Trails to Oishii Tokyo Specials

In Trails to Oishii Tokyo, reporters from around the world discover Japan's best ingredients. This time, fermented foods like katsuobushi, the skipjack tuna flakes used to make dashi soup stock, miso and soy sauce, 2 of Japan's favorite seasonings, tsukemono pickles, a precious food source in harsh winters and sticky natto beans. All these ingredients have helped make Japanese food the world-renowned cuisine it is today. Learn how each is created with methods stretching back generations.

In Trails to Oishii Tokyo, reporters from around the world discover Japan's best ingredients. This time, Japan's environmentally friendly, sustainable fishing methods. From single-line lures to giant fixed nets to nets thrown into rivers to catch freshwater fish, these methods help to preserve Japan's seafood, the pillar of its culinary culture.

On Trails to Oishii Tokyo, reporters from around the world explore Japan's unique ingredients. Often given as gifts, high-end Japanese fruits aren't only delicious, they have the visual appeal of radiant jewels. Researchers and farmers go to great lengths to ensure they're grown to the perfect shape and pigment. Join us on a journey in search of fabulous fruit.

Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan's large northern island, is known for its rich nature and great, Oishii food. Its expansive farmlands, about a quarter of Japan's total, yield fresh produce, while its bountiful seas are home to some of Japan's best seafood, including fish, marine plants and more. And don't forget dairy: Hokkaido is Japan's largest producer! Today, we showcase the best of our Hokkaido trails so far.

Take a close look at unique herbs and spices, from the world-famous wasabi to the recently popular Sansho pepper. These small ingredients have played a massive role in the development of Japanese cuisine over the centuries, not only providing a punch of flavor but even disinfectant properties and health benefits. Join our reporters on a mouth-watering journey into the world of Japan's herbs and spices.

This episode showcases Japan's long history of food preservation and the ingenious methods that have been developed over the centuries. Whether by employing salt, the open air, or a natural fermentation process, careful preservation has allowed for the enjoyment of seasonal delicacies all year round. Dive for hijiki seaweed, try your hand at creating Kamaboko, and feast your eyes on many other household favorites like umeboshi.

Being surrounded by ocean on all sides, Japan has long relied on the ocean for sustenance. Numerous fishing and cultivation methods have been developed over the centuries to ensure the sustainability of such resources. From top quality fish raised on olive leaves and orange peels, to cultivated seaweed and shellfish, learn about several robust methods with our reporters in this special installment of "Trails to Oishii Tokyo," focusing on Japan's fisheries.

Along with renowned gourmet restaurants, Tokyo is also home to many food producers. Urban farms have grown traditional vegetables for centuries. Rooftop beekeeping is made possible by the beautiful flowers found in gardens and parks. The local fishing industry also thrives! This special episode introduces unsung heroes responsible for Tokyo specialties ranging from a world-renowned spice to unforgettable fish delicacies.

Fruit in Japan has evolved in the country's unique climate, shaping into perfect gems that are now recognized worldwide. Some are even referred to by their Japanese names, such as kaki and yuzu. Japanese peaches and pears are known for their impactful juiciness. In this special installment of Trails to Oishii Tokyo, revisit the hard work and ingenuity that goes into cultivating the fruits that have come to be prized the world over.

Satoyama - mountains surrounding villages where seasonal goodies are harvested all year. Enjoy a variety of mushrooms in fall, or produce gathered once the winter snow melts. These unique natural ingredients helped build the foundation of Japanese cuisine, stimulating all 5 senses throughout the year. In this special installment of Trails to Oishii Tokyo, our reporters visit Satoyama areas across Japan to discover the wonders that nature has to offer.

This episode features unique ingredients that may have you asking, "You eat that?!" Discover secrets behind nori, the papery food you've likely seen at a sushi shop; gobo, a root that's surprisingly versatile; and sea cucumbers! Add gelatinous Konnyaku to your diet as a calorie-free filler, and try the ingredient from the sea that makes Japanese sweets so special. Join us in this special remix about products of nature you wouldn't expect to end up on your dinner table.

As an island nation, Japan is surrounded by marine life. Since ancient times, these gifts from the sea have played key roles both on and off the dinner table. Feast your eyes on a selection from previous episodes as our Tokyo-based reporters discover what makes these marine delights so important for seasonal events and celebrations.

Winter is hot pot season in Japan. A single pot of veggies and seafood boiled in soup is all you need to stay cozy and warm. This episode focuses on the seasonal delicacies used in some of the most beloved recipes. Visit a port in Aomori Prefecture to see how a fish is prepared on the snow, and join sumo wrestlers for a traditional breakfast at their stable. From poisonous fish to radishes that grow in tuna fertilizer, discover the many winter gifts from the sea and land.

As an island nation, Japan has enjoyed a plethora of seafood since ancient times. In natural form, some may not look particularly appetizing, and some may even frighten you! But preparation and cooking methods have evolved over the centuries to transform these strange creatures that you may not have imagined were edible into tasty delights! Join us on a recap of some of our coolest seafood discoveries!

Umami emerged from Japan's culinary culture to become the fifth basic taste, and its star ingredients are attracting worldwide attention. A Japanese company expanded katsuobushi production to Spain, allowing the food to make its way onto menus across Europe. Kombu kelp is inspiring top chefs in New York. When rehydrated, dried shiitake mushrooms offer an umami-packed meaty texture loved by vegetarians. Discover more about a Japanese phenomenon that's taking the world by storm.

In Japan, food has long symbolized prosperity, playing a key role in annual festivities. Mochi rice cakes bring fortune in the New Year while azuki red beans ward off evil spirits. Takenoko bamboo shoots grow quickly, symbolizing success, and candies handed out to children bless them with a healthy future. Tour the country with us on a recap of some of Japan's most important foods and the special meaning behind them.

Going beyond sushi, Japanese food of all kinds is loved across the globe, and its core ingredient, rice, is steadily taking the world by storm. Ever had onigiri in Paris? Try high-end ones made with Japanese rice or localized versions that use French ingredients. Also learn about rice flour's role across Europe as a gluten-free ingredient and a type of Japanese rice grown specifically for the international market.

More than just a longer shelf life, Japan's fermented foods offer enhanced flavor and nutrition. Unlock secrets to the culture's longevity, starting with koji mold cultivation that dates back 600 years. Get an inside look at how the foods are taking the world by storm as we join a miso workshop in Paris and view the largest sake brewery in the U.S. Introducing Japanese fermentation—the foundation of the island nation's renowned cuisine.