CATCH JAPAN

Aired: May 30, 2019 (UTC)


Series Information

Explore a colorful variety of modern Japan’s most popular topics, including food, technology, ecology and regional promotions, with a focus on the innovative ideas and passionate effort from the people behind it all.

J-TRIP

The city of Osaka in western Japan now has the highest growth rate of travelers from overseas. The Osaka Wonder Loop open-roof tour bus is a project lead by Kanji Hori and developed in collaboration with local businesses. This segment explores the secret that continues to attract tourists and the efforts behind the project.

The Osaka Wonder Loop Bus
Kanji Hori, man behind the development of the Osaka Wonder Loop

J-FACTORY

The Ninja H2R motorcycle launched in 2016 by Kawasaki has recorded a top speed of 400 km/hour. The creation and development of its extraordinary specifications, incorporating gas turbine and aircraft designs, involved ideas from engineers unrelated to motorbike development. This segment features a look at the efforts behind the achievement of this apex technological speed machine.

The Ninja H2R motorcycle
Engineers behind the Ninja H2R, Kazuo Tanaka (left) & Satoaki Ichi (right)

In May 2019, the Ninja H2R engineering team has been granted the "Technological Development Award" by the Society of Automotive Engineers of Japan for its contribution to the advancement of automotive technology with the development of a motorcycle engine that can suppress abnormal combustion through its highly compatible supercharger.

The Ninja H2R motorcycle
During test drive

“Bonneville Speed Week”, a motor sport event held in Utah, USA was held from August 11 to 17, 2018. The Ninja H2 joined the "P-PB 1000 class", establishing a world record of 209.442 miles (337.064 km / h) the fastest in this class.

During the “Bonneville Speed Week”
The Ninja H2 motorcycle

J-ART

TURN is a socially inclusive art project led by Katsuhiko Hibino of the Tokyo University of Arts that aims to integrate art and social welfare. This segment showcases the project’s activities heading toward the 2020 Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Japanese artist Yasuaki Igarashi working on an art piece with autistic children in Lima, Peru
Katsuhiko Hibino, artist and dean of the Faculty of Fine Arts, Tokyo University of the Arts

J-ADVENTURE

The runAway team are back! After conquering Mount Fuji, they now head south toward the Izu Peninsula. This time we see Dean take to his bicycle to cover over 130km along beautiful winding roads, cutting through nature and reaching the ocean at Irozaki Cape. In just 2 days, the runAway team see some of the best sites of Izu on this whirlwind adventure!
For more runAway adventures, check out: https://www.youtube.com/runawayjapan

Cycling around Izu Peninsula
Meditating at Sano River

Host

Maxwell Powers

Voice Actor/MC/Bilingual Pro
From Oakland, California

Maxwell Powers

Our Series

Trailblazers We follow Japan’s trailblazers breaking new ground in various fields and discover the purpose that keeps them moving forward.
Catch Japan Explore a colorful variety of modern Japan’s most popular topics, including food, technology, ecology and regional promotions, with a focus on the innovative ideas and passionate effort from the people behind it all.
The Heart of Fukui This series explores the allure of traditional culture thriving in Fukui, a region rich in nature facing the Sea of Japan.
SPIRIT OF JAPAN The program introduces the history and wisdom behind Japan’s technological strength and specialties, which are helping to revitalize regional areas of the country.
Explore Japan This series will feature how various culture in modern Japan and overseas blend together and influence each other.
Exploring the Lands of the Ainu In this series, we visit areas in Hokkaido with deep connections to the Ainu living there and showcase their prayers, dances, and traditional ceremonies passed down through generations.
J-Entertainment Infotainment show featuring young artists full of talent with their unique sense of “Japan.”
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