Satoyama

S01E01 Niigata: Living with Snow

Nestled in the snowy mountains of Japan, the picturesque terraced rice paddies of Hoshitoge, or Star Pass, create a stunning tableau, with the night sky mirrored in the water. This episode invites viewers to explore a charming farming village where the residents have bravely faced nature’s challenges and preserved traditional farming practices to cultivate some of the finest rice in the nation. It reflects on a year in this snowy satoyama, highlighting the deep connections among the villagers and between them and the surrounding wildlife, showcasing ancient wisdom often overlooked by the modern world.