Is Spiritual Explorers coming back?
Spiritual Explorers (2018–present) on NHK World
The answer: Between seasons — last episode February 28, 2026, no return date announced yet.
9seasons
49episodes
About Spiritual Explorers
Spiritual Explorers is currently on a break between seasons. The show last aired on October 11, 2025, and no new episodes have been announced yet.
Spiritual Explorers is a documentary series that explores Japan’s rich spiritual traditions and the deep-rooted cultural practices that have shaped the country’s identity. Premiering in 2018, the series takes viewers on a journey through various regions of Japan, uncovering the mysteries of its ancient customs and spiritual beliefs.
Each episode has a runtime of approximately 25 minutes, providing concise yet insightful glimpses into Japanese spirituality.
Spiritual Explorers episode schedule
49 aired
Aired · 49
| Date | Ep. | Title |
|---|---|---|
| February 28, 2026 | S9·E3 | Izumo: Forum of the Deities |
| February 12, 2026 | S9·E2 | Hanamatsuri: Delighting the Deities |
| January 3, 2026 | S9·E1 | Reiho: Respect in Practice |
| December 20, 2025 | S8·E7 | Niwashi:The Wisdom of Japan's Gardens |
| October 11, 2025 | S8·E6 | Wagashi: Nature in Sweets |
| September 13, 2025 | S8·E5 | Jujutsu: The Art of Flexibility |
| August 30, 2025 | S8·E4 | Jomon: 10,000 Years of Wisdom |
| February 21, 2025 | S8·E3 | Sake Brewing: Microbial Harmony |
| February 14, 2025 | S8·E2 | Koyasan: The Sanctuary of Shingon Buddhism |
| January 3, 2025 | S8·E1 | Botanical Dyeing |
| December 13, 2024 | S7·E7 | Mt. Gassan: Climbing as a Form of Prayer |
| November 29, 2024 | S7·E6 | Miyadaiku: Woodworking for the Divine |
| October 4, 2024 | S7·E5 | Ikebana: Beauty as It Is |
| August 26, 2024 | S7·E4 | Onsen: The Blessings of Hot Springs |
| August 5, 2024 | S7·E3 | Kendo: The Spirit of Swordsmanship |
| March 3, 2024 | S7·E2 | Kyudo Self-Discipline |
| January 1, 2024 | S7·E1 | Kishiwada Danjiri: A Divine Dash |
| December 11, 2023 | S6·E7 | Cleaning: A Ritual for the Soul |
| November 6, 2023 | S6·E6 | Biwa: Echoes of Ancient Times |
| October 9, 2023 | S6·E5 | Nishimonai Bon Odori: Dancing with the Spirits |
| September 4, 2023 | S6·E4 | Yachimun: The Diversity of Okinawan Pottery |
| July 3, 2023 | S6·E3 | Karate: The Heart of Propriety |
| March 26, 2023 | S6·E2 | Wadaiko: Japanese Drum Ensemble |
| March 26, 2023 | S6·E1 | Namahage- Fearsome Guardians of Oga Peninsula |
| December 25, 2022 | S5·E6 | Tsugaru Shamisen: Music of the Spirit |
| November 27, 2022 | S5·E5 | Osorezan: Reuniting with the Dead |
| October 30, 2022 | S5·E4 | Mt. Hiei: Prayer Walking |
| September 25, 2022 | S5·E3 | Shojin Ryori: The Philosophy of Eating |
| August 28, 2022 | S5·E2 | AIKIDO: The Art of Peace |
| July 31, 2022 | S5·E1 | MUGEN NOH: A Journey into the World Beyond |
Show 19 earlier episodes
| December 26, 2021 | S4·E8 | Katana: The Art of Discipline |
| November 28, 2021 | S4·E7 | Shakuhachi / Blowing Zen |
| October 31, 2021 | S4·E6 | ONI: Japanese Demonic Creatures |
| August 29, 2021 | S4·E5 | Dancing for the Divine |
| July 25, 2021 | S4·E4 | Animism |
| June 27, 2021 | S4·E3 | Community |
| March 28, 2021 | S4·E2 | Calamity and Ceremony |
| January 31, 2021 | S4·E1 | Yamabushi: The Mountain Priests of Japan |
| December 27, 2020 | S3·E7 | Mikawa's Tezutsu Fireworks |
| November 29, 2020 | S3·E6 | Kumano: Deities of Nature |
| September 27, 2020 | S3·E5 | Bonsai: Nature in a Pot |
| March 27, 2020 | S3·E4 | Oni: The Japanese Ogre |
| March 20, 2020 | S3·E3 | Snow |
| February 21, 2020 | S1·E3 | Kagura |
| February 14, 2020 | S3·E2 | Naked Prayers |
| January 3, 2020 | S3·E1 | Itadakimasu - Giving Thanks for Life |
| August 30, 2019 | S2·E1 | Zazen - A Way of Zen Wisdom |
| October 13, 2018 | S1·E2 | Mount Fuji |
| October 5, 2018 | S1·E1 | Obon |
