NHK's documentary program "Document 72 Hours" (NHK General) will be rebroadcasting four episodes focusing on the area along the JR Keihin-Tohoku Line: "Bonsai: A Small Universe in a Pot," "Akabane, Tokyo: At a Candy Store on a Street Corner," "Ueno: At a Discount Women's Clothing Store," and "At a Coin Car Wash After the Rainy Season," all starting at 12:40 AM on June 13th.
"Bonsai: A Small Universe in a Pot" is set in "Omiya Bonsai Village," a place that attracts bonsai enthusiasts from all over the world. In the season of fresh greenery, we listened to the voices of people who are devoted to their bonsai.
"Akabane, Tokyo: A Candy Store on a Street Corner" is set in a long-established candy store in Akabane, Tokyo. It's bustling with customers every day, not just children, but also many adults. What is the enduring appeal of these traditional Japanese sweets? We spent three summer days observing the store.
"At a Discount Women's Clothing Store in Ueno" is set in a discount women's clothing store in Ueno, Tokyo. This long-established store offers everything from everyday wear to designer items for special occasions, some at less than half the regular price. What are the reasons for buying clothes there?
"At the Coin Car Wash After the Rainy Season" is set in a self-service car wash in Shinagawa, Tokyo. People spend time polishing their beloved cars using sprays that dispense water and detergent. What else are they trying to wash away along with the dirt on their cars...?
The program is a documentary that places a camera in one location each time and observes the various human dramas that unfold there for 72 hours. It listens to the stories of people who meet by chance and captures a glimpse of "the present."
