Extraordinary Stories Behind Everyday Things

Japan continues to thrive as it incorporates cultural elements of music, fashion, cuisine, sports, arts and science from around the world. People’s encounters trigger the fusion of Japan’s and the world’s diverse culture, unceasingly producing a myriad of new phenomena and events. This series will feature how various culture in modern Japan and overseas blend together and influence each other.

The show that puts renovation wrongs right, as homeowners who've had bad experiences with builders salvage their half-built homes.

Meet people around Japan who strive for a life without waste under the traditional philosophy of "MOTTAINAI," which values cherishing the things we have.

Property and design enthusiast Tinie Tempah follows homeowners as they unleash their inner architect and build beautiful, often radical and 'out there' home extensions.

Paul’s fascination with trains stems from his childhood. His father was a driver on the London Underground and when, as a young boy, Paul witnessed his dad driving a train across Putney Bridge, it sparked a lifelong fascination of railways. Now, he is following in his father’s footsteps by joining the drivers upfront and in control of some of the world’s most amazing trains and experiencing the best views as he travels through breathtaking landscapes in the UK and Europe. From steep gradients and tight curves to pinpoint platform stops, Paul will learn what it takes to keep these mighty machines on track. Visiting Germany, France, Switzerland, Wales, Northern England and Isle of Wight, he’ll meet the people who keep the railways running - from engineers and conductors to passengers with fascinating stories of their own.

Kevin will travel the length and breadth of the country to uncover the stories behind some of Britain’s most remarkable buildings and structures, exploring why places as diverse as Coventry Cathedral and the Penguin Pool at London Zoo have been judged worthy of the highest level of protection. This is heritage with the doors thrown open, as Kevin is invited into parts of these structures the public never normally sees, as he meets the people who care for them and gets hands-on himself.

Japanese inventions are used and loved around the world. Through interviews and reenactments, go behind the scenes and discover how Japanese craftsmanship brought these top inventions into being.

Set at Tinkers Barn, a unique salvage yard in the Suffolk countryside, the series follows three generations of the Warnes family as they rescue, restore and repurpose treasures that others leave behind, hunting for forgotten finds in barns, castles and demolition sites.

The timeless heart of Japan's ancient capital. Against its rich backdrop of culture and tradition, today's Kyoto continues to innovate and inspire.

Following the loss of his mother Ayako, Takumi receives a Lygodium box with a letter inside addressed to Wira. He then decides to travel from Japan to Thailand in order to return the box to its owner. There, Takumi meets Lita, Wira's daughter. He learns that his mother once asked Wira to teach her the art of Lygodium weaving and an incredible bond was formed though, in the end, she decided to return to Japan much to Wira's despair. Learning of their story evokes new thoughts about Takumi's own relationships.