Somewhere Street

Kagoshima, the capital of Kagoshima Prefecture, is a city on Japan's Kyushu Island. Located across the bay from Sakurajima, an active volcano that continues to erupt daily, dropping volcanic ash on the surrounding areas. About 150 years ago Saigo Takamori, a Kagoshima samurai, led an uprising that ended the rule of the feudalistic Tokugawa shogunate, bringing about the modernization of Japan. In this episode, we explore Kagoshima and meet its residents who love Saigo and Sakurajima.

The highland city of Antigua in Guatemala was once the home of Spain's colonial government. Many of the city's buildings are constructed in the classical European style and the whole city is a designated World Heritage Site. Antiguans have roots from varied backgrounds including indigenous Mayan heritage as well as European ancestry. They decided to preserve and cherish the atmosphere of colonial times. To this day, the construction of modern buildings and the use of flashy signage is prohibited.

Centrally located with an easily accessible port, Vietnam's Da Nang is one of the country's most popular beach resorts. During the Vietnam War, it served as an important base of operations for the U.S. Forces until the war ended in 1975. The city experienced difficulty with its recovery after the war, until the year 2000, when the city was redeveloped as a beach resort. Da Nang is now a dream vacation spot for international travelers. In this episode we walk around exploring the Da Nang, meeting its inhabitants who love their traditions and are also delighted with the new face of the city.

Ushuaia, Argentina is the world's southernmost city. Close to Antarctica, it is located between the ocean and the Andes Mountains. Ushuaia was established as a city in the 19th century. It wasn't until the 1970s that the industry began to develop, attracting people seeking work and tourists from all over the world. Located on the southernmost tip of the South American Continent, it is now a popular destination for backpackers. In this episode, we explore Ushuaia and meet the friendly, kindhearted folk who have made their homes here.

Nouméa is the capital of the French territory of New Caledonia, an island group known as the jewel of the South Pacific. Early inhabitants of the islands were the indigenous Melanesian people called Kanaks. During the 19th century France took possession of the islands and immigrants from Europe and Asia arrived to work in the nickel mines. In this episode we stroll around the city, meeting and talking with various inhabitants who show us how they enjoy their lives in this island paradise.

Known for its bohemian spirit, Venice is a vibrant beach town with sophisticated residential and commercial areas. The open-minded Venice Boardwalk has trendy stores, street artists and colorful murals. There's also a skate park and the Muscle each outdoor gym as well as a picturesque canal enclave surrounded by modernist houses.

Ayutthaya is the city that flourished as the royal capital of Thailand from the mid-14th century for about 400 years. The Ayutthaya Kingdom utilized its topographical advantage of being surrounded by rivers to flourish as a trade hub connecting Europe with Asia. The ruins of the Buddhist temples of that era are collectively designated as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and they attract tourists from all over the world. In this episode we explore Ayutthaya and meet its residents who love their traditions and their distinctive culture.

Located in the foothills of Japan's Northern Alps and surrounded by forests is the city of Hida Takayama. Known as Hida's "Little Kyoto," Takayama's old town, retains a traditional touch with its streets lined with wooden buildings. During the spring and fall, the city hosts the celebrated Takayama Festival featuring a parade of large floats, which has been added to UNESCO's list of Intangible Cultural Heritage. It is a popular tourist destination. In this episode we explore Hida Takayama and meet its residents who love their traditions and their distinctive culture.

Home to around 150 Buddhist temples, Vientiane is the capital of Laos. In the 16th century King Setthathirath of the Kingdom of Lanexang built Pha That Luang, considered to be the most beloved Buddhist stupa in Laos. Buddhist philosophies have a powerful impact on the lives of all Laotians and it is believed that men should leave home and experience the life of a monk at least once in their lives. In this episode we explore the rapidly growing city of Vientiane, meeting its residents who passionately uphold their traditions and distinctive culture.