Cycle Around Japan

In early summer we travel across Hokkaido, meeting an artisan who teaches the traditional handicrafts of the indigenous Ainu to the next generation. We also encounter a legendary trainer who prepares riders for an unusual horse race unique to the region.

This episode forms part of a programme that follows a journey across Hokkaido during the early summer season. Framed as a ride through the island’s varied scenery, it presents a concise yet vivid portrait of the region, introducing viewers to the everyday rhythms and cultural backdrop that define this part of Japan. Along the way, the film meets an artisan who is dedicated to teaching the traditional handicrafts of the Ainu, the indigenous people of Hokkaido, to younger members of the community. At the same time, it introduces a legendary trainer who prepares participants for an unusual horse race, a competition that stands apart from ordinary equestrian events. Set against the backdrop of early summer, the episode contrasts the quiet, meticulous work of the craftsperson with the energetic preparation involved in the horse‑training regimen. By placing these two pursuits side by side, the programme highlights how the transmission of cultural skills and the maintenance of a distinctive sporting tradition coexist within the same community. Through its brief but focused narrative, the episode offers viewers a window onto the everyday lives that sustain Hokkaido’s unique identity. It demonstrates how the island’s heritage is kept alive both through the careful teaching of Ainu crafts to the next generation and through the continued enthusiasm for a race that remains a local hallmark.