FRONTRUNNERS

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  E1Cheesemaker and Dairy Farmer: Matsubara Masanori

  Jan 7, 2026· 28m

  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.

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  E2NPO President - Shiraishi Yuriko

  Jan 21, 2026· 28m

  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.

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  E3Pizza Entrepreneur - Masuko Yosuke

  Feb 4, 2026· 28m

  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.

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  E4Health Tech Entrepreneur - Ajima Masumi

  Feb 4, 2026· 28m

  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.

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  E5Wajima Lacquer Artist: Akagi Akito

  Feb 11, 2026· 28m

  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.

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  E6Master Whisky Blender: Akuto Ichiro

  Feb 18, 2026· 28m

  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.

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  E7Koi Masters – Mano Futoshi & Mano Shigeru

  Feb 25, 2026· 28m

  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.

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  E8NPO Founder - Doya Yuto

  Mar 11, 2026· 28m

  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.

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  E9Dietitian: Egashira Fumie

  Mar 18, 2026· 28m

  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.

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  E10Solar Sharing Pioneer: Higashi Mitsuhiro

  Mar 25, 2026· 28m

  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.

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  E11Yabusame Horseback Archer: Kamimura Ayuko

  Jun 24, 2026· 28m

  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.

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  E12World-Leading Nearsightedness Specialist: Ohno-Matsui Kyoko

  Jul 15, 2026· 28m

  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.

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  E1Wildlife Vet - Saito Keisuke

  Jan 8, 2025· 28m

  Wildlife vet Saito Keisuke has worked with endangered raptors in Hokkaido Prefecture for 30 years. He treats and releases the many birds injured by human activity, while also working to prevent such accidents.

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  E2Digital Services Innovator - Oba Carlos

  Jan 15, 2025· 28m

  Oba Carlos is a social entrepreneur leveraging local Wi-Fi networks to close the gap in access to information and opportunity between urban and rural populations in the African nation of Benin.

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  E3Robotic Surgery Pioneer - Watanabe Go

  Jan 29, 2025· 28m

  Watanabe Go is among the world's leading heart surgeons. He's an expert in robot-assisted keyhole surgery techniques that save lives while minimizing burden on the patient.

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  E4Takama Takeshi - Environmentalist

  Mar 5, 2025· 28m

  Japanese researcher Takama Takeshi founded an organization on the island of Bali, Indonesia to study climate change and help farmers to adapt its effects.

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  E5Fish Leather Maker - Noguchi Tomohisa

  Mar 19, 2025· 28m

  Noguchi Tomohisa makes leather from discarded fish skin. We investigate his efforts to utilize waste in the seafood industry, and contribute to sustainability.

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  E6Tree Surgeon - Goto Mizuho

  Mar 26, 2025· 28m

  In Japan, around 5,200 trees fall each year, causing accidents that can even be fatal. Tree surgeon Goto Mizuho diagnoses and treats them, utilizing innovative technology and techniques.

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  E7Peace Educator - Sumioka Kenta

  Jul 30, 2025· 28m

  In Hiroshima, as atomic bomb survivors age, preserving their memories has become a pressing issue. We follow Sumioka Kenta's efforts to further the cause of peace, through the creativity of youth.

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  E8Compost Promoter - Taira Yuiko

  Aug 6, 2025· 28m

  Taira Yuiko promotes composting of food waste to create a sustainable cycle. She works with an NGO in Mongolia to form a local nutrient cycle, enriching the soil and teaching composting techniques.

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  E9Dollmaker - Nakamura Hiromine

  Aug 13, 2025· 28m

  Fukuoka's summer traditional festival, Hakata Gion Yamakasa, features huge floats decorated with elaborate dolls. We meet Nakamura Hiromine, a fourth-generation dollmaker fusing this tradition with modern ideas.

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  E10Master Sculptor of Buddhist Statues - Matsumoto Shukan

  Aug 27, 2025· 28m

  Matsumoto Myokei, a "once-in-a-century" sculptor of Buddhist statues, is passing his skills onto his grandson, Shukan. 80 years on from the atomic bomb attacks, Shukan sculpts a message of peace.

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  E11Chef - Suzuki Yuko

  Oct 1, 2025· 28m

  Mongolia's culture of meat-eating is contributing to health problems in this developing economy. Chef Suzuki Yuko aims to introduce more vegetables through workshops and improved hospital menus.

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  E12Reconstructive Surgeon for Microtia - Yotsuyanagi Takatoshi

  Oct 22, 2025· 28m

  Children with microtia are born with underdeveloped ears. Wearing a mask or glasses is difficult, and they may be bullied. We meet Dr. Yotsuyanagi Takatoshi, a leading reconstructive surgeon.

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  E13Social Entrepreneur - Ishikawa Naohito

  Nov 19, 2025· 28m

  Social entrepreneur Ishikawa Naohito creates opportunities for Sri Lankans to enrich their lives. Projects include a massage salon employing the visually impaired, and an organic vegetable business.

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  E14Dry Stone Waller: Kaneko Reo

  Nov 26, 2025· 28m

  Much of the stonework supporting Japan's terraced fields is in danger of collapse. There's an urgent need to train new stonemasons to carry out repairs. Kaneko Reo runs workshops around the country.

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  E15Deaf Cyclist: Hayase Kumi

  Dec 24, 2025· 28m

  Hayase Kumi was the first deaf Japanese to earn a pharmacist's license. She is also a cyclist competing in the Deaflympics - an international sports competition for deaf athletes.

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  E1Master Salt Maker - Sato Kyojiro

  Jan 31, 2024· 28m

  Meet salt maker Sato Kyojiro, whose unique, naturally produced, labor-intensive creations have earned fans among Japan's leading chefs.

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  E2Medical Interpreting Pioneer - Minamitani Kaori

  Feb 28, 2024· 28m

  Follow Dr. Minamitani Kaori, head of a pioneering medical center in Osaka Prefecture that is leading the way in providing care to patients from overseas with limited Japanese skills.

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  E3Poet & NPO Founder - Ueda Kanayo

  Mar 20, 2024· 28m

  Meet Ueda Kanayo, an Osaka-based poet, activist and NPO founder helping disadvantaged former manual laborers to build community and discover themselves through the creative arts.

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  E4Snow Country Chef - Kuwakino Keiko

  Apr 24, 2024· 28m

  Globally-renowned chef Kuwakino Keiko uses a new take on traditional methods to showcase the culture, climate and produce of Minami-Uonuma, one of the snowiest places in Japan.

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  E5Supporting Street Children - Watanabe Hiroki

  May 1, 2024· 28m

  Watanabe Hiroki is co-founder of an NGO in Bangladesh. It gives long-term support to underprivileged children on the street, proving that they can make a positive contribution to society.

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  E6Orthopedic Shoe Meister - Nakai Yosuke

  May 29, 2024· 28m

  Meet Nakai Yosuke, a qualified prosthetist and German-certified orthopedic shoe "meister" leveraging his skills to help Japanese seniors maintain their mobility and independence well into old age.

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  E7Cricket Food Producer - Ashikari Seiya

  Jun 19, 2024· 28m

  Ashikari Seiya explores the potential of crickets as a nutritious solution to the global food crisis. He works with farmers in Cambodia to establish green, sustainable production methods.

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  E8Ainu Cultural Advocate - Monbetsu Atsushi

  Jun 26, 2024· 28m

  Monbetsu Atsushi is a cultural and wildlife advocate working to preserve Hokkaido Prefecture's traditional Ainu culture through ancient practices including bowhunting and forest management.

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  E9Accessibility NPO Founder - Oda Yuriko

  Aug 14, 2024· 28m

  Oda Yuriko suffers from a progressive disease, but by running a patient association, developing an app and other activities, she's working toward a society in which anybody can enjoy life.

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  E10Coconut Entrepreneur Tackling Poverty - Mizui Yu

  Aug 21, 2024· 28m

  Mizui Yu is tackling poverty in the Philippines using coconuts—he develops food and cosmetics for sale in Japan. His business is improving lives. What products will he develop next?

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  E11Nebuta Artist - Kitamura Asako

  Sep 25, 2024· 28m

  Kitamura Asako is the first female floatmaker in the 300-year history of Aomori's Nebuta Matsuri, battling prejudice as she upholds this very male tradition while also imbuing a fresh new sensibility.

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  E12International Mountain Medic - Oshiro Kazue

  Oct 30, 2024· 28m

  Dr. Oshiro Kazue is a skilled mountain medic, dedicated to promoting awareness of alpine safety, and even spending her summers treating climbers from a cabin near the peak of the iconic Mt. Fuji.

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  E13Drone Entrepreneur - Kawanoue Kazufumi

  Nov 20, 2024· 28m

  In Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, heavy traffic hinders the delivery of blood for transfusions. Kawanoue Kazufumi hopes to overcome this challenge using drones, and build out a new aerial infrastructure.

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  E14Medical Companion for Travel - Ito Reiya

  Nov 27, 2024· 28m

  Joy through travel: the mantra of Dr. Ito Reiya, who helps critical and chronic patients to plan trips. He accompanies them to the sea, familiar places or to see family, bringing them happiness.

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  E15Horse-Powered Energy Innovator - Iwama Takashi

  Dec 4, 2024· 28m

  We follow a unique initiative led by expert horse-handler Iwama Takashi as he strives to harness the potential of horse-drawn carts to provide renewable electricity to off-grid communities in Senegal.

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  E16Bonsai Master - Kobayashi Kunio

  Dec 25, 2024· 28m

  Kobayashi Kunio (76) is a celebrated bonsai artist working to secure the future of this traditional art form through outreach to children, and through efforts to protect the iconic shimpaku juniper.

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