Hometown Stories

Season 10, Episode 3

Episode Title: A Haven Called Bethesda

Air Date: 2021-02-07

Overview:

Yamazaki Takashi runs Bethesda, a support center in Hokkaido Prefecture for people in need. Amid the COVID-19 pandemic, he has noticed a trend -- more people in white-collar jobs are in dire straits. Bethesda's late founder, Manabe Chikako, began the nonprofit in 2009 to save as many lives as possible. Takashi continues that mission, providing a safe haven with 3 free meals a day, so people can make a fresh start. We follow Takashi for 5 months as he works to help residents, and receives shocking news about the founder's son.