How Do They Do It?

The programme demonstrates how ancient techniques combined with modern technology are used to produce thousands of tonnes of barbecue charcoal. It also shows, in detail, the process of cooking Japan's soba noodles, highlighting the traditional craft behind the popular dish.

"Charcoal/Soba Noodles" is a television episode that falls under the programme type and genre of an episode. It presents a concise look at two seemingly unrelated Japanese industries, bringing them together under a single thematic umbrella. The episode centres on two core questions. First, it investigates how practitioners blend time‑honoured, ancient techniques with contemporary technology to generate thousands of tonnes of barbecue charcoal. Second, it turns its focus to the culinary side, asking how Japan’s iconic soba noodles are prepared, highlighting the methods that turn simple buckwheat into the familiar thin strands. In exploring these topics, the show juxtaposes tradition and modernity, showing how age‑old practices are adapted to meet today’s production demands. It follows the process that turns raw material into massive quantities of charcoal, then shifts to the careful preparation of soba, illustrating the craftsmanship required in both fields. By presenting the two processes side by side, the episode underscores the shared reliance on skilled technique, whether for fuel or food, and demonstrates how both industries sustain their cultural heritage while embracing technological advancement.