The World Through Her Lens: Kaoru Kanetaka's Groundbreaking Travels

Picture this: It is December 13, 1959, in Japan. The black-and-white glow of the family television screen comes to life with the sweeping melody of Around the World in Eighty Days. The familiar voice of Kaoru Kanetaka, warm and inquisitive, begins to narrate a journey to a far-off land. For half an hour each week, Japanese viewers are whisked away on an adventure that many could only dream of, exploring the world's rich cultures and breathtaking landscapes.

This was the magic of Kaoru Kanetaka’s World Travels, a show that aired for 30 years, from 1959 to 1990. It was not just a travelogue but a cultural phenomenon that reshaped how a generation of Japanese people saw the world and themselves.

The Woman Behind the Lens

Kaoru Kanetaka was different from your average TV host. Born in Kobe in 1928, she was a trailblazer long before she ever appeared on camera. After studying in the United States, Kanetaka worked for an English-language newspaper and, in 1958, made headlines by setting a record for the fastest trip worldwide. That whirlwind journey set her apart as a globetrotter and set the stage for her life’s work.

On Kaoru Kanetaka’s World Travels, she was not just the face of the program; she was its heart and soul. Kanetaka planned the shoots, directed the footage, and narrated the episodes. From bustling markets in the Middle East to the serene fjords of Scandinavia, she was the lens through which millions of viewers experienced the world.

Kanetaka was also a symbol of something bigger. In a society still defining the role of women in post-war Japan, she stood out as a fearless, independent figure, a working woman who could easily navigate foreign lands and male-dominated industries. She was not just traveling; she was breaking barriers.

A Passport to the World

At its core, Kaoru Kanetaka’s World Travels was a show about connection. In the late 1950s, international travel was still a luxury for most Japanese citizens. The world outside Japan was largely a mystery, its images filtered through movies or rare book glimpses. Kanetaka’s show changed that. With every episode, she brought the world home.

And what a world it was. The show’s early episodes aired in black-and-white but by the mid-1960s, vibrant color broadcasts captured every detail. Kanetaka’s narration was not just informative; it was personal. She brought a poetic touch to every story, describing places like Saigon as the “Paris of Asia” and Buenos Aires as the “Paris of South America.” Her warmth and curiosity transformed travel into something relatable, even for those who had never left their hometowns.

Flight Paths and Friendships

Traveling as extensively as she did required serious support, and the show’s sponsorships were as global as its scope. For over two decades, Pan American World Airways (Pan Am) served as the primary sponsor, providing logistical backing and adding a touch of glamour. Later, Scandinavian Airlines (SAS) stepped in, emphasizing the show’s ability to adapt and stay relevant.

But it was about more than the miles covered or the cities visited. Kanetaka had a knack for connecting with people. Her conversations with locals were warm, genuine, and deeply respectful, a precursor to today’s “immersive travel” ethos. Watching her interact with artisans, farmers, or city dwellers, you got the sense that she was not just passing through; she was learning, exchanging, and sharing.

The End of the Journey

By the 1980s, the world was changing. Air travel became more accessible, and Japan’s booming economy meant more people could experience overseas trips firsthand. The once-novel allure of Kaoru Kanetaka’s World Travels began to face stiff competition from a growing roster of travel and variety shows.

In 1990, after 30 years and over 1,500 episodes, the show aired its final broadcast. But even as it ended, its impact remained clear. Kanetaka did not just show Japan the world; she expanded its sense of what was possible.

A Legacy Worth Packing

In the years since Kaoru Kanetaka’s World Travels has become more than just a TV program. It is a time capsule of an era when travel felt like the ultimate dream. It is a reminder of what happens when storytelling meets curiosity and when a single woman with a camera can inspire an entire nation to think bigger.

Kaoru Kanetaka passed away in 2019, but her legacy as a journalist, adventurer, and cultural icon lives on. Her travels might have ended, but for those who tuned in every Sunday morning, she will always be the guide who made the world feel just a little bit smaller and a lot more magical.