High in the mountains of Tokushima Prefecture on Japan's Shikoku Island are small communities known as "sora." The residents enjoy a way of life that values both self-sufficiency and mutual cooperation. Hisayabu is one such place. Located about 600 meters above sea level, it's known as "a village of hydrangeas" for its 6,000 flowering bushes. The 20 or so residents share a close bond nurtured by working together on tasks such as harvesting, securing fresh water, and preparing for their annual hydrangea festival. Hisayabu's natural beauty and lively spirit inspires younger people living elsewhere to come back and help keep the community going.

A Japanese New Year's dish someone's mother used to make. Stewed meat and potatoes, full of a grandma's love. Miyuki Munekawa is a chef who helps her clients revisit fond memories by recreating unforgettable dishes from their past. Just a single bite can bring people and places back to life, and prompt tears of gratitude. Miyuki's reputation has spread, and she now gets requests from all over Japan. Her latest assignment is to recreate a unique rice cake a client's grandmother used to make. But capturing it perfectly proves to be a challenge.