Document 72 Hours

Rolling Along on Kochi's Streetcars

Streetcars have been rolling through the streets of Kochi City for more than 120 years. For three days, we asked passengers of all ages where they were going and why they chose to travel by streetcar.

Life in a Kagoshima Gold Mine

A gold mine in Kagoshima has 190 staff, from teens to veterans in their 60s, who work to extract gold used in jewelry and electronics. Spend three days with people toiling above and belowground.

Dining Alone at a Shinbashi Yakiniku Restaurant

A yakiniku grilled meat restaurant in Tokyo's busy Shinbashi district is tailored to solo diners. Why do these customers prefer to eat alone? For three days, we got down to the meat of the matter.

A Modern Shared Home in Kobe

An apartment building in Kobe offers residents on-site care. The lounge is open to the public, and locals and kids gather to socialize. We spend three days in the comforting warmth of a shared home.

Coming "Home" to a Maid Cafe in Akihabara

Tokyo's Akihabara is a hub of maid cafe culture. Once catering mainly to male customers, these cafes now also attract women and families. For three days, we went inside to explore one cafe's appeal.

At a Tokyo Bookstore That Never Sleeps

A 24-hour bookstore in Tokyo attracts a diverse range of customers. For three days and nights, we asked people what they are buying — and why — in an age of digital books and online shopping.

A Small Store on Tsushima Island

On Tsushima Island in southwestern Japan, a small store stocks fresh produce and everyday items and delivers to homes, restaurants, schools and more. Join us for three days on the island.

A Mountain Water Spring in Wintry Nagano

People from far and wide flock to a spring deep in the Nagano Prefecture mountains that offers free water. For three days in early winter, we asked them why this water is worth coming for.

Winter in Hiroshima's Food Stalls

People eat and drink at a line of food stalls in Kure, Hiroshima while rubbing shoulders with strangers who quickly become friends. Listen to the conversations that unfold during a few winter nights.

Diary of Rental Cars in Snowy Kanazawa

Even as record-breaking snow blankets Kanazawa on the Sea of Japan coast, a car rental business stays open for its customers. For three days in January, we asked them where they will go and why.

Toyama's Coast with a Mountain View

Toyama Prefecture's Amaharashi Coast offers a stunning view of the sea against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. For three days, we talked to visitors drawn by this rare and beautiful view.

A Retro Bicycle Parking Lot in Tokyo

Journeys on the "Mizoca" Propeller Plane

At a Fountain Park in Central Tokyo