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FRONTRUNNERS: Season 2 - 11 Episode s
2x1 - Master Salt Maker - Sato Kyojiro
January 31, 2024
Meet salt maker Sato Kyojiro, whose unique, naturally produced, labor-intensive creations have earned fans among Japan's leading chefs.
2x2 - Medical Interpreting Pioneer - Minamitani Kaori
February 28, 2024
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.
2x3 - Poet & NPO Founder - Ueda Kanayo
March 20, 2024
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.
2x4 - Snow Country Chef - Kuwakino Keiko
April 24, 2024
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.
2x5 - Supporting Street Children - Watanabe Hiroki
May 1, 2024
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.
2x6 - Orthopedic Shoe Meister - Nakai Yosuke
May 29, 2024
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.
2x7 - Cricket Food Producer - Ashikari Seiya
June 19, 2024
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.
2x8 - Ainu Cultural Advocate - Monbetsu Atsushi
June 26, 2024
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.
2x9 - Accessibility NPO Founder - Oda Yuriko
August 14, 2024
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.
2x10 - Coconut Entrepreneur Tackling Poverty - Mizui Yu
August 21, 2024
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?
2x11 - Nebuta Artist - Kitamura Asako
September 25, 2024
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.