FRONTRUNNERS - Season 4

First aired: 1/7/2026 12 episodes

Episodes

1. Cheesemaker and Dairy Farmer: Matsubara Masanori

Aired: 1/7/2026

Matsubara Masanori uses a natural, sustainable farming method to produce cheese that wins international prizes. His cows and goats live in the mountains, feeding on leaves and grass.

2. NPO President - Shiraishi Yuriko

Aired: 1/21/2026

92-year-old Shiraishi Yuriko teaches women in Côte d'Ivoire to make surimi, a Japanese fish paste, supporting their independence and improving nutrition across the nation.

3. Pizza Entrepreneur - Masuko Yosuke

Aired: 2/4/2026

Japanese pizza entrepreneur Masuko Yosuke is revolutionizing the restaurant industry in Vietnam and beyond, working to spread happiness through delicious food, great hospitality and green initiatives.

4. Health Tech Entrepreneur - Ajima Masumi

Aired: 2/4/2026

Health tech entrepreneur Ajima Masumi has developed an app to analyze the condition of children with developmental disorders, aiming to help them reach their potential regardless of their background.

5. Wajima Lacquer Artist: Akagi Akito

Aired: 2/11/2026

In 2024, an earthquake damaged the production of Wajima lacquerware, a tradition with a shrinking number of practitioners. Lacquer artist Akagi Akito works to pass on his skills, and revive the craft.

6. Master Whisky Blender: Akuto Ichiro

Aired: 2/18/2026

In 2024, master blender Akuto Ichiro was inducted into a prestigious international whisky Hall of Fame. His latest challenge is to produce grain whisky, using corn grown in northern Japan.

7. Koi Masters – Mano Futoshi & Mano Shigeru

Aired: 2/25/2026

Every year, breeders of colorful carp (koi) compete in Tokyo for the title of World Champion. The Mano brothers, Futoshi and Shigeru, endured a devastating earthquake, and are seeking victory.

8. NPO Founder - Doya Yuto

Aired: 3/11/2026

Social entrepreneur Doya Yuto supports Ghana through his fashion brand and NPO. By providing fair wages and reinvesting profits, he builds schools and expands education in disadvantaged communities.

9. Dietitian: Egashira Fumie

Aired: 3/18/2026

Japan's population is aging, and millions suffer from dysphagia-they find it difficult to chew and swallow food. Nutritionist Egashira Fumie has helped thousands continue to eat normally.

10. Solar Sharing Pioneer: Higashi Mitsuhiro

Aired: 3/25/2026

Higashi Mitsuhiro works to revitalize regional communities by combining solar power generation with agriculture. He's been perfecting the idea in Japan, and has begun implementing it in Ethiopia.

11. Yabusame Horseback Archer: Kamimura Ayuko

Aired: 6/24/2026

Yabusame is traditional horseback archery. It's preserved as a Shinto ritual, but is not accessible to all. Kamimura Ayuko runs competitions open to women and international participants.

12. World-Leading Nearsightedness Specialist: Ohno-Matsui Kyoko

Aired: 7/15/2026

Ohno-Matsui Kyoko is an expert in high myopia—severe nearsightedness. She runs the world's first specialized clinic, and pushes the boundaries of diagnosis and treatment.