Hometown Stories S15E09 · Soul-Searching in a Mikan Orchard

Overview

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.

Torrents

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Episodes

1. 1 1. Aiming for Glory: Japan's Senior Esports Team2026-01-05 · 25mIn 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
2. 2 2. The Island of Boze Deities2026-01-27 · 26mDespite 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 thos
3. 3 3. Tradition and Innovation: Tochigi's Sake Masters2026-02-02 · 26mAn 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
4. 4 4. Hope at Your Fingertips2026-02-16 · 26mCancer 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
5. 5 5. A Doctor Duo: Songs to Comfort the Heart2026-02-23 · 26mTwo 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
6. 6 6. A Ten-Year-Old Takes the Reins2026-03-02 · 26mIn 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
7. 7 7. A Morning Market in Early Winter2026-03-24 · 25mFor 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 on
8. 8 8. Breaking Barriers by Farming2026-04-06 · 25mMako 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 w
9. 9 9. Soul-Searching in a Mikan Orchard2026-04-13 · 25mIn 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 i
10. 10 10. Moments of Happiness: Living with Younger-Onset Dementia2026-04-27 · 29mWe 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 m
11. 11 11. Preserving a Midwinter Tradition2026-05-04 · 25mEvery 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
12. 12 12. A Musical Rivalry Between Two School Bands2026-05-26 · 25mIn 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 ho
13. 13 13. Learning Japanese One Step at a Time2026-06-01 · 25mA 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 th
14. 14 14. Pulling Together for a Dream2026-06-15 · 25mThe 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—cham
15. 15 15. A Teacher's Words of Wisdom2026-06-22 · 25mA 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 wh
16. 16 16. A Bookstore for Everyone2026-07-06 · 25mBookstores 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 st
17. 17 17. Yumori: The Hot Spring Caretaker2026-07-17 · 25mAfter 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 b
18. 18 18. My Friend, the AI Chatbot2026-07-28 · 25mFor 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 h
19. 19 19. Unspoken Memories of the Double Hibakusha2026-08-03 · 25mAbout 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 ab
20. 20 20. My Favorite Meal, One Last Time2026-08-17 · 25mA 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
21. 21 21. Forging Bonds Through Boxing2026-08-31 · 25mA 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