Document 72 Hours backdrop
Documentary

The Best Episodes of Document 72 Hours Season 8

Every episode of Document 72 Hours Season 8 ranked from best to worst. Discover the Best Episodes of Document 72 Hours Season 8!

An unusual documentary series that delves into human dramas through chance encounters with ordinary people at selected spots. Filmed over 72 hours in a single location, the show captures glimpses into people's lives as they

Airs on
NHK G
BestEpisodes
WorstEpisodes
BestSeasons
AllEpisodes

Seasons16

All12345678910111213141516

Episode Rankings

  1. #1 Fan Favorite
    Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 1 - Narita Airport Immigration Checkpoint on Christmas Eve
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #1 - Narita Airport Immigration Checkpoint on Christmas Eve

    S8:E1

    Narita Airport on Christmas Day. We spend three days closely observing the immigration checkpoint, where the passports and travel purposes of foreigners arriving in Japan are checked. Young people on vacation visiting their lovers, Nepalese people confused because they don't understand the language. Some are refused entry and have to turn back... As the airport reaches its peak in terms of passenger traffic, efforts to prevent illegal entry and terrorism intensify on Christmas Eve. From this massive human intersection where tens of thousands of people come and go, the current state of the world emerges.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  2. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 2 - Why Omiya? The Café is Waiting
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #2 - Why Omiya? The Café is Waiting

    S8:E2

    Omiya in Saitama, where trains connecting the city and the north come and go. Behind the bustling downtown area lies a slightly unusual café. The interior is crammed with mysterious antiques, and all 300 menu items are served in large portions. Customers include friends enjoying the signature spaghetti napolitan, local Saitama residents who love their hometown, and even snack bar staff returning from work. For those from the Tohoku region, it's the gateway to the city, and for those working in the city center, it's a place to relax. This is the story of three days at this mysterious café.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  3. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 3 - The Sounds of Miyazaki's Street Piano
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #3 - The Sounds of Miyazaki's Street Piano

    S8:E3

    In the tropical city of Miyazaki, there is a mysterious piano placed in a bustling corner of the city. Anyone can play this “street piano” freely at any time. An elderly man waiting for the bus plays a children's song with one finger, while a young man plays the theme song from a drama. Since it was placed there three years ago with the aim of bringing vitality to the city, this spot has quietly gained popularity. People gather to applaud the music played by a man who has been visiting daily since the piano was installed and practicing on his own. What are the feelings of the people reflected in the piano melodies echoing through the streets?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  4. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 4 - Beppu: A Century of Hot Springs
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #4 - Beppu: A Century of Hot Springs

    S8:E4

    Beppu, the hot spring paradise. The stage is a 138-year-old traditional hot spring, known as the face of the city. The hot spring, which has only one old-fashioned, weathered bath, is visited by people enjoying a “bathside meeting” before work, those who came for hot spring therapy and ended up staying, and travelers passing through... In Beppu, where many people do not have baths at home, some visit multiple times a day. For three days, people from around the world gather in search of the ever-constant hot spring water.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  5. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 5 - At a park in Yokosuka with a view of warships
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #5 - At a park in Yokosuka with a view of warships

    S8:E5

    The setting is a park in Yokosuka with a close-up view of huge warships. Passersby include local residents taking a stroll, families of US military personnel letting their children play, and enthusiasts who come to see the US Navy's Aegis destroyers and Japan Self-Defense Force escort vessels. During the three days in late January when the new President Trump was inaugurated across the sea, we listen to the voices of people moving through this place where “daily life” and “extraordinary events” intertwine.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  6. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 6 - Cheap Underwear: Searching for Warmth
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #6 - Cheap Underwear: Searching for Warmth

    S8:E6

    Tokyo's Kita Ward. A three-day look at a cheap underwear store in a traditional shopping district that attracts 1,000 customers daily. Socks, underwear, and nightwear are priced at an unbeatable 60 yen or 80 yen. Among those who visit daily to enjoy the ever-changing selection are local housewives, a snack bar owner who says, “You really have to be careful about underwear,” and underground idols striving to save money. Women push large carts with excitement, enjoying conversations with staff. Over three days, the underwear they choose reflects the lives of women.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

    7. Trending NowTRENDING NOW

    The 20 BEST Episodes of Document 72 Hours

    READ
  7. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 7 - Wishing Upon Golden Kushikatsu
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #7 - Wishing Upon Golden Kushikatsu

    S8:E7

    Chiyobo Inari (commonly known as Ochobo-san) is the god of commerce in Gifu Prefecture. There is a kushikatsu restaurant that shines like gold on the crowded approach to the shrine. The shop is decorated in gold from the walls to the tables for good luck, and on some days, it sells 40,000 skewers of katsu at 90 yen each. On the once-a-month all-night operation day, various people visit, from cabaret club staff wishing for business prosperity to clam fishermen praying for a bountiful catch, and single mothers hoping for remarriage. What are the wishes of the people who visit “Ochobo-san” and enjoy the katsu? 　

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  8. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 8 - A Walking Path Where You Can See Giraffes
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #8 - A Walking Path Where You Can See Giraffes

    S8:E8

    Since the Kumamoto earthquake in April last year, the zoo has been closed. During the suspension of animal exhibitions, a walking path where you can see giraffes and elephants basking in the sun from outside the zoo has become a popular spot. Residents jogging by to peek through the fence, people visiting regularly to watch the growth of a giraffe born after the disaster, and those sending photos of the animals to family members living far away... Over three days, people sought to regain a sense of normalcy while observing the giraffes and elephants leisurely going about their day.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  9. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 9 - Welcome to Chungking Mansions, Hong Kong
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #9 - Welcome to Chungking Mansions, Hong Kong

    S8:E9

    Hong Kong, a city of the near future. Located on the city's main street is the somewhat suspicious giant building known as Chungking Mansions. Maze-like passageways are lined with currency exchange offices and restaurants, while the upper floors are packed with cheap guesthouses. People from more than 100 countries, including black and Indian people, come and go, making it a veritable giant human intersection. In recent times, with news of anti-immigrant sentiment spreading around the world, this three-day program explores the possibility of coexistence through the diverse community of Chongqing Mansion.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  10. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 10 - The Fateful Seven-Way Intersection
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #10 - The Fateful Seven-Way Intersection

    S8:E10

    The stage is a rare “seven-way intersection” in Ota Ward. Seven roads converge here, with bicycles, cars, and pedestrians constantly passing through. With so many roads, traffic lights cannot be installed, yet surprisingly, accidents are rare, perhaps because people naturally yield to one another. At each of the seven corners, various shops—from produce stores to snack bars—line the streets, bustling with people from dawn until late at night. This intersection, known as “Seven Crossroads,” emerged during land reform in the Taisho era. What kind of lives lie beyond these crossroads?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  11. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 11 - Spring at a Bag Store on the Street Corner
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #11 - Spring at a Bag Store on the Street Corner

    S8:E11

    Three days at a long-established bag store in Ameyoko, Tokyo. Parents and children excitedly shopping for school bags, a man choosing a huge bag to hold his survival game gear, and a woman returning from the spring equinox holiday who says, “I'm looking for the last bag of my life as part of my end-of-life preparations...” Stories of people who pack their lives into bags and set out on new journeys during this season of change.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  12. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 12 - A Small Funeral in the City
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #12 - A Small Funeral in the City

    S8:E12

    Three days at a funeral home near Shin-Yokohama Station. The services they handle are simple, intimate funerals for small groups. People following the will of the deceased who didn't want to burden their family with a large-scale ceremony, and those spending a quiet night with their family in a room within the building... Over the few days leading up to the funeral, the family repeatedly visits the deceased, gradually coming to terms with their feelings. They were present for the final moments with their loved one.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  13. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 13 - Live Camera at the Summit of Mount Kongō
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #13 - Live Camera at the Summit of Mount Kongō

    S8:E13

    An hour's drive from Osaka Station, Mount Kongō is equipped with a ropeway and is perfect for casual hiking. Among its attractions, the live camera installed at the summit is particularly popular. The camera takes a photo every hour, capturing the images of hikers on the internet. Some people make it a daily routine to check the camera at a set time, while others visit to show their loved ones back home that they are doing well. Some even strike up friendships with strangers they happen to meet in front of the camera... Over the course of three days, people from all walks of life gather at the summit, each trying to capture a fleeting moment.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  14. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 14 - Yoru no Mori: Sakura Tunnel
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #14 - Yoru no Mori: Sakura Tunnel

    S8:E14

    The Yoru no Mori area in Fukushima is famous for its cherry blossoms, with old trees lining a 2.4-kilometer stretch. Since the nuclear accident, few people visit, but in spring, former residents gather and the area bustles with activity for a short time. This year's cherry blossoms are a little special. In April, the evacuation order for part of the “cherry blossom tunnel” was lifted. Some people are returning to the village to restart their lives in sync with the cherry blossoms, but the remaining 80% of the tunnel remains in the “difficult-to-return zone,” where residency is still prohibited. For three days, people gather under the full bloom of the flowers, reminiscing about their hometown.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  15. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 15 - Fabric, Buttons, and Me
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #15 - Fabric, Buttons, and Me

    S8:E15

    From colorful fabrics to stylish buttons and wigs for cosplay, this large craft store in Shinjuku offers a selection of 500,000 craft and fashion items. People buying Gobelin-woven mats for cherry blossom viewing, a woman spending hours searching for “simple white fabric,” a British man looking for materials for doll clothes... Over three days, people hold small buttons and fabrics in their hands, letting their imaginations run wild.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  16. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 16 - I Tried Zen Temple Training
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #16 - I Tried Zen Temple Training

    S8:E16

    Over 1,000 people a year come to this Zen temple in Kyoto to try training. The secret to its popularity is how easy it is to join. You can book from a few thousand yen per night for as many nights as you like, and since it shows up high in internet searches, modern people looking for a quick reset keep coming back. Monastic life runs from 5 a.m. to 10 p.m., beginning with meal etiquette, followed by zazen meditation, and work duties (cleaning), creating a continuous series of cultural shocks. What is the mindset of those who seek to reflect on themselves through this somewhat rigorous training?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  17. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 17 - The Secret Marriage Counseling Room
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #17 - The Secret Marriage Counseling Room

    S8:E17

    On one floor of a building in Shinjuku, awkward conversations between men and women can be heard from booths partitioned off like a net cafe... These “private room-style marriage counseling rooms” have been popular for about 10 years. Parties tailored to specific needs, such as “for plus-size women,” “for women who want to become mothers within three years,” and “for otaku,” are held one after another. The program delves into the true feelings of the men and women who visit, such as “I want to do marriage counseling without others overhearing my conversations” and “I want to have both a fulfilling career and personal life.”

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  18. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 18 - Let's Meet at the Mosque in Shibuya, Tokyo
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #18 - Let's Meet at the Mosque in Shibuya, Tokyo

    S8:E18

    In a residential area of Shibuya, Tokyo, mysterious sounds can be heard from a pure white dome. This is Japan's largest mosque, “Tokyo Camii.” Those who visit include Bangladeshi sushi chefs, Turkish kebab shop owners, and Japanese women drawn to the unique culture of Islam. Among them, Friday is a sacred day. Over 500 people gather from across the Kanto region, and after prayers, they enjoy free meals while engaging in lively conversations. In the corner of the city, people from dozens of countries come together in this mysterious mosque for three days.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  19. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 19 - Enticed by the Gentle Movement of Jellyfish
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #19 - Enticed by the Gentle Movement of Jellyfish

    S8:E19

    Along the Sea of Japan coast in Yamagata Prefecture, there is an aquarium known for having one of the world's largest collections of jellyfish. Among them, the most popular attraction is a 5-meter-diameter tank containing 5,000 moon jellyfish. While watching the jellyfish float like stars in space, a high school student dreams of a future building rockets. Another person stares at baby jellyfish for 30 minutes straight. At night, some people participate in the “Overnight Aquarium” program, spending the night inside the aquarium. What kind of feelings do people have for jellyfish, which float aimlessly without brains or hearts?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  20. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 20 - Solo Truck Journey: Blown by the Wind
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #20 - Solo Truck Journey: Blown by the Wind

    S8:E20

    In Tosu, Kyushu, where large trucks come and go, there is a place where drivers gather in a city lined with large warehouses. A “truck station” with parking for large vehicles, dining facilities, and baths. The voices heard there are unexpected. “Though it's often seen as a ‘black industry,’ after driving for four hours, a 30-minute break is mandatory.” “In the past, we used to drive non-stop, but now the company doesn't allow it, so our take-home pay keeps decreasing.” Over three days at this key logistics hub, we reflect on working conditions and the fulfillment of the job.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  21. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 21 - The Closed Room in the Sky: The Rooftop Ferris Wheel
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #21 - The Closed Room in the Sky: The Rooftop Ferris Wheel

    S8:E21

    On the rooftop of a department store in Matsuyama, Ehime Prefecture, there is a Ferris wheel that every citizen knows. It takes 15 minutes to complete one full rotation, and once you reach the top, you can see the entire city. Visitors include high school students during exam periods, young people who have decided to work outside the prefecture, and an elderly woman living alone who always stops by while shopping. Why are people drawn to this mysterious closed space where they simply go up and come down? A 15-minute drama unfolds as each person spends their time as they please.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  22. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 22 - Kitakyushu Kokura ‘100 Yen Bar’ Blues
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #22 - Kitakyushu Kokura ‘100 Yen Bar’ Blues

    S8:E22

    Kitakyushu City has prospered as a steel town. The bar is located on a slightly retro and slightly shady street off the entertainment district. At the center of the bar is a machine that automatically pours alcohol. Amazingly, it's only 100 yen per drink. Attracted by the cheap, well-chilled drinks, the 24-hour establishment is bustling with unique patrons. A frugal couple discussing their future. A man who has escaped the underworld, savoring ordinary happiness—. From the tables piled with coins, the blues of each individual echoes.

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  23. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 23 - Giant Housing Complex: Hello and Goodbye at a Secondhand Shop
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #23 - Giant Housing Complex: Hello and Goodbye at a Secondhand Shop

    S8:E23

    Tama New Town, located in the suburbs of Tokyo, is home to over 200,000 people. The setting for this episode is a giant secondhand shop with a sales floor area of 1,500 tsubo (approximately 5,000 square meters) towering over the center of the town. Most of the 600,000 items filling the floor are things that have been brought in because they are no longer needed. From brand-new trendy items to a father's heirlooms, music equipment filled with memories of youth, and a “takoyaki maker” once enjoyed with children—each item holds a story. What do people think when they let go of these items?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  24. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 24 - The Elderly Care Facility with a View of the Sea
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #24 - The Elderly Care Facility with a View of the Sea

    S8:E24

    The elderly care facility is located on a hill overlooking the sea in Kanagawa Prefecture. With an average age of 84, over 450 residents live quiet lives here. Some have spent over 30 years here. A 90-year-old former engineer says, “I never expected to live this long.” A 90-year-old couple who met after losing their spouses. An 80-year-old woman who dedicated her life to work now spends her days alone on the sofa, watching people come and go. In the era of a 100-year lifespan, the question arises: “What is happiness?”

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

  25. Document 72 Hours Season 8 Episode 25 - The Never-Sleeping Restaurant in the Mountains
    0.0/10(0 votes)

    #25 - The Never-Sleeping Restaurant in the Mountains

    S8:E25

    Along a national highway running through the Chinese mountains. Late at night, there is a mysterious family restaurant that glows with seven colors. The exterior is said to be modeled after a “bandit's fortress,” with bold cuisine and flashy decorations. They use every trick in the book to entertain their customers. During the day, the restaurant is bustling with families, but at night, it transforms completely. Young people are drawn to the lights and gather one after another. Locally, it is said that once you get your driver's license, this is the first restaurant you should visit. What is the reason people go out of their way to cross the mountains to visit?

    Director:Unknown
    Writer:Unknown

    Be the first to start the conversation for this episode

Season 8 Ratings Summary

"Narita Airport Immigration Checkpoint on Christmas Eve" is the best rated episode of "Document 72 Hours" season 8. It scored /10 based on 0 votes. Directed by Unknown and written by Unknown, it aired on 1/13/2017. This episode is rated 0.0 points higher than the second-best, "Why Omiya? The Café is Waiting".