Somewhere Street - Season 8 / Year 2017

Attracting over 6 million visitors from Japan as well as the rest of the world, Nagasaki Prefecture is a major tourist destination. Between the 17th and 19th centuries, Nagasaki was the only port in Japan where foreign trade was permitted. After Japan opened its doors to the West in the 19th century, Nagasaki's prosperous shipbuilding industry triggered the modernization of Japan. In this episode, we stroll around the beautiful city surrounding slopes and covered with houses known as the "city of hills."

Manila is the capital of the Philippines. In the 16th century, the Spanish built "Intramuros" the fortress city in Manila. Spain colonized the Philippines, and continued to rule it for 300 years. Today suburban development is advancing but the traditional lifestyles have not been totally discarded. In this episode, we stroll around the city which is rapidly changing in step with its developing economy.

Siem Reap is a popular tourist destination because it is close to the largest religious monument in the world, the temple complex of Angkor Wat. A legacy of the Khmer Empire which ruled the area for 500 years beginning in the 9th century, Angkor served as its capital city. The majestic monuments are testimony of the impressive achievements of that era and continue to be popular tourist attractions. The people of Siem Reap take pride in the monument they consider the soul of Cambodia. In this episode, we explore the city of Siem Reap and meet its residents who embrace Buddhism and preserve the culture of the Khmer Empire.

In this episode, we stroll around the city of Valletta, the capital of the Republic of Malta which is a small island off the shore of Italy. A World Heritage Site, Valletta is a walled city built by Christian Knights during the 16th century. The old fortresses, churches and buildings of that era are still used to this day. We meet and talk with residents who maintain the traditions of the Knights.

Located on the Aegean Sea, Hydra Island is one of Greece's most beautiful. With a population of about 3,000 and no automobiles allowed, the popular tourist destination is only a day trip from Athens. In the 15th century, a powerful merchant fleet was constructed, enabling prosperity through transit trade. The fleet joined the fight for Greek independence, achieving victory in 1827. But Hydra's transit trade suffered so vehicle roads were not built. Mules are the principal mode of transportation.

Located about an hour and a half away from the hectic hustle and bustle of Tokyo, Chichibu is a quiet leisurely paced city. In 2016 its Night Festival was designated a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. Chichibu Kabuki is a big draw at this festival. For over 400 years, Chichibu has been home to various industries. In the early 1900's silk industry flourished and a number of factories and stores were built. Chichibu's weaving industry went into decline after the second half of the 20th century. In this episode, we stroll around the old city where the retrospective buildings are carefully preserved.

Haarlem is one of the oldest cities in the Netherlands. During the middle ages due to trade via boats on the canals and rivers, the city prospered. It was the northern urban hub of the Netherlands. Many historical monuments, like the Cathedral of Saint Bavo which is a masterpiece of Gothic architecture and the windmills which were used to drain the water from the land, still remain. In this episode, we stroll around the city and meet inhabitants who share how they enjoy their lives on the canals.

Bayonne is a city located in the Basque Country in southern France. Settled by the Basque people during the time of the Roman Empire, Bayonne was a Roman stronghold on the main highway. During the middle ages it developed as a trading port and flourished. Basque people are known for their rich heritage and unique culture. Since the 12th century the city has been known for the production of Bayonne ham and in the 15th century, it became the first city in France to make chocolate. In this episode, we explore Bayonne and meet its residents who love their traditions and their distinctive culture.

Ulaanbaatar is the capital of Mongolia, a country famous for its grassy plateaus and nomadic culture. Due to Mongolia's rapidly growing economy, the city of Ulaanbaatar is now prospering and developing at an incredible rate of speed. Jobs are bringing more of the country's nomads to the city resulting in lifestyle changes for many of its residents. In this episode we walk around and explore Ulaanbaatar while meeting with its inhabitants who are experiencing and embracing their new urban lives.