The city of Amagasaki in Hyogo Prefecture, western Japan is home to the leading wrapped sake barrel manufacturer in Japan. The traditional barrel they make is called Komodaru, and it is often used for celebratory occasions. Each barrel is handcrafted carefully with rice straw. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, demand for the barrel has plummeted, but even in such a difficult situation, the crafters are able to work hard, thanks in no small part to the delicious bentos they have for lunch.

We visit a bus company that has been in business for over 100 years in the city of Ina, Nagano Prefecture, in central Japan. The company was hit hard in 2020 by the pandemic, and they were forced to cease all of their bus tours for several months. However, the bus guides didn't waste their time just sitting around in self-isolation. They instead got together to think of all-new, Covid-safe bus tours that would be appealing for local customers. Their hard work paid off, and after 6 months, the company was able to resume bus tours. We look at the hearty food served at their cafeteria.