About this season
FRONTRUNNERS highlights professionals at the very forefront of their field. We showcase their amazing work, discover their motivations, and learn about the challenges they face in the future.
Episodes (15)
1. Wildlife Vet - Saito Keisuke
Aired 8 January 2025 • 28 min
Wildlife vet Saito Keisuke has worked with endangered raptors in Hokkaido Prefecture for 30 years. He treats and releases the many birds injured by human activity, while also working to prevent such accidents.
2. Digital Services Innovator - Oba Carlos
Aired 15 January 2025 • 28 min
Oba Carlos is a social entrepreneur leveraging local Wi-Fi networks to close the gap in access to information and opportunity between urban and rural populations in the African nation of Benin.
3. Robotic Surgery Pioneer - Watanabe Go
Aired 29 January 2025 • 28 min
Watanabe Go is among the world's leading heart surgeons. He's an expert in robot-assisted keyhole surgery techniques that save lives while minimizing burden on the patient.
4. Takama Takeshi - Environmentalist
Aired 5 March 2025 • 28 min
Japanese researcher Takama Takeshi founded an organization on the island of Bali, Indonesia to study climate change and help farmers to adapt its effects.
5. Fish Leather Maker - Noguchi Tomohisa
Aired 19 March 2025 • 28 min
Noguchi Tomohisa makes leather from discarded fish skin. We investigate his efforts to utilize waste in the seafood industry, and contribute to sustainability.
6. Tree Surgeon - Goto Mizuho
Aired 26 March 2025 • 28 min
In Japan, around 5,200 trees fall each year, causing accidents that can even be fatal. Tree surgeon Goto Mizuho diagnoses and treats them, utilizing innovative technology and techniques.
7. Peace Educator - Sumioka Kenta
Aired 30 July 2025 • 28 min
In Hiroshima, as atomic bomb survivors age, preserving their memories has become a pressing issue. We follow Sumioka Kenta's efforts to further the cause of peace, through the creativity of youth.
8. Compost Promoter - Taira Yuiko
Aired 6 August 2025 • 28 min
Taira Yuiko promotes composting of food waste to create a sustainable cycle. She works with an NGO in Mongolia to form a local nutrient cycle, enriching the soil and teaching composting techniques.
9. Dollmaker - Nakamura Hiromine
Aired 13 August 2025 • 28 min
Fukuoka's summer traditional festival, Hakata Gion Yamakasa, features huge floats decorated with elaborate dolls. We meet Nakamura Hiromine, a fourth-generation dollmaker fusing this tradition with modern ideas.
10. Master Sculptor of Buddhist Statues - Matsumoto Shukan
Aired 27 August 2025 • 28 min
Matsumoto Myokei, a "once-in-a-century" sculptor of Buddhist statues, is passing his skills onto his grandson, Shukan. 80 years on from the atomic bomb attacks, Shukan sculpts a message of peace.
11. Chef - Suzuki Yuko
Aired 1 October 2025 • 28 min
Mongolia's culture of meat-eating is contributing to health problems in this developing economy. Chef Suzuki Yuko aims to introduce more vegetables through workshops and improved hospital menus.
12. Reconstructive Surgeon for Microtia - Yotsuyanagi Takatoshi
Aired 22 October 2025 • 28 min
Children with microtia are born with underdeveloped ears. Wearing a mask or glasses is difficult, and they may be bullied. We meet Dr. Yotsuyanagi Takatoshi, a leading reconstructive surgeon.
13. Social Entrepreneur - Ishikawa Naohito
Aired 19 November 2025 • 28 min
Social entrepreneur Ishikawa Naohito creates opportunities for Sri Lankans to enrich their lives. Projects include a massage salon employing the visually impaired, and an organic vegetable business.
14. Dry Stone Waller: Kaneko Reo
Aired 26 November 2025 • 28 min
Much of the stonework supporting Japan's terraced fields is in danger of collapse. There's an urgent need to train new stonemasons to carry out repairs. Kaneko Reo runs workshops around the country.
15. Deaf Cyclist: Hayase Kumi
Aired 24 December 2025 • 28 min
Hayase Kumi was the first deaf Japanese to earn a pharmacist's license. She is also a cyclist competing in the Deaflympics - an international sports competition for deaf athletes.