Journeys in Japan

Journeys in Japan provides an eye-opening look at the many unique places to visit in Japan. English-speaking visitors travel the length of the country, exploring the culture, meeting the local people, visiting historic sites and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks.

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Created By
Status	Returning Series
Original Name	Journeys in Japan
First Air Date	February 2, 2010
Last Air Date	February 17, 2026
Seasons	17
Episodes	549
Episode Runtime	28min
Language	Japanese, English
Original Language	English
Production Countries	Japan
Production Companies	Japan International Broadcasting (JIB)NHK
Networks	NHK WORLD-JAPAN

S17E05

Hokkaido: Voices from the Northern Land

Through the generations, Hokkaido has been home to people from diverse backgrounds, who have developed their livelihoods and established distinctive cultures in each area. Confronting the harsh natural environment of this vast northern island, the inhabitants have poured their feelings — joy, anxiety, prayers and wishes — into songs that are cherished to the present day. Those songs continue to bring local communities together through shared memories and values. On this edition of Journeys in Japan, British photographer Alfie Goodrich visits areas of Hokkaido that are home to the following songs: Esashi Oiwake, Soran Bushi, Tokachi Uma-uta, Hokkai Bon-uta and the Upopo songs of the Ainu people. Through this soundscape so deeply rooted in each community, he explores Hokkaido's history, culture and local traditions.

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