FRONTRUNNERS

FRONTRUNNERS

  • 2023
  • 3 Seasons
  • 36 Episodes
  •  0  (0)
  •   Returning Series

FRONTRUNNERS highlights professionals at the very forefront of their field. We showcase their amazing work, discover their motivations, and learn about the challenges they face in the future.

FRONTRUNNERS
Seasons
Dry Stone Waller: Kaneko Reo
14. Dry Stone Waller: Kaneko Reo
November 26, 2025
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.
Social Entrepreneur  - Ishikawa Naohito
13. Social Entrepreneur - Ishikawa Naohito
November 19, 2025
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.
Reconstructive Surgeon for Microtia - Yotsuyanagi Takatoshi
12. Reconstructive Surgeon for Microtia - Yotsuyanagi Takatoshi
October 22, 2025
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.
Chef - Suzuki Yuko
11. Chef - Suzuki Yuko
October 01, 2025
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.
Master Sculptor of Buddhist Statues - Matsumoto Shukan
10. Master Sculptor of Buddhist Statues - Matsumoto Shukan
August 27, 2025
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.
Dollmaker - Nakamura Hiromine
9. Dollmaker - Nakamura Hiromine
August 13, 2025
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.
Compost Promoter - Taira Yuiko
8. Compost Promoter - Taira Yuiko
August 06, 2025
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.
Peace Educator - Sumioka Kenta
7. Peace Educator - Sumioka Kenta
July 30, 2025
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.
Tree Surgeon - Goto Mizuho
6. Tree Surgeon - Goto Mizuho
March 26, 2025
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.
Fish Leather Maker - Noguchi Tomohisa
5. Fish Leather Maker - Noguchi Tomohisa
March 19, 2025
Noguchi Tomohisa makes leather from discarded fish skin. We investigate his efforts to utilize waste in the seafood industry, and contribute to sustainability.
Takama Takeshi - Environmentalist
4. Takama Takeshi - Environmentalist
March 05, 2025
Japanese researcher Takama Takeshi founded an organization on the island of Bali, Indonesia to study climate change and help farmers to adapt its effects.
Robotic Surgery Pioneer - Watanabe Go
3. Robotic Surgery Pioneer - Watanabe Go
January 29, 2025
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.
Digital Services Innovator - Oba Carlos
2. Digital Services Innovator - Oba Carlos
January 15, 2025
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.
Wildlife Vet - Saito Keisuke
1. Wildlife Vet - Saito Keisuke
January 08, 2025
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.
Description
FRONTRUNNERS highlights professionals at the very forefront of their field. We showcase their amazing work, discover their motivations, and learn about the challenges they face in the future.
  • Premiere Date
    March 22, 2023
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