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Disney+ and Nippon TV hit the road with ‘Traveling with Snow Man’
MUMBAI: Disney+ and Nippon TV are teaming up for a genre-first from Japan—an unscripted travel reality series titled “Traveling with Snow Man,” set to premiere on 27 July on Nippon TV, with an exclusive uncut global version dropping on Disney+ right after.
The 10-episode series (each running 22 minutes) stars Snow Man, the chart-topping nine-member J-pop boy band, as they embark on a joyride from Okinawa to Hokkaido, blending heart, humour, and hometown charm. But this isn’t your typical idol show. Joining them is Tabi, an AI-style robot and the unofficial 10th member, capturing all the candid chaos as it unfolds.
This marks a major milestone for Disney+, as Traveling with Snow Man becomes the first-ever Japanese unscripted travel series to launch on the platform.
Kicking off with a laid-back beach barbecue in Okinawa, episode one sets the tone—shop-hopping, joyrides, grilled surprises and plenty of banter. Along the route north, the group gets up close with Japan’s rich cultural diversity, sampling local delicacies, bonding with residents, and exploring iconic locations.
Under the banner theme “One for Snow Man, Snow Man for One,” each member reflects on their individual growth and how it fuels the collective journey, resulting in a travelogue full of introspection, brotherhood, and playful misadventures.
A newly released key visual shows Snow Man lounging by the Okinawan seaside breezy, beachy, and brimming with off-stage charm. Fans can expect a rare peek behind the idol curtain, where spontaneity trumps script, and raw moments steal the show.
With global audiences now in tow thanks to the Disney+ release, “Traveling with Snow Man” is poised to become Japan’s next bingeable cultural export—one barbecue, one tear, and one Tabi-captured moment at a time.
“We are deeply honored to announce that the uncut version ‘Traveling with Snow Man’, with additional scenes, will be streamed globally on Disney+, allowing audiences around the world to enjoy it immediately after broadcasting in Japan,” said Travelling with Snow Man producer and chairman Takashi Kato. “What stood out to me in our conversations with the group is their deep passion for their work and the strong bond they share. This series captures all of that and more. As we travel across Japan, we capture the members’ genuine personalities and heartfelt dedication, all while savoring local delicacies along the way. And please look forward to the cheeky navigation by the AI-style robot, ‘Tabi’.”
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
