FRONTRUNNERS

Season 4

2026 · 14 episodes · 6h 32m in all

Episodes

1. 

   1. Cheesemaker and Dairy Farmer: Matsubara Masanori

   7 Jan 2026 · 28 min

   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.

2. 

   2. NPO President - Shiraishi Yuriko

   21 Jan 2026 · 28 min

   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.

3. 

   3. Pizza Entrepreneur - Masuko Yosuke

   4 Feb 2026 · 28 min

   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.

4. 

   4. Health Tech Entrepreneur - Ajima Masumi

   4 Feb 2026 · 28 min

   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.

5. 

   5. Wajima Lacquer Artist: Akagi Akito

   11 Feb 2026 · 28 min

   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.

6. 

   6. Master Whisky Blender: Akuto Ichiro

   18 Feb 2026 · 28 min

   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.

7. 

   7. Koi Masters – Mano Futoshi & Mano Shigeru

   25 Feb 2026 · 28 min

   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.

8. 

   8. NPO Founder - Doya Yuto

   11 Mar 2026 · 28 min

   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.

9. 

   9. Dietitian: Egashira Fumie

   18 Mar 2026 · 28 min

   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.

10. 

    10. Solar Sharing Pioneer: Higashi Mitsuhiro

    25 Mar 2026 · 28 min

    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.

11. 

    11. Yabusame Horseback Archer: Kamimura Ayuko

    24 Jun 2026 · 28 min

    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.

12. 

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

    15 Jul 2026 · 28 min

    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.

13. 

    13. Recycling Specialist: Nakamura Takatoshi / Vietnam

    26 Aug 2026 · 28 min

    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.

14. 

    14. Psychiatric Nurse in Fukushima: Yonekura Kazuma

    30 Sept 2026 · 28 min

    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.