I recently read a recommendation for the Japanese Netflix show Rikuoh by an acquaintance who is a runner and a trainer.

Vismay and I watched it, and we were both captivated and impressed. It’s a good watch with earnest characters and capable actors. Kōji Yakusho, of the Perfect Days fame, is in it for crying out loud.

It’s a show about a tabi (Japanese socks) maker who decides to make running shoes amidst all sorts of troubles - financial, villainous corporate competitor, material issues, breakdowns, etc. Everyone loves a good underdog story, and you can say that they’re all ultimately the same story. But the setting and the execution matters. This one is about running and making great shoes. And it made for some inspirational watching.