Japan: Between Earth and Sky Season 1 Episode 1 The Snow Island

Japan: Between Earth and Sky is a breathtaking documentary series that delves into the natural wonders of Japan, exploring the country's stunning landscapes and wildlife. In the first episode titled "The Snow Island," viewers are taken on a journey to Hokkaido, the northernmost island of Japan, which is covered in snow for several months out of the year.

The episode kicks off with an aerial view of Hokkaido's snow-covered mountains, as narrator Lucy Craft explains that despite Japan's reputation for high-tech cities and fast-paced living, much of the country remains untouched and wild. Hokkaido, in particular, is a place of stark contrasts - it's home to both bustling cities and vast, uninhabited wilderness.

The first segment of the episode takes us to the mountains of Daisetsuzan National Park, where we meet a group of researchers who are studying the elusive Ezo Brown Bear. We learn that there are only around 200 of these bears left in Japan, and they are under threat from shrinking habitats and human encroachment. The researchers have set up cameras and traps throughout the park to monitor the bears' behavior and health, and they share some stunning footage of the bears in their natural habitat.

Next, we travel to Lake Akan, where we meet another group of researchers who are studying a unique species of fish called Marimo - also known as "lake balls" due to their round, green shape. Marimo are only found in a few places around the world, and Lake Akan is one of them. The researchers explain that Marimo are sensitive to changes in their environment, and they've noticed a decline in the lake's Marimo population due to pollution and climate change.

From there, we head to a small village on the east coast of Hokkaido, where we meet a fisherman named Nobuo Fukushima. Fukushima has been fishing these waters for over 40 years, and he takes us out to sea to show us how he catches his fish using traditional methods - without the use of modern equipment like GPS or sonar. It's clear that Fukushima has a deep connection to the sea and the creatures that live in it, and he talks about the importance of sustainable fishing practices.

Finally, we head to the city of Sapporo, where we get a taste of Hokkaido's famous food culture. We visit the Sapporo Beer Museum, where we learn about the history of beer in Japan and how Sapporo Beer became a beloved national brand. We also stop by a local ramen shop to sample some of Hokkaido's most famous dish, made with rich, creamy broth and chewy noodles.

Overall, "The Snow Island" is a captivating introduction to the natural beauty and unique culture of Hokkaido. It's clear that despite modernization and industrialization, there are still pockets of Japan that remain deeply connected to the land and sea, and this episode does an excellent job of showcasing that.