The Ariake Sea borders lies in the northwest of Kyushu, bordering on 4 prefectures: Nagasaki, Saga, Fukuoka, and Kumamoto. Its huge tidal range, as much as 6 meters, is the largest in Japan. Low tide reveals massive mudflats stretching out some 7 kilometers from the shore. This ecosystem is home to some very unusual creatures, and since the old days it has provided a rich bounty of seafood for the local people. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, we explore this unique environment, its history and culture.

The Suzuka Circuit is one of the most famous racing tracks in all Japan. For that reason, Suzuka City (Mie Prefecture) is often known as the "City of Motorsports." The area is also a hub for engineering and manufacturing, especially in the field of motorsports. On this episode of Journeys in Japan, Jennifer Julien from France visits Suzuka and discovers that it also has a long history of traditional craftsmanship.