In the final days of 2022, an expressway bus terminal in Fukuoka Prefecture heaves with passengers traveling on over 1,000 buses that arrive or depart here daily. The people at the terminal included a woman visiting her father by bus because this mode of transport is cheaper than going by train; a teenager seeing off her boyfriend; two young men determined to hit the big time in Fukuoka; and a man excited about a 15-hour ride to Tokyo. For three days over the New Year period, we asked people where they were going, and why.

A cheerful greeting rings out over the radio in an island dialect: "Ugamin shoran! (Hello!)" This time, we visit a station broadcasting in Amami Oshima, Kagoshima Prefecture. Many of the presenters are straight out of the local community, including seniors who read out news items in dialect. A high schooler home for the holidays makes a live appearance. People who have moved away call in to share their stories. We invite you to settle into the soothing rhythm of an island radio station.