

E18 Episode 18: My Friend, the AI Chatbot

E19 Episode 19: Unspoken Memories of the Double Hibakusha

E20 Episode 20: My Favorite Meal, One Last Time

E21 Episode 21: Forging Bonds Through Boxing

E22 Episode 22: The Mountain Village Where Ancient Whales Sleep

E23 Episode 23: The Charcoal-Maker's Apprentice

E24 Episode 24: The Man With Two Hats

E25 Episode 25: My Kind of Independence

Episode 1: Aiming for Glory: Japan's Senior Esports Team

Episode 2: The Island of Boze Deities

Episode 3: Tradition and Innovation: Tochigi's Sake Masters

Episode 4: Hope at Your Fingertips

Episode 5: A Doctor Duo: Songs to Comfort the Heart

Episode 6: A Ten-Year-Old Takes the Reins

Episode 7: A Morning Market in Early Winter

Episode 8: Breaking Barriers by Farming

Episode 9: Soul-Searching in a Mikan Orchard

Episode 10: Moments of Happiness: Living with Younger-Onset Dementia

Episode 11: Preserving a Midwinter Tradition

Episode 12: A Musical Rivalry Between Two School Bands

Episode 13: Learning Japanese One Step at a Time

Episode 14: Pulling Together for a Dream

Episode 15: A Teacher's Words of Wisdom

Episode 16: A Bookstore for Everyone

Episode 17: Yumori: The Hot Spring Caretaker

Episode 18: My Friend, the AI Chatbot

Episode 19: Unspoken Memories of the Double Hibakusha

Episode 20: My Favorite Meal, One Last Time

Episode 21: Forging Bonds Through Boxing

Episode 22: The Mountain Village Where Ancient Whales Sleep

Episode 23: The Charcoal-Maker's Apprentice

Episode 24: The Man With Two Hats

Episode 25: My Kind of Independence

Episode 1: Aiming for Glory: Japan's Senior Esports Team

Episode 2: The Island of Boze Deities

Episode 3: Tradition and Innovation: Tochigi's Sake Masters

Episode 4: Hope at Your Fingertips

Episode 5: A Doctor Duo: Songs to Comfort the Heart

Episode 6: A Ten-Year-Old Takes the Reins

Episode 7: A Morning Market in Early Winter

Episode 8: Breaking Barriers by Farming

Episode 9: Soul-Searching in a Mikan Orchard

Episode 10: Moments of Happiness: Living with Younger-Onset Dementia

Episode 11: Preserving a Midwinter Tradition

Episode 12: A Musical Rivalry Between Two School Bands

Episode 13: Learning Japanese One Step at a Time

Episode 14: Pulling Together for a Dream

Episode 15: A Teacher's Words of Wisdom

Episode 16: A Bookstore for Everyone

Episode 17: Yumori: The Hot Spring Caretaker

Episode 18: My Friend, the AI Chatbot

Episode 19: Unspoken Memories of the Double Hibakusha

Episode 20: My Favorite Meal, One Last Time

Episode 21: Forging Bonds Through Boxing

Episode 22: The Mountain Village Where Ancient Whales Sleep

Episode 23: The Charcoal-Maker's Apprentice

Episode 24: The Man With Two Hats

Episode 25: My Kind of Independence