Somewhere Street - Season 9 / Year 2018

Kagoshima, the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture, is a city on Japan's Kyushu Island. Located across the bay from Sakurajima, an active volcano that continues to erupt daily, dropping volcanic ash on the surrounding areas. About 150 years ago Saigo Takamori, a Kagoshima samurai, led an uprising that ended the rule of the feudalistic Tokugawa shogunate, bringing about the modernization of Japan. In this episode, we explore Kagoshima and meet its residents who love Saigo and Sakurajima.

Ushuaia, Argentina is the world's southernmost city. Close to Antarctica, it is located between the ocean and the Andes Mountains. Ushuaia was established as a city in the 19th century. It wasn't until the 1970s that the industry began to develop, attracting people seeking work and tourists from all over the world. Located on the southernmost tip of the South American Continent, it is now a popular destination for backpackers. In this episode, we explore Ushuaia and meet the friendly, kindhearted folk who have made their homes here.

The city of Chiang Mai is located about 700 kilometers north of Bangkok, which is the capital of Thailand. Until the 18th century Chiang Mai was the capital of the Lan Na Kingdom. Located on a high plain surrounded by mountains, the city is an international crossroads with a mild climate. Known as a "city of healing," Chiang Mai is acclaimed as a spot for resting both body and mind making it a popular tourist destination. In this episode we explore Chiang Mai and meet its residents who love their traditions and enjoy life in this peaceful city.

Centrally located with an easily accessible port, Vietnam's Da Nang is one of the country's most popular beach resorts. During the Vietnam War, it served as an important base of operations for the U.S. Forces until the war ended in 1975. The city experienced difficulty with its recovery after the war, until the year 2000, when the city was redeveloped as a beach resort. Da Nang is now a dream vacation spot for international travelers. In this episode we walk around exploring the Da Nang, meeting its inhabitants who love their traditions and are also delighted with the new face of the city.

Asuncion, the capital of Paraguay is located in the middle of South America. Established during the 16th century by Spaniards who had traveled across the Atlantic Ocean, the city proved to be a convenient and strategic base for colonial development. Rather than fighting with the Spaniards, the indigenous Guarani chose to protect their bloodline by entering into alliances and intermarriage with the conquerors. Thus the Guarani culture is still a vital part of life in Asuncion today. In this episode we explore Asuncion and meet its residents who love their traditions and their distinctive culture.

Venice is a beachfront neighborhood located on the west side of Los Angeles, California. Known for its beaches, canals that were created in imitation of Venice, Italy, and Ocean Front Walk that attracts the young and trendy who love sports, the arts and the free-wheeling atmosphere, Venice is one of LA's most free spirited and forward-thinking areas. In this episode we stroll through the neighborhood meeting locals who share the lifestyles that they enjoy as residents of Venice.

Ayutthaya is the city that flourished as the royal capital of Thailand from the mid-14th century for about 400 years. The Ayutthaya Kingdom utilized its topographical advantage of being surrounded by rivers to flourish as a trade hub connecting Europe with Asia. The ruins of the Buddhist temples of that era are collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they attract tourists from all over the world. In this episode we explore Ayutthaya and meet its residents who love their traditions and their distinctive culture.

Home to around 150 Buddhist temples, Vientiane is the capital of Laos. In the 16th century King Setthathirath of the Kingdom of Lanexang built Pha That Luang, considered to be the most beloved Buddhist stupa in Laos. Buddhist philosophies have a powerful impact on the lives of all Laotians and it is believed that men should leave home and experience the life of a monk at least once in their lives. In this episode we explore the rapidly growing city of Vientiane, meeting its residents who passionately uphold their traditions and distinctive culture.

Located in the foothills of Japan's Northern Alps and surrounded by forests is the city of Hida Takayama. Known as Hida's "Little Kyoto," Takayama's old town, retains a traditional touch with its streets lined with wooden buildings. During the spring and fall, the city hosts the celebrated Takayama Festival featuring a parade of large floats, which has been added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is a popular tourist destination. In this episode we explore Hida Takayama and meet its residents who love their traditions and their distinctive culture.