Anko, or anglerfish, look like something from another planet. But despite their shocking appearance, these fish have a rich yet delicate flavor and are known as the main ingredient in anko hot pot, a winter treat. We visit a small village in Aomori Prefecture known for its anko, and witness a giant, once-in-a-year catch. We also discover unique cultural traditions, including a ritual in which anko are filleted on top of snow, plus homegrown dishes based on anko liver, considered a great delicacy.

Gliding across the water on its wing-like fins, the flying fish is one unique creature. We visit Hachijojima, a lush volcanic island that's officially a part of Tokyo, to visit fishermen who work through until dawn to catch this mysterious fish. We also see how it's prepared and eaten in dishes as diverse as sushi, meatballs and even ramen. Finally, we get a glimpse of Hachijojima's rich natural beauty, including hot springs, waterfalls, lava plateaus and even whales.

Hotaru-ika is a small, roughly six-centimeter squid that's famous for emitting a pale blue glow. That explains its name, which translates to "firefly squid". We visit Toyama Bay on the Sea of Japan to see how this mysterious glittering squid is fished. We'll also see how it's cooked and enjoyed in a variety of cuisine, including sashimi, sushi, boiled with rice and more.