Japan's mountain yams, yamaimo, are an extremely versatile ingredient. Grated, they're enjoyed on rice in a sticky yet delicious paste. When cooked, they take on a range of textures and flavors. On this episode, we visit farmers to discover the labor-intensive methods used to create perfect yams, explore a centuries-old restaurant that offers a variety of traditional yam-based dishes, and even see how they're used to create sweet Japanese confections.

Aori-ika, sometimes called the "king of squid" in Japan, is treasured for its large, 50-centimeter size, beautiful, translucent appearance and sweet, umami-packed flavor. We explore its mysterious lifecycle, the unique shipping methods used to keep it fresh, and how each and every part of the squid is cooked so that nothing goes to waste. Discover aori-ika, a beloved ingredient in Japanese cuisine.

Salmon is Japan's most-consumed fish. During the season in autumn, one day of salmon trade at Tsukiji can exceed 1 million dollars! In Japan, salmon is commonly eaten salted and served on rice. We visit Hokkaido, where 80% of Japan's wild salmon is caught, to learn more about the fish, go out to sea with a professional fisherman, and visit a factory where Japan's top-quality salmon roe is prepared.