lae astra
Self - Narrator (voice)
Document 72 Hours (2013)
Season 13
Three days in the life of...Stay in one location for 72 hours, catching glimpses into people's lives as they open up and share. NHK World English Broadcast Version
Released Aug. 22, 2013
Episode 29 min
None+
S13E1 - A Mobile "Warabi Mochi" Cart in Fukuoka
A mobile food cart selling a traditional Japanese sweet has been plying the streets of Fukuoka for over 75 years. For three days, we talked to customers fond of a snack unchanged over the decades.
Jan. 7, 2025, midnight
S13E2 - A Farmers' Market in Inadani, Nagano
Inadani, Nagano Prefecture is home to a farmers' market which sells a wide array of vegetables, mushrooms, game and even edible insects. Explore local food culture and approaches to life in rural Japan.
Jan. 21, 2025, midnight
S13E3 - Praying for Blue Skies at Tokyo's Weather Shrine
A shrine in Tokyo is dedicated to a deity believed to control the weather. For three days in fall, a season of fickle weather in Japan, we asked people why they wanted divine help for sunny skies.
Feb. 4, 2025, midnight
S13E4 - An Everyday Family Diner in Tokyo
At a family diner, we meet customers of all ages, from solo diners to families and big groups. These diners' stories may seem ordinary, but all kinds of quiet dramas lie within these everyday moments.
Feb. 18, 2025, midnight
S13E5 - Beyond the Books at a Kanazawa Library
A public library in Kanazawa resembles a sublime theater and offers more than 1.1 million books. For three days, we asked people what books piqued their interest and how they spend their time here.
March 4, 2025, midnight
S13E6 - At a Huge Thrift Store in Saitama
Bargain-hunters and people decluttering their homes flock to a huge thrift store near Tokyo. For three days, we asked customers what drew them to this place filled with an array of second-hand goods.
April 1, 2025, midnight
S13E7 - A Martial Arts Gym in Tokyo
From beginners to pros, this gym in Tokyo welcomes people of all ages and skill levels. Each member has a unique reason for training here. We find out what they're wrestling with in their lives.
April 15, 2025, midnight
S13E8 - A Winding Road Through the Kii Mountains
A national road winds through a rugged mountain range on the Kii Peninsula. We drove the length of this road over three days to meet some of the residents in this remote region.
April 29, 2025, midnight
S13E9 - A Midsummer Service Area on Awaji Island
Up to 12,000 vehicles pass through a service area on Awaji Island every day. People stop for a break at the food court, observation deck or even the Ferris wheel. We find out where they're headed.
May 20, 2025, midnight
S13E10 - A Niigata Drive-Through Restaurant in Winter
Many customers at a drive-through restaurant in Niigata Prefecture order "Italian" - fried noodles topped with meat sauce. For three days, we asked them why this comfort food always hits the spot.
June 17, 2025, midnight
S13E11 - The Lure of Token Games at an Amusement Arcade
An amusement arcade near Tokyo has row after row of token-operated games. For three days, we asked people about the appeal of games that offer no cash or prizes, no matter how many tokens are won.
July 1, 2025, midnight
S13E12 - A Supermarket in Snowy Iwate
The only supermarket in Nishiwaga, Iwate Prefecture is stocked with a dazzling array of products. We spend three days meeting customers as they trek through heavy snowfall to visit this food hub.
July 15, 2025, midnight
S13E13 - At a 24-Hour Ramen Restaurant in Fukuoka
Locals have slurped down bowls of noodles at a 24-hour ramen restaurant in Fukuoka for five decades. For three days, we asked customers why this simple ramen is more than just a cheap meal.
Aug. 12, 2025, midnight
S13E14 - Journeys Up and Down a Steep Road in Tokyo
Nozokizaka, a steep hill in Tokyo's Toshima Ward, takes people's breath away in more ways than one. For three days, we asked people why they go up and down this road that's also a test of stamina.
Aug. 26, 2025, midnight
S13E15 - Student Life in a Multicultural Dorm
Half of the residents of a university dorm in Oita Prefecture are from outside Japan. Students cook food, bathe communally and stay up chatting. We learn about their friendships and frustrations.
Sept. 9, 2025, midnight
S13E16 - Bonsai Village: Growing a Small Universe in a Pot
Bonsai is a living art form that requires attention to detail and patience. For three days, we asked visitors to a hub of bonsai nurseries near Tokyo about the appeal of bonsai in a fast-paced world.
Sept. 30, 2025, midnight
S13E17 - At a Prefab Soba Restaurant in Aomori
A small prefab restaurant in Aomori Prefecture sells only noodles and oden hotpot. For three days, we asked local customers why this no-frills business holds such a special place in their hearts.
Oct. 14, 2025, midnight
S13E18 - Lion Statue Donations at Shinjuku Station
A roaring golden lion statue outside Shinjuku Station is a donation box for disaster relief and youth support. Many walk past while others offer small kindnesses. Who donates over 72 hours, and why?
Oct. 28, 2025, midnight
S13E19 - The "Last" Newsstand Near Shibuya Station
Newsstands have all but disappeared from the area around Shibuya Station in Tokyo. Yet, one still operates, even as sales keep falling. For three days, we asked customers what they bought, and why.
Nov. 11, 2025, midnight
S13E20 - A 10-yen Pool in Midsummer Ehime
An outdoor community pool in Ehime is super cheap even with a competition pool and water slides. It's been a local hotspot for 50 years. Meet the visitors making midsummer memories over three days.
Dec. 9, 2025, midnight
Network: NHK WORLD-JAPAN
Episode Runtime: 29 min.
Season Runtime: 1161 min.
Released: Aug. 22, 2013
Last Air Date: Dec. 9, 2025, midnight
Status: Returning Series
Certification: NR
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