Through the Kitchen Window

Lake Biwa is the largest body of fresh water in Japan. There's a town, Harie in Shiga Prefecture, on its northwestern shore, with a constant sound of water. Canals run throughout the town, as if to surround each house. Flowing there is all natural water that wells from underground. To make efficient use of this precious water, local people have created a type of kitchen, Kabata, that's unique to this area. Inside of this kitchen, the beautiful water flows from a well. This water has been supporting people's lives for 300 years. We'll visit some families in Harie, and see how these people have been creating the circle of life.

All Episodes - Season 1

Episode 1

Tama Hiyama: Chirashi Zushi Home-party Sushi

Episode 2

Akemi and Satsuki: Shojin Ryori, Buddhist Cuisine

Episode 3

Akio Okamura: Sardines Pickled in Rice Bran

Episode 4

Sayaka Mori: Seaweed Maki Roll

Episode 5

Misao Kuwata: Mochi Rice Cakes Wrapped in Bamboo Leaves

Episode 6

Jiyu Gakuen: Salmon Chirashi Zushi

Episode 7

Harie, Shiga: A Town Living with Water

Episode 8

Shimi-konnyaku, Ibaraki

Episode 9

Hayama: Bringing Seafood Back

Episode 10

Iga: Creating New Out of Old

Episode 11

For the Love of Akigawa's Sweetfish

Episode 12

First Bites, Big Smiles

Episode 13

The Wasabi Brothers: Finding the Spice of Life

Episode 14

Live Eat Cook Simple

Episode 15

Finding Happiness in Hayama

Episode 16

Boxed Meals, Family Flavors

Episode 17

Life on a Tea Farm

Episode 18

Mieko's Island

Episode 19

A Taste of a Summer Festival

Episode 20

Passing on Pickled Plums for Posterity

Episode 21

Finding Myself in Satoyama

Episode 22

A Craftsman's Roots

Episode 23

The Vegetable Nurtured by Snow

Episode 24

The Joy of Soy

Episode 25

Bamboo Shoots Ring in the Spring

Episode 26

Nothing Wasted Everything Gained

Episode 27

An Island Where Art and Food Meet

Episode 28

Let the Good Times Roll

Episode 29

Hamako's Mountain Home