Journeys in Japan · SEASON 17

Akan: The Sacred Winter World of the Ainu

Episode 4 · 2026-02-17

★ N/A

Journeys in Japan poster

Season 17Episode 4★ N/A/10

Documentary

Episode overview

Akan, in eastern Hokkaido, is renowned for its breathtaking winter landscape with majestic volcanic mountains and ice-blanketed lake. The area is home to an indigenous Ainu community, which has long protected its distinctive traditions and culture. Kit Nagamura gets to know some local Ainu people and discovers their deep ties to the natural world.

28 minutes

1. Hiking the San'in Coast: Hyogo-Kyoto2026-01-06

2. With Isabella Bird - Part 7: On the Road to Ise2026-01-13

3. Noto: Lighting a Torch for the Future2026-02-10

4. Akan: The Sacred Winter World of the Ainu2026-02-17

5. Hokkaido: Voices from the Northern Land2026-02-24

6. Kushimoto: Life at the Water's Edge2026-03-17

7. Northern Yatsugatake: Adventures in Snow Hiking2026-03-24

8. Kokuto Okinawa Island Sweetness2026-04-14

9. Toyama MINGEI: Beauty in the Everyday2026-05-12

10. Tsuruoka: Gastronomy Rooted in Tradition2026-05-26

11. Komatsu: Stone Stories2026-06-16

12. Maze: A Museum Without Walls2026-06-23

13. Tokunoshima: Bull Sumo on Subtropical Island2026-06-30

14. Kihoku: A Wonderful Waterside World2026-07-07

15. Okayama: Traditions of the Seto Inland Sea2026-08-04

16. Aichi, Nagoya: Savoring its One-of-a-Kind Food Culture2026-09-01

17. Arimatsu: Nagoya District Shaped by Shibori2026-09-08

18. Kitakami: Land of the Demon Dance2026-09-29

19. Furumachi: Niigata's Hidden World of Geigi2026-10-13

20. Miyako Islands: Living with the Ocean and Gods2026-10-27

21. Miyagi: A Walk Through Sendai, City of History and Style2026-11-10