This time, tofu. These popular white blocks, sometimes called the "meat of the fields," are high in protein and low in calories, making them a popular diet food. We visit a tofu maker in Tokyo, where tofu competition is fierce, to see how he carefully selects his soybeans, and even take a ride in his tofu-selling truck! We also discover unique tofu dishes, including some from a famed French chef who uses tofu in brand new ways. Join us and learn what makes tofu so great.

This time, we dip into Japanese vinegar. There are many kinds of vinegar worldwide, like balsamic, wine, and malt. But in Japan, most vinegar is made from rice. Rice vinegar is a subtly sour ingredient that matches all kinds of Japanese cuisine and is vital in the making of sushi. We visit a Kyoto Prefecture vinegar maker that does everything in-house, even growing their own rice. We also sample a variety of dishes that incorporate vinegar, like sushi and other traditional Japanese cuisine.

Over the years, Japanese cheese has evolved to win international prizes. It has a rich aftertaste and umami characteristic of all Japanese cuisine. Visit leading natural cheese factories in Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan's largest dairy producer, to discover the secrets behind enhancing quality and a process that involves burying cheese in the ground. Also, meet a young cheesemaker who strives to make his small town famous for blue cheese.

Our focus today is Nozawana, a leaf vegetable indigenous to Japan. This one-meter-long vegetable is often pickled, as it spoils quickly. Nozawana was first grown in Japan in a village 600 meters above sea level. It has long provided snowed-in villages with a precious source of nutrition during harsh winters. Find out more about the vegetable that went from supporting mountain villages to being loved all around Japan.

Our focus today is marlin. These large fish known for their long, sharp bills were once a source of inspiration for the great Ernest Hemingway. Marlin meat is high in fat content and has been the preferred ingredient for "edomae" sushi for centuries. Our reporter takes us marlin fishing and tastes meals commonly eaten by local fishermen. Try marlin "prosciutto" at an Italian restaurant! Dive in to discover the endless possibilities that marlin has to offer.

In Trails to Oishii Tokyo, reporters from around the world discover Japan's best ingredients. This time, fermented foods like katsuobushi, the skipjack tuna flakes used to make dashi soup stock, miso and soy sauce, 2 of Japan's favorite seasonings, tsukemono pickles, a precious food source in harsh winters and sticky natto beans. All these ingredients have helped make Japanese food the world-renowned cuisine it is today. Learn how each is created with methods stretching back generations.

Hokkaido Prefecture, Japan's large northern island, is known for its rich nature and great, Oishii food. Its expansive farmlands, about a quarter of Japan's total, yield fresh produce, while its bountiful seas are home to some of Japan's best seafood, including fish, marine plants and more. And don't forget dairy: Hokkaido is Japan's largest producer! Today, we showcase the best of our Hokkaido trails so far.

Take a close look at unique herbs and spices, from the world-famous wasabi to the recently popular Sansho pepper. These small ingredients have played a massive role in the development of Japanese cuisine over the centuries, not only providing a punch of flavor but even disinfectant properties and health benefits. Join our reporters on a mouth-watering journey into the world of Japan's herbs and spices.

Being surrounded by ocean on all sides, Japan has long relied on the ocean for sustenance. Numerous fishing and cultivation methods have been developed over the centuries to ensure the sustainability of such resources. From top quality fish raised on olive leaves and orange peels, to cultivated seaweed and shellfish, learn about several robust methods with our reporters in this special installment of "Trails to Oishii Tokyo," focusing on Japan's fisheries.

Fruit in Japan has evolved in the country's unique climate, shaping into perfect gems that are now recognized worldwide. Some are even referred to by their Japanese names, such as kaki and yuzu. Japanese peaches and pears are known for their impactful juiciness. In this special installment of Trails to Oishii Tokyo, revisit the hard work and ingenuity that goes into cultivating the fruits that have come to be prized the world over.

Satoyama - mountains surrounding villages where seasonal goodies are harvested all year. Enjoy a variety of mushrooms in fall, or produce gathered once the winter snow melts. These unique natural ingredients helped build the foundation of Japanese cuisine, stimulating all 5 senses throughout the year. In this special installment of Trails to Oishii Tokyo, our reporters visit Satoyama areas across Japan to discover the wonders that nature has to offer.

This episode features unique ingredients that may have you asking, "You eat that?!" Discover secrets behind nori, the papery food you've likely seen at a sushi shop; gobo, a root that's surprisingly versatile; and sea cucumbers! Add gelatinous Konnyaku to your diet as a calorie-free filler, and try the ingredient from the sea that makes Japanese sweets so special. Join us in this special remix about products of nature you wouldn't expect to end up on your dinner table.

As an island nation, Japan has enjoyed a plethora of seafood since ancient times. In natural form, some may not look particularly appetizing, and some may even frighten you! But preparation and cooking methods have evolved over the centuries to transform these strange creatures that you may not have imagined were edible into tasty delights! Join us on a recap of some of our coolest seafood discoveries!

Yomogi speckles the fields and roadside greenery of the spring season. Used in various dishes, from savory to sweet, the plant is also used to produce a substance called moxa for healing methods that date back over 1,000 years. The "queen of the herbs" is even mentioned in classical poetry. With health benefits thought to promote longevity, it's played a key role in Okinawan tradition. Dig in to discover more about this overlooked weed!

Nagano Prefecture in central Japan gets long sunlight hours and large temperature drops between day and night. This makes for some tasty apples! Feast your eyes on unique sweets made from native varieties!

The key to tasty kiwi is a ripening process that takes place after harvest. Discover new varieties being developed in Kagawa Prefecture and feast your eyes on innovative dishes.

Ise-ebi is the king of Japan's crustaceans. With its elegant flavor and warrior-like appearance, the high-end food is a must on festive occasions. Feast your eyes on delectable local cuisine.