Hannah Grace
Self - Narrator (voice)
FRONTRUNNERS (2023)
Season 3
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.
Released March 22, 2023
Episode 28 min
None+
Genres: Documentary, News
Keywords: tmdb.entrepreneur, tmdb.innovation, tmdb.expert, tmdb.industrial-designer, tmdb.japanese-workplace, tmdb.innovator, imdb.non-fiction
Production Companies: NHK, Japan International Broadcasting (JIB)
Network: NHK WORLD-JAPAN
S3E1 - Wildlife Vet - Saito Keisuke
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.
Jan. 8, 2025, midnight
S3E2 - Digital Services Innovator - Oba Carlos
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.
Jan. 15, 2025, midnight
S3E3 - Robotic Surgery Pioneer - Watanabe Go
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.
Jan. 29, 2025, midnight
S3E4 - Takama Takeshi - Environmentalist
Japanese researcher Takama Takeshi founded an organization on the island of Bali, Indonesia to study climate change and help farmers to adapt its effects.
March 5, 2025, midnight
S3E5 - Fish Leather Maker - Noguchi Tomohisa
Noguchi Tomohisa makes leather from discarded fish skin. We investigate his efforts to utilize waste in the seafood industry, and contribute to sustainability.
March 19, 2025, midnight
S3E6 - Tree Surgeon - Goto Mizuho
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.
March 26, 2025, midnight
S3E7 - Peace Educator - Sumioka Kenta
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.
July 30, 2025, midnight
S3E8 - Compost Promoter - Taira Yuiko
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.
Aug. 6, 2025, midnight
S3E9 - Dollmaker - Nakamura Hiromine
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.
Aug. 13, 2025, midnight
S3E10 - Master Sculptor of Buddhist Statues - Matsumoto Shukan
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.
Aug. 27, 2025, midnight
S3E11 - Chef - Suzuki Yuko
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.
Oct. 1, 2025, midnight
S3E12 - Reconstructive Surgeon for Microtia - Yotsuyanagi Takatoshi
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.
Oct. 22, 2025, midnight
Network: NHK WORLD-JAPAN
Episode Runtime: 28 min.
Season Runtime: 1092 min.
Released: March 22, 2023
Last Air Date: Oct. 22, 2025, midnight
Status: Returning Series
Certification: NR
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