Half the point of this website is to share resources that can be helpful for cycling in Japan and so in the first of a series, here’s a look at a useful TV show, NHK Cycle Around Japan. Japan’s national broadcaster has a regular about cycling in Japan on its international channel NHK World. It’s enjoyable as a travel show but could do with more for the cyclist, especially if you want to visit the roads you’ve seen on TV.
Each episode is thirty minutes. They feature a cyclist on a multi-day tour around a region as they see the sights and visit locals, all in English.
Every episode begins with the presenter stepping out of an airport or a train station to introduce themselves. Then the narrator Chris Wells explains where they are and where they will be going. The presenter sets off on the journey. Then they wow at the local roads. They sample regional food and meet people doing various activities and arts along the way.
While every episode shares this formulaic structure, chances are if you like the idea of cycling around Japan then you will like this. The pattern might be the same but the presenters, roads, seasons vary enough so that you’ll find plenty of variety. It’s also very inviting, the presenters might tackle some tough roads or bad weathers but it’s always a brief challenge. The format works well and the presenters don’t hog the camera. The star of the show is often the local scenery and culture, rather than the presenter’s takes on it all.
Actually the cycling component can be small. The title and means of travel documentary could equally be motorbiking or hiking, there’s not much exploring the cycle culture in Japan or tips on which road to take. But it’s fun this way of course, and seeing the presenter riding makes it easier to imagine yourself doing it. So if you can’t ride by the Shimanto river under blue skies, then watching someone else is no bad thing.
One allure of the show is the presenter freewheeling into a village and by luck discovers a master craftsman who isn’t just at home, they’ve got time to share their secrets. Presumably there’s more research done in advance, appointments are made and the video edited to make it look all carefree. Now it’s enjoyable to watch and that’s how TV production works. It’s just you probably won’t have it so easy.
Lead presenter Michael Rice has lived in Japan for years and is a real expert on cycling and Japan, in a way it’s a pity the show doesn’t tap into his experience more. But if it was too much about cycling it would become technical rather than a more general travel show. So for the cyclist looking to get more out some added detail on each region would be great. Idealy NHK World could have their whole library of documentaries online. Plus a web page for each episode containing route information, and where to stay, that sort of thing. There are bound to be roads you like the look of but tracking down exactly isn’t obvious.
Where to find it?
You’ll find NHK Cycle Around Japan available online at NHK World. Search and you’ll find older editions available on Youtube and Dailymotion. Search for the region if you want, pick a seasonal theme… or just sit back and watch.
