Poster for FRONTRUNNERS

NHK WORLD-JAPAN 2023 - 4 seasons 57 eps NR Returning series

FRONTRUNNERS

2023 - 4 seasons 57 eps NR

5.7

Season 4

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Season 1

Season 2

Season 3

Season 4

28 min

S4 · E1 · Jan 7, 2026

Cheesemaker and Dairy Farmer: Matsubara Masanori Episode 1

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.

28 min

S4 · E2 · Jan 21, 2026

NPO President - Shiraishi Yuriko Episode 2

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.

28 min

S4 · E3 · Feb 4, 2026

Pizza Entrepreneur - Masuko Yosuke Episode 3

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.

28 min

S4 · E4 · Feb 4, 2026

Health Tech Entrepreneur - Ajima Masumi Episode 4

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.

28 min

S4 · E5 · Feb 11, 2026

Wajima Lacquer Artist: Akagi Akito Episode 5

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.

28 min

S4 · E6 · Feb 18, 2026

Master Whisky Blender: Akuto Ichiro Episode 6

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.

28 min

S4 · E7 · Feb 25, 2026

Koi Masters – Mano Futoshi & Mano Shigeru Episode 7

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.

28 min

S4 · E8 · Mar 11, 2026

NPO Founder - Doya Yuto Episode 8

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.

28 min

S4 · E9 · Mar 18, 2026

Dietitian: Egashira Fumie Episode 9

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.

28 min

S4 · E10 · Mar 25, 2026

Solar Sharing Pioneer: Higashi Mitsuhiro Episode 10

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.

28 min

S4 · E11 · Jun 24, 2026

Yabusame Horseback Archer: Kamimura Ayuko Episode 11

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.

28 min

S4 · E12 · Jul 15, 2026

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

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.

28 min

S4 · E13 · Aug 26, 2026

Recycling Specialist: Nakamura Takatoshi / Vietnam Episode 13

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.

28 min

S4 · E14 · Sep 30, 2026

Psychiatric Nurse in Fukushima: Yonekura Kazuma Episode 14

An earthquake on March 11, 2011 caused a nuclear disaster in Fukushima. For 15 years, psychiatric nurse Yonekura Kazuma has supported locals affected emotionally by evacuation and uncertainty.

S4 · E15 · Oct 20, 2026

Advocate for Art of the Aged: Kushino Nobumasa Episode 15

Kushino Nobumasa promotes artists that began their creative expression independently, in later life. Through books and social media, he introduces the world to "art of the aged."

15 episodes in Season 4

Some details come from TheTVDB.

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