A classic winter cuisine in Japan that is popular in the colder months is "nabe," or hot pot. The pot is usually placed in the middle of the dining table, and everyone takes from it. Every region in Japan has hot pots and broths that locals are proud of. There're always smiles around the hot pot. In this episode of Seasoning the Seasons, we go up and down the Japanese islands in search of stories of happiness surrounding the hot pot.

Mount Iwate is a mountain that the people of Iwate always look up to. Standing at 2,038 meters above sea level, the locals are proud of this beautiful sight. Mount Iwate is an active volcano that has been erupting repeatedly for 700,000 years, and has undergone 7 major sector collapses to reach its current form. The large amount of volcanic ash and rocks that fell created vast foothills of the mountain. In this episode, we take a look at people living in the embrace of Mount Iwate.

The annual prayers at Shinto shrines in Japan at New Year's in 2021 were different than usual. It was a new year that started with anxiety and wishes. In the tourist town of Asakusa, which is centered around Sensoji Temple, foreign tourists have disappeared. To revive the town, people join hands. Kanda Shrine has accepted worshippers by keeping social distance. Prayers are offered to Jesus Christ too. In this episode, we look at people who started the year 2021 with prayers.

Hakone is on a major route between Tokyo and Kyoto Prefecture. For centuries, the town was known for its high mountain pass. Hakone has long been popular for its hot springs. Today it is also famous as a tourist resort, attracting around 20 million people a year. However, the coronavirus pandemic has had a major impact on the area. Even in difficult times, locals do all they can to keep on welcoming guests. This is the story of how Hakone is keeping up its long-standing traditions of hospitality.

Yokai, also known as Mononoke, and other spiritual beings: They are frightening when they suddenly appear, but can also be charming and rather cute. Why do they appear? What do they want? The Yokai send messages from the depths of forests, the darkness and the far corners of the ocean. Deities are not the only help the Japanese rely upon in times of distress and hardship. In this episode, we journey through the islands of Japan, listening to the mysterious messages of Yokai.

When drinkers raise their glasses for a toast, it's often full of beer. Whether we are exhausted or delighted, this amber-colored liquid helps us wind down and lighten the mood. Beer was first imported into Japan towards the end of Japan's samurai era. Recently, microbreweries in Japan are enjoying increasing popularity, doubling over the past 5 years to number more than 500. The history and culture of each region is poured into each new local craft beer. Tonight, why not raise your glass!

The city of Nikko, in Tochigi Prefecture, lying around 120 kilometers north of Tokyo, is one of Japan's leading tourist destinations. Nikko includes many popular sites including the Nikko Toshogu Shrine, renowned for its remarkable sculptures. However, there is more to Nikko than these tourist highlights. Beyond its sacred spaces, Nikko extends deep into the mountains. Far from the crowds, you can find out-of-the-way villages where local people brave the winter.