An exclusive 4-part documentary chronicling the creative process of the legendary Japanese filmmaker. He is shown as a passionate artisan, a steadfast trailblazer, and a father butting heads with his son.
Each episode of this documentary series focuses on a different place of interest. One hundred cameras are installed and left to record, showcasing the habits and behavior of the people they capture. Without the presence of a camera crew, the subjects gradually begin to share glimpses into their lives, and we receive an unobstructed window into personal conversations and real-life events.
Be inspired! Introducing 100 passionate stories of efforts and innovations that pave the way towards the UN's 17 SDGs. From the treasure trove of NHK WORLD-JAPAN's rich content library.
In this new entertainment-type documentary, challengers from Asian countries come all the way to Japan and go through difficult experiences for just 3 days. By seeing the challenger's struggles, you will come to understand the enthusiasm of the Japanese and what they value. Through the eyes of the daredevil, you'll discover another side of Japan you've never seen before.
Witness the catastrophic turmoil caused by the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in a two-part documentary covering the initial three days and the first year of the aftermath.
Globe-trotting wildlife photographer and filmmaker, Iwago Mitsuaki, offers the best of a vast collection of cat footage he took in Japan. On this unique trip around the country, discover the lesser-known charms and customs of regions through the eyes of cats!
Forests cover close to 70 percent of Japan's land area. Japan's climate varies significantly from north to south, making it home to diverse forests. These forests have been an intrinsic part of Japanese culture since time immemorial.
A Ukrainian television director living and working in Japan has turned the camera on herself during Russia's invasion. Follow her as she finds out how best to help her war-torn country.
In Fukushima, an "Abukuma Romantic Road" photo contest was held in 2010, the year before the nuclear accident. We seek out the people behind the photos and discover how life has changed for them.
When the 2011 tsunami swept away a town's beloved hospital, many healthcare workers and patients perished. We look into the hearts of those left behind who spoke with the media for the first time.
NHK has unearthed tapes of Oshima Hiroshi, twice-ambassador to Germany, who worked behind the scenes to push Japan to join the Nazis alliance. We investigate how he misled Japan into war.
Kodo Nishimura: a Buddhist monk and LGBTQ+ activist. Building on his own experience of harnessing Buddhist teachings to overcome adversity, he works to raise awareness of sexual discrimination.
The surviving curator of a museum, damaged in the March 2011 earthquake, unearths and restores over 400,000 displays from the debris. When the museum reopens, another miracle awaits.
Rising geopolitical tensions are disrupting globally interconnected supply chains and ushering in a new era of protectionism. We examine Japan's struggle to adapt in an ever more unpredictable world.
There are many "Treasured Creations" made by exceptional artisans in Japan. This program portrays artisans who make traditional crafts, artistic or industrial products or luxury items. They use what the local climate offers them to create lifestyle products. Our camera will follow them to capture the process of how "Treasured Creations" are made.
To American photojournalist Regina Boone, her Japanese grandfather was an enigma. He vanished on the day of the Pearl Harbor attack never to return home. We follow her quest to search for answers.
Top young minds from different countries and territories gather for ABU Robocon 2023, showcasing innovative ideas and technical skills as their robots go head-to-head in a difficult ring toss game.
Learn how to make the most of your Japanese skills. Watch our drama that features useful communication strategies, our snappy videos about onomatopoeia, and our documentaries on workers from abroad in various parts of Japan.
Aitai project is using a song to unite us through our human desire to connect. Aitai! is to express the emotions of people missing their loved ones during the coronavirus pandemic.
A series of short animation works focusing on the Para-sport with the aim of delivering the appeal of the Paralympic Games and sport for athletes with an impairment.
The size of the Japanese animation market was 2,426 billion yen by 2020. More than half of that amount came from overseas sales. The manga market is also expanding, reaching 675.9 billion yen in 2021. Those unique visuals and stories from Japan have struck a chord with fans around the world and are growing into a huge industry. ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION will actively feature major works that are highly recognized by overseas fans and reveal the secrets of Japanese anime and manga creation through the series.
From the tragedy of Japan Airlines Flight 123 to the return of Picasso's "Guernica" to its homeland, revisit milestones in modern history through firsthand accounts of those who played a crucial role in some of the most pivotal moments of our past.
This summer,21 Ukrainian dancers from Kyiv's National Ballet toured 16 cities across Japan. Most sought refuge in Europe but the tour gave them a chance to reunite and dance in honor of their country.
What can artists do in time of war? This series conveys messages from Japanese artists in various fields in relation to the Russian invasion of Ukraine.
Culinary specialist Kentetsu Koh travels across Asia in search of great home cooking and person-to-person encounters. Join him as he experiences a diversity of tastes and lifestyles throughout the region.
For five years, soccer superstar Andres Iniesta lived in Kobe while playing for the local team, Vissel Kobe. Explore the city of Kobe and meet the people he came to love during his time here.
In 1987, 2 indigenous men suddenly emerged from the Amazon rainforest. What happened to the tribe these men belonged to? A linguist begins to decode their language, revealing hints of their tragedy.
Delve into the heart of Japan with Peter Barakan, a seasoned British broadcaster who has lived in Japan for fifty years. Join him on a captivating journey as he unveils the essence of Japan to global audiences through his travels around the country and intimate encounters with local people, history and culture. Along the way, Barakan discovers universal truths that illuminate our path into the future.
This upbeat program combines business and economic news with in-depth feature stories that give you a closer look at the latest trends within Japan and around the world.
This special program features the encounter with stunning canyon sceneries, using the 3D audio recorders for you to enjoy the realistic feeling and binaural sound of the valleys.
Caterpillar fungus, a valuable substance which grows only high in the mountains, entices impoverished residents of Nepal to scale the snowy Himalayas to provide for their families.
A beautiful highland village is without a doctor. A retiring medical professor moves here to care for the aging residents, becoming close to them as he records their lives and deaths in photographs.
NHK WORLD-JAPAN broadcasts English-language versions of outstanding programs produced by Japan's private broadcasting stations in a series called Broadcasters' Eye.
Stop-motion animation Junk Head has won global praise, but he's turned down offers from Hollywood. Now; he's made a new short just for NHK, and we're bringing you the world premiere!
Carbon farming, or regenerative agriculture, is a powerful solution to climate change! We visit experts, Gabe Brown in the US and farmers in Japan, to explore the hidden world of the soil ecosystem.
Chatroom Japan is a platform for NHK WORLD-JAPAN to engage with international residents in Japan. The public broadcaster aims to develop a new relationship with these viewers and, together, explore ways to make their lives better.
China's Highway of Beauty, running through the Tianshan Mountains, reveals some of the country's most incredible natural scenery, among which diverse ethnicities of people enjoy traditional lives.
Amidst an economic slowdown, China's freelance truck drivers risk their very lives to earn money traversing the road to Tibet, feared as the most dangerous in the country.
Join our explorers as they pursue the cinematic beauty of Japan. Kyle Card hikes the newly designated long trail around majestic Mt. Fuji and discovers its secrets.
Autumn in Oku-Nikko. Join us on a climb to the summit of Mt. Nyoho (2,483m). The trail begins with 1,445 steps, followed by a long and difficult path with many ups and downs.
Two students take a trip from Kyoto to Shiretoko in Hokkaido. But this trip of 1,250km has a limit on CO2 emissions-just 100kg! Join us on a journey that brings our environmental impact into focus.
American artist Sarah Brayer, known for unique artworks using Japanese washi paper, has been given the chance to dedicate a piece at an old Kyoto temple. Watch as her spiritual journey begins.
How does life as a journalist change when your own country becomes a war zone? We follow Ukrainian reporters working under pressure to document the horrors of war and keep the public informed.
Southeast Asian filmmakers and local Japanese TV stations have collaborated on 2 documentaries that tell the stories of foreigners living in Japan. They capture details of their daily lives and their relationships with family back home.
Culture Crossroads comprises several regular programs with the theme of creating a multicultural society. They answer questions about Japan from foreign viewers, look at international exchange programs and give tips on disaster preparedness.
Cardboard can be found in every household. Light, sturdy and hands-on, cardboard is the "cut out" craft material to be used by families for fun! Join Danko, the cardboard girl, and Danta, the cardboard dog, and turn ordinary cardboard into wonderful figures and shapes that are found in everyday life.
At the beginning of the 20th century in Tokyo, the streets are rough, and the people yearn for a hero to emerge. Hirai Taro—who would later become the famed mystery writer Edogawa Rampo—harbors an intense admiration for foreign mystery writers, yet he is still an unknown author who is barely making ends meet by undertaking low-paying jobs. Despite bringing his manuscripts to newspaper publishers, Taro is completely ignored, until he meets Shirai Saburo, an elderly master detective full of humor and melancholy. His strength in the face of adversity impresses Taro, and in turn, Saburo is intrigued by Taro's eccentric ideas and moved by his boundless passion. The two form a partnership and embark on a journey into the world of detective work.
A cutting-edge interview program from NHK WORLD-JAPAN's production team in New York. Covers the hot issue: from politics, economy, social matters, international situation or cultural topics.
Japanese design is world famous, but that's not because of expensive, stylish or modern products. It's because excellent design exists within the tools and habits of everyday life. In this 10-part series, leading creators visit different parts of the country to hear these unfamiliar stories, revealing rich and complex insights.
A Buddhist nun lives in a mountain temple, in tune with the changing seasons and preparing vegetarian dishes for visitors from near and far. Together, they celebrate the simple things in life.
"Digital Eye" is an investigative journalism program making full use of geospatial and open source data to seek the truth behind important social issues. The program will use satellite images, social-media analysis and other advanced investigative tools to take an in-depth look at issues.
Dining with the Chef Mini introduces the techniques, ingredients and harmony of Japanese food recipes in just 5 minutes. Yu Hayami cooks alongside master chef Tatsuo Saito, while co-host Patrick Harlan cooks with chef Rika Yukimasa, to show viewers how to prepare delicious Japanese dishes at home.
Exclusive video, sound recordings and patient records from a psychiatric hospital reveal rampant abuse and illegal restraints. Over a 10-year period, 78% of nearly 1,500 patients were "discharged by death."
Tokyo: where both tradition and the latest trends coexist. Join us on a journey to discover the real Tokyo as we dive into its historic old towns and encounter many fun surprises along the way.
What's the secret behind Japan's high life expectancy? Top medical experts will introduce health tips that are easy to understand. Discover simple steps to a healthier life!
It's estimated over a million Japanese live as "hikikomori," recluses totally withdrawn from society. As the parents they depend on age, many now face a dire situation, left alone and unable to cope.
When traveling in Japan for the first time, what phrases do you need? Each 3-minute episode provides simple expressions you can put to use as soon as you land. The program also offers tips for getting around the country. Remember the phrases and make your trip more fun. Easy Travel Japanese is based on one of the most popular programs on Radio Japan, "Easy Japanese".
Introducing the best works from 5 divisions selected from more than 350 entries in the Japan Prize 2022 competition. Enjoy watching the very best in international educational content.
"Ekiben" are lunch boxes sold at train stations enjoyed during train journeys which are filled with the charm of each region of Japan! Let's embark on a journey to encounter a selection of lunch boxes from all over Japan!
How can we reduce our burden on the global environment? We'll share some simple, practical ideas about little things each of us can do right now to help create a healthier society.
The Tokyo National Museum's vast collection includes 89 National Treasures. In 2022, it marked 150 years with a special exhibition. Explore everything from ancient artefacts to hi-tech exhibits!
In conversation with... Japan expert Robert Campbell sits down with individuals from all walks of life whose drive and perspectives are changing Japan.
Inmates at a prison in Japan record themselves reading picture books as a way to reconnect with their children. In the process, they make some life-changing discoveries about themselves.
A bizarre story about the search for a man named Satoshi that spanned 14 years. What started as a simple puzzle grew into a global obsession. Who is Satoshi? And why could no one find him for so long?
Physical education is about nurturing one's physical abilities to keep fit and enjoy a lifetime of sports. In other words, phys ed makes life more fun! The super cyborg, Fizz Edward was created by a genius doctor who forgot to program him with phys ed abilities. With "Pro Tips" from top athletes, Fizz Ed learns "Improvement Points" so he can enhance his physical ability.
Incredibly stylish and creative, but also living under immense societal pressure and changes; how are today's youth forging their own unique paths in these uncertain times? We document 5 Fs ("Frames") that shape their lives, i.e. Followers, Family, Fashion, Future, Freedom & more. Meet these charismatic characters through their own lenses and be inspired by the stories of this passionate new-gen class.
80 years ago, a Japanese immigrant to the US was shot dead in a wartime internment camp. A Japanese American journalist's research leads to a surprising discovery about his death.
From war-torn Ukraine to Japan, refugees share stories through treasured keepsakes. These hastily packed items provide glimpses into their past, unveiling memories of a cherished life now left behind.
A unique time-lapse photography project. Shot by pros and non-pros from around the world, on the transience of nature, celestial phenomena, cityscapes and each single moment of everyday life. Submit your entry for a chance to be selected. Even an idea, could turn into something amazing. Enter today! https://www.nhk.or.jp/bs4k8k/eng/special/timescape/
A Nagoya graduate school has trained students from developing countries to become nation leading specialists for many years. This program will explore how the school makes an international specialist.
FRONTRUNNERS highlights professionals at the very forefront of their field. We showcase their amazing work, discover their motivations, and learn about the challenges they face in the future.
In Fukushima, waste water from the nuclear power plant is stored in 1000 tanks, awaiting treatment and discharge into the sea. An early plan to build a wall to block this water was never carried out.
An educational program about the appeal of famous video games. A special 50-minute edition dives deep into "DEATH STRANDING" with its legendary creator Hideo Kojima discussing its development.
As growth in the game industry accelerates, game makers pursue increased global attention through new strategies. Japanese game companies, once undisputed champions, now face competition to survive.
Watch the toughest sumo wrestlers clash in the ring live on NHK WORLD-JAPAN! GRAND SUMO LIVE offers live coverage of days 1, 8, 14 and 15—the final day—of every GRAND SUMO tournament. Don't miss it! (Live coverage starts at 5:10 p.m. (JST) on all days except Day 15, which starts from 4:30 p.m. (JST)
76-year-old Tatsuyo, a.k.a. Grandma, is a budding stand-up comedian who captures hearts across generations amidst Japan's aging population. We follow Grandma and discover her passion for life.
"GREAT RACE" is a documentary series that follows extreme races covering hundreds of miles and challenging the limits of body and spirit. The runners say the races have changed their lives.
What's on NHK WORLD-JAPAN. Showcasing various programs and activities of NHK WORLD-JAPAN which provides the latest information on Japan and Asia to the global audience.
In Uda, discover Japan's oldest private medicinal herb garden, where the natural landscape from 300 years ago is preserved in a botanical time capsule, a sanctuary of the local culture and history.
One of the most appealing features of Japan's national road network is the various Michinoeki, literally way stations, that provide a place for motorists to rest, dine and shop. They offer information on the locality and restaurants with regional specialties, and often sell local crafts and delicacies for travelers to take home. A stop at one or more of these spots helps to make any road trip in Japan unforgettable.
Keiko Ogura, age 85, has spent her life talking to the world about her experiences as an A-bomb victim in Hiroshima. When she talks with Americans in a small college town, what does she discover?
A young designer named Nakazato Yuima has been turning heads as a guest designer at The Paris Haute Couture Collection since 2016. He illuminates the future of fashion. We follow him for 6 months.
Tanizaki Junichiro's "In Praise of Shadows" elucidates Japanese aesthetics in terms of light and dark. Using advanced imaging technology, this program depicts the world of subtle beauty that he loved.
Sculptor Isamu Noguchi's Hiroshima cenotaph was never built. The program depicts the life and thoughts of an artist who struggled to bridge the gap between his two homelands, Japan and America.
Issey Miyake, the world-renowned clothing designer, died in 2022 at the age of 84. Interviews with those who knew him provide insight into what inspired his captivating designs.
J-Arena features top athletes from Japan and their sports, as well as up-and-coming talent, and unique traditions from the Japanese sports scene. We also explore the diverse world of Japan's martial arts, from traditional samurai battlecraft to contemporary fighting arts.
This program takes you on an aerial journey across 21st century Japan. Enjoy the bird's-eye view of unique landscapes as well as intimate portraits of the people who inhabit the archipelago.
Morohashi Yoshitomo is a criminal defense lawyer based in downtown Tokyo. But he was once a yakuza. He believes second chances start in the space between black and white, between right and wrong.
This program introduces sports that can be enjoyed alone and at safe social distancing during Covid in Japan. See through the eyes of MC Harry Sugiyama in a virtual experience as he learns the rules and charms of each activity from professionals.
Strike off the beaten track with useful advice on exploring various regions around Japan, not just the cities. In each episode, our local experts provide comprehensive information on an area or theme: be it local gourmet delights, historic townscapes or amazing scenery. Take notes to increase your experience tenfold and become an authority on travel in Japan.
Ahead of EXPO 2025, attention turns to western Japan: its history, tradition and pop culture. Foreign residents discuss the allure of the Kansai region, life there and sustainability for the future.
As snow blankets their remote mountain community with its traditional Japanese houses, Karl and Tina Bengs gather with neighbors to celebrate the season, and look forward to the arrival of spring.
Candice Kumai is a renowned influencer of wellness. She has been focusing on Japanese traditions such as "kintsugi," golden repairing of broken potteries. The breakage is treated as a layer of beauty which is symbolic of our striving souls.
Hitotsubashi Kiriko was in deep despair. Amidst her barely managed life relying on her meager pension and part-time income, her best friend and sole source of consolation had just died. The foreseeable days of emptiness, the pressure of carrying on alone, and the fear of dying in solitude gnaw at her heart. Then one day she sees on TV a man arrested for theft claiming that he had nothing left to hope for in his life, and that he had committed his crime for the purpose of going to prison. Inspired by this thought, she sets prison as her final home, and begins to search for ways to get arrested with the least amount of trouble caused to other people. The story is based on a novel by popular storywriter Harada Hika. In the background is the serious problem of senior-aged crimes in current Japan, but at the heart of the story is a positive message about the chances one has to find goals in life and pursue them regardless of age. The best contemporary actors come together to create a work offering entertainment and social comment, and the audience is invited to enjoy a look at contemporary Japan along with the dark comedy.
A group of Vietnamese technical trainees arrives dreaming of a better future only to be faced with a harsh reality. What can be done to change this situation?
Our new TV program helps you learn about Japan and the Japanese language through simple and easy Japanese news. You will learn not only Japanese expressions but also the latest situation of Japan.
This is an educational program with a new approach, teaching the basics of mathematics through everyday problem-solving situations in a comedy-drama style. The main character is Barky, a dog that works in a “math police office”. Numbler, the comic villain, misguides people into making common mathematical errors in their daily activities. Barky and his fellow human “math police” officers solve the problems in creative and logical ways. The entertaining format will help elementary school children discover that “math is fun”.
With 70% of its land covered by mountains, Japan is a paradise for mountain climbers! Let's go enjoy the magnificent views and experience the unique hiking culture.
"Listen to the Earth" is a disaster prevention series where children and adults alike are encouraged to give serious thought to the topic. Japan is often struck by various natural disasters, with many people having lost their lives in the Great Hanshin and Great East Japan Earthquakes. Both children and adults alike should consider how to protect themselves in such disasters by understanding how these natural disasters occur, and practice preventive measures. This series aims to foster correct understanding of disasters by demonstrating the damage they can cause, and how they occur in the first place. The audience can consider what measures to take to protect themselves and their family if they are ever in a disaster situation while learning from specialists and taking part in quizzes.
Many children of religious devotees have been affected by their parents' beliefs. Now they are speaking out about the anguish religion has caused them and searching for a way to move on.
14 years ago, Hasegawa Kazuo was diagnosed with lung cancer. He recounts his battle with stage four cancer, and his mission to change how patients receive care.
Manga, where drama is created with just the tip of a pen. In this program, we show you where manga is made — usually off-limits to the public — and explore the craft.
The 2011 earthquake and tsunami left a legacy of depopulation across much of Japan's northeast. Mapping recent demographic change reveals the towns employing fresh ideas to once again attract growth.
This program shares performances by the NHK Symphony Orchestra. Enjoy classical masterpieces performed by the NSO, featuring world-class maestros and collaborations with acclaimed soloists.
Animations bring mathematics to life in a fun, trial and error format that nurtures intuitive understanding of formulas and procedures which once just had to be memorized.
Traditional festivals called matsuri are found all over Japan. In this series, we present diverse matsuri and the preparations leading up to them. Each matsuri presents a new face of local Japan.
NHK WORLD-JAPAN's short drama series to carry a message about the importance of coming together to create a society that leaves no one behind. The two-minute films are based on the 17 Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations. Each vignette depicts some aspect of Japan's effort to achieve the targets in a dramatic setting.
NHK WORLD JAPAN has introduced over 100 foreigners working in Japan. We reexamine some of the best stories to see how these hardworking residents are changing Japanese society.
After neuroscientist Onzo Ayako's mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer's, she began to track her mother's behavior and physical changes in her brain, hoping to better understand the disease's impact.
Pianos are placed in airports, stations and street corners around the world for anyone to play. Join us as we unfold life stories of each piano player and watch them through fixed camera lenses.
Stories of the people who built the first atomic weapons are well known. But what about those who provided the uranium? We look at a mysterious man who derived huge profits from the business of war.
Japan has 34 national parks. Rich in diverse natural attractions, they've been protected by those who call it home and are symbols of Japan's bond with nature.
A "total golden hall" suddenly appears in a remote place, Hiraizumi Town, Iwate Prefecture. 3DCG has made it possible to learn new facts that were previously unknown even to experts.
K-POP has taken the world by storm thanks to its unique performances and business strategy. This documentary follows its growth and the ways in which J-POP artists are rising to the challenge.
We follow the tense scenes between Japan and the U.S. in the wake of the Fukushima nuclear disaster. Our interviews from both sides reveal Japan's lack of preparedness in a nuclear emergency.
Ninja are now seen in popular media around the world. But as their profile rises, their reality gets muddied amid legends and fantasies. The truth about authentic ninja lies unknown, shrouded in mystery. This program carefully examines the fighting skills and tools used by actual ninja, and conducts experiments to determine the "Ninja Truth".
The nuns of Otowasan Kannonji Temple are cooking up a storm. They invite us inside their kitchen and show us how to prepare tasty delicacies from their seasonal cookbook.
Deep in the mountains of Nara Prefecture lies Otowasan Kannonji Temple. We learn about daily life at the temple by following the nuns as they prepare for seasonal events based on the solar calendar.
Introduces the current state of the culturally unique, nature-rich, and increasingly cosmopolitan Okinawa prefecture, which consists of Japan's westernmost islands.
Since Myanmar's military coup in 2021, thousands of young civilians have joined the battle to regain their stolen democracy. Meet the journalists risking their lives to report from the front lines.
Embark on a series of journeys through the skies over Japan. Fly to airports nationwide and enjoy breathtaking views from the airplane window. Experience the unique seasonal beauty of the long stretching nation's southern coral reefs, vivid autumn foliage, Mt. Fuji at sunset and sparkling cityscapes. Upon arrival at each location, expert local airport staff will introduce must-see attractions, exquisite cuisine and more. Also gain a glimpse about the jobs of pilots and cabin crew.
A family in a remote part of northern Japan lives almost entirely off the land, surrounded by seasonal beauty. Balancing their ideals with modern realities, they pursue what truly matters in life.
Do you know what "origami" is? It is a magic made from a single sheet of paper. This program showcases the creations of artists from around the globe inspired by the Japanese traditional craft.
Gion, a prestigious entertainment quarter in Kyoto home to many geiko and maiko, was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. All hopes rest on the revival of the Miyako Odori, a large-scale performance.
Okinawa, Japan. Momoko loved the piano and attended a school that had one. Then the war arrived and she was drafted to work in an army hospital. Could she survive the war through the power of music?
A taxi is an unusual place. A fleeting moment, just you and the driver. Uncover the true faces of cities worldwide from a taxi window with the help of local drivers in this documentary style travelog.
Fuzjko Hemming, now in her 90s, is celebrated globally as a pianist of the soul. We follow her on her journey to Mallorca, where she delves into the world of Chopin, her artist hero.
Dazaifu Tenmangu, a Shinto shrine where Sugawara Michizane rests, has long captivated people throughout history. This program introduces its mysterious charm and the seasonal colors of its precincts.
In this short animation, Luna, a girl who is uncomfortable with hospitals, medicine and injections, comes to understand the value of medicine via the thrilling explanations of a mysterious doctor.
Clothes can spark joy, but mass production has heavy environmental costs and clothing waste is a major, growing problem. Japanese firms and designers are taking up new projects to tackle the system.
Ramen is a savory combination of umami-packed broth and perfectly cooked noodles. This program offers an encyclopedic view of this delectable dish, taking you on a journey across Japan to discover ever-evolving local variations. Join us as we explore a tapestry of local customs and food culture through the lens of ramen.
This program uses dramatic readings in English to introduce short stories by exceptional storytellers who have big followings in Japan. The stories make the culture and spirit of Japan accessible through imaginative drawings and animations interspersed between the readings like storybook illustrations.
Visit hot springs hidden away in Aomori, Akita, and Fukushima to experience a variety of healing waters, taste the local cuisine, enjoy the winter landscape, and meet with the locals.
Rene is a Cameroonian manga creator. His popular manga deals with the cultural differences he faced growing up in Japan. Now, Rene goes to school to meet with foreign children living in Japan and turn their experiences into manga.
One of Japan's most innovative confectioners, Nishio Megumi artfully crafts sweets with natural Okinawan ingredients, pursuing her passion in spite of struggling with the aftereffects of an accident.
Known for brush-burning agriculture and taiko dance, the mountain village Tsubayama was abandoned, but 3 years ago, a man returned and it began to revive. A home village and memories of forebears.
A quiet little shop in downtown Tokyo serves as a haven for Japan's lost young souls. They share their innermost feelings with their future selves in letters they'll receive exactly one year later.
Three "lost" decades since the end of Japan's bubble era have damaged the country's global image and spawned the term "Cheap Japan." We explore what it might take to revive Japan's economy once again.
Come on in! And explore homes and apartments while we unveil surprising stories and history of the people who reside within. From eclectic living spaces to hidden gems, each episode introduces the lifestyles of diverse people living in Japan. Also discover how the neighborhoods they live in foster creativity and connections. Get inspired by these spaces that reflect dreams and passions, and get tips that you can take into your own home. So, take off your shoes, and step into ROOOOMS! Japan.
Samurai lords used to live in castles with majestic stone walls. Today only a handful of craftsmen can build walls in the traditional way. One such crafstman is working in an unusual place - the U.S.
The Tokyo Motor Show has now become the Japan Mobility Show. To reflect this change, it has expanded its scope and now features a broad range of vehicles that will shape the future of mobility!
Join chef Kogawa Nobuko and her husband Makoto as they take us on a culinary journey through the seasons featuring traditional recipes unique to the mountainous region of Hida Takayama in Gifu Prefecture.
Who is the boy who waits stoically to cremate his dead brother in Nagasaki? The search for his identity continues, as the iconic image has come to symbolize the fate of "atomic-bomb orphans."
A year of zen practice at Antaiji Temple in Japan. Many non-Japanese gather at this Soto school zen temple to do zazen 1,800 hours per year and live the zen ideal of self-sufficiency.
Creating the future together. Inspiring stories of projects by Japanese people working with communities in developing countries with new ideas and efforts to help solve issues.
In this behind-the-scenes look at an unprecedented production of Shakespeare's comedy, Deaf and hearing actors discover how they can work and learn together to create a special piece.
DRUM TAO, a taiko drumming group that brings its sublime sound and dynamic performances to audiences around the world, delivers a performance from the stage of a national park in Aso.
For 40 years, Small Journeys has been an NHK staple, with each episode featuring a single reporter's expedition to a unique location in Japan. They unveil the captivating scenery and local way of life in their chosen destination. Join us on these individual journeys to find a place that speaks to your heart.
This year saw the end of Sominsai, a unique festival in which loinclothed men plunge into freezing water, are enveloped in smoke, and jostle through the night to grasp a lucky sack as a form of prayer.
A new travelogue program using the "Immersive Audio" sound technology brings you to the magical trip. We explore some of the world's most intriguing destinations, Morocco, with 360 degrees' three-dimensional sound.
Japan - a country of timeless wonder and mystery. The deep spirituality of the Japanese has captured the hearts of many explorers in the past. The journey to uncover the essence of the Japanese spirit, begins.
Summer 2023. In Fukushima, writer Yu Miri and local young people create a play linking past and future based on the effects of the 2011 Earthquake, the nuclear power plant accident and COVID-19.
Apple founder Steve Jobs revolutionized the way we live with his creations. And he loved Japanese culture. Close friends, colleagues and design experts shed new light on how this came to be.
Story Land introduces traditional folk tales that have been told and loved in Japan for centuries. Leading actors present the stories with the rich expressiveness of one-person performances, enhanced by charming illustrations that bring the tales vividly to life.
This series is aimed at students of the Japanese language and viewers interested in classical literature. It provides easy introductions to celebrated classical works that are commonly included in school textbooks and familiar to virtually all Japanese. The works are first presented in their original classical form to give viewers an immediate feel for the sound of the language. Then they are explained and rendered in modern language, with the worldview they embody introduced through scenic set designs and video imagery. The program is also intended for non-Japanese students residing in Japan who are studying classical Japanese.
The Kinmen and Matsu archipelagoes just offshore of mainland China attract tourists with their unique culture and war remains. We visited the islands during the Chinese New Year festivities.
In late 2020, Takada Kenzo died from complications of Covid-19. Shy but exuberant, Paris's top designer was known for fun. We honor a legend, with Koshino Junko, Shimada Junko, and Jean Paul Gaultier.
TAKE TECH is an educational program for children from upper elementary school to high school designed to foster familiarity with everyday technology. The focus is technology we depend on in our daily lives, such as products found in people's homes, information systems and machines. Why were they created, and how do they work? Each episode features one key tech and explains its mechanism and function in an easy-to-understand way.
Learn the principles of programming without even touching a computer in this new-style education program. Unique animated characters assist in the fun and lucid introduction of 5 core programming processes: analysis, combination, generalization, abstraction and simulation.
An old thatched house in Ibaraki prefecture is home to a family of four. Their nostalgic, yet modern life encompasses a supportive group of friends and the beauty of the natural world in every season.
As deforestation progresses in Brazil's Amazon rainforest, the indigenous people risk their lives by using smartphones and drones to expose illegal logging and mining operations on social media.
During China's One-Child Policy, many families gave up their daughters, who often ended up in international adoption programs. Those daughters now attempt to reconnect with their parents.
Two explorers venture into the Seti Gorge of the Himalayas, a chasm so narrow and deep that none have descended into it, while research exposes the geological origins of the gorge.
Matsubara Hidetoshi, one of Japan's last traditional falconers, resides in rural Tohoku with only the company of his birds. A sudden request by a young city-dweller may be key to retaining his legacy.
When a Japan-based American journalist discovers that a World War II B-29 engine was unearthed from a sacred mountain he embarks on a quest to uncover the fate of the US airmen.
A century after the Great Kanto Earthquake, previously unknown details have been extracted from newly 8K remastered and colorized footage, vividly demonstrating how Tokyo citizens faced the disaster.
Examining social issues. An exclusive selection of NHK's documentaries exploring the lives of real people and events, revealing the power of non-fiction film.
Renowned architect Kengo Kuma is known for unique designs that reinterpret traditional Japanese aesthetics, and aim to re-balance the relationship between humanity and the environment.
Single mother and nursery school teacher Miyuki meets Sri Lankan Kumara while doing volunteer work in northeastern Japan after the 2011 disaster. One year later, the two reunite as if by fate and are slowly drawn to each other. Along with Miyuki's daughter Maya, they begin living together as a family. But, right after they submit their marriage forms and become officially married, Kumara is detained in an immigration facility for overstaying his visa and is given a deportation order to return to Sri Lanka. The marriage is suspected to be fake when Kumara is questioned, and the family is treated with disrespect. In order to help Kumara, they have no choice but to start a court case to win special permission for residency. The three of them just want to live together as a family. With that simple wish in their hearts, they take on a court battle with Japan itself.
Kyoto, the soul of Japanese culture, is one of the world's best-known tourist destinations. It has many cultural assets and UNESCO-registered World Heritage Sites. But visitors are unaware of the implicit code of behavior that runs below its surface. Without realizing it, many are breaking protocol, but Japanese do not like to draw attention or rebuke them. Take a deep yet comic look at the tacit code that lies behind daily life, and broaden your knowledge and experiences in the ancient capital.
Ozu Yasujiro's works continue to enchant viewers 60 years after his death. Scholars and directors, including Wim Wenders, examine the enduring legacy of the Japanese master.
Puppet action show for young children, produced for utilization in moral education classes in schools in Japan. In a distant post-human future where surviving creatures have formed a community, new-breed dinosaur girl Rockie sets out on hilarious adventures with her schoolmates.
Savor Japan's iconic sights on a two-hour condensed course. Ideal for travelers and dreamers alike, we bring you an immersive and thrilling sense of exploration.
Sam Bankman-Fried was a young billionaire before his cryptocurrency exchange collapsed and he was convicted of fraud. Was he a visionary or scammer? We explore the wild and disruptive world of crypto.
Here is the high-resolution movie by Koichi Hozan, a videographer living in Nara Prefecture, with exclusive pieces which a pianist, Mine Kawakami, played on the "Hyakunen (100-year-old) Piano." The light and sound create a poetic video to make you experience each season. Cast (Piano): Mine Kawakami "Yamato-no-Kisetsu," composed by Mine Kawakami
Fukui Prefecture is home to plenty of beautiful locales where people live and spend their daily lives. We have selected some of those wonderful places to share with viewers.
Mayuyama Koji is an art restorer who works with antique dealers and museums nationwide. His unique skills allow him to flawlessly restore broken works to their former conditions, earning him the nickname "God Hand." The practice originated from his father in the postwar period, when many antiques would be repaired secretly through underground means. This documentary reveals the details of his techniques, as well as his mission not just to restore art, but to preserve it for generations to come.
From natural landscapes to historic architecture representing centuries of cultural development, Japan's World Heritage sites offer a wide range of glimpses into history and the beauty of nature.
These short documentaries take an intimate look at the lifestyles and culinary passions of people across Japan. Their stories are sure to warm the heart and whet the appetite.
Join us as we revisit the milestones of Japan's long history. We examine various events from the age of the samurai to the modern period against the backdrop of an ever-changing international scene. Come with NHK WORLD-JAPAN on a journey that reveals the truth behind the turning points of the past and allows us to revel in the arts and architecture of heritage sites.
About 10,000 Vietnamese technical interns are in Hokkaido.They have come to learn about Japanese technology enjoying lives with other technical interns there.
Come on a time-lapse journey bringing you to famous locations across Japan. Rediscover the beauty of Japan as scenes unfold through time-lapse photography. From the ever-changing wonders of nature to the tranquility of a historic temple, we've selected the best sights that Japan has to offer.
A unique combination of aesthetics and dexterity make "smaller is better" a Japanese mantra - The Japanese "taste for tiny" has led to increasingly smaller objects with ever-increasing functionality. Hear from the creators about the dreams and sensibilities of the boundless world of the small.
All you need is a small desk and musical instruments. NHK is launching a Japanese version of the worldwide phenomenon "tiny desk concerts," originally pioneered by American public broadcaster NPR. Set in the actual offices of NHK, the series will breathe new life into music as artists perform in a setting that is anything but ordinary.
We showcase 40 years of Tokyo street fashion through the lens of Takano Kumiko who, along with a team, has interviewed and snapped tens of thousands of young people to reveal the culture of the time.
Receiving worldwide submissions, Japan's prestigious Good Design Award. Take a first-time look behind the scenes at what society needs from design, and how it can help all of us have better lives.
World War II tore apart families of Japanese immigrants in the Philippines. For eight decades, they have been dreaming of being reunited. But time is fast running out.
"Treasure Box Japan" is a series of programs by local community broadcasters. Get an inside perspective on the region's culture, food and natural surroundings.
"u&i" is a program that provides an opportunity to learn about and deepen an understanding of minorities, like children with physical and developmental disabilities, and children from a foreign culture. The main character "i" is a so-called "normal" child. With each episode, "i," concerned about "u" with a certain disadvantage, finds themselves in a mysterious world. With the help of fairies, they hear out the problems that their friend is having, and in the process of learning more about them, "i" gains the ability to respect diversity and develop a compassionate heart.
Centuries ago, Tokyo was known as Edo. More than a million people enjoyed life in this small but abundant city. They live on in ukiyo-e woodblock prints. Each episode is a deep dive into a single print, and an exploration of the soul of Old Tokyo. We examine works by artists like Hokusai and Hiroshige not just for their aesthetic and historical value, but for the stories they tell of everyday life. That is how the people of Edo themselves enjoyed this mass-produced medium.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has set in motion a new era of global polarization and instability. We uncover the events unfolding behind the scenes during the critical first 72 hours.
Under intense fire from the Russian forces, Ukrainian civilians-turned-soldiers document their first experiences on the battlefield using smartphones and cameras to show the do-or-die reality of war.
Ukraine once had a formidable nuclear arsenal. One young man asks his fellow citizens if disarmament was right, especially now that Russia threatens to use the most destructive weapon of all.
The United Nations Security Council is the UN's most powerful body. But its power has been tested during Russia's war on Ukraine. Can the Council fulfill its role as "the world's peacekeeper"?
Presenting a range of useful scientific ways of seeing (viewpoints), this proactive science education program encourages primary and lower secondary school children to discover and investigate the mysteries which puzzle them. In place of passive classroom learning, the children learn both to ask the questions and to find the answers by themselves.
Ever since the Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami, an NHK program has been recording the candid thoughts of survivors. We listen to their voices and examine the idea of "reconstruction."
Ethnic Korean filmmaker Yang Yonghi has focused her camera on her family, torn between Japan and North Korea. Her search for identity continues, in a tenuous balance of love, politics, and history.
Witness the tears, laughter, and history of Japanese-Brazilians. Issey Ogata presents a solo performance on true stories of everyday life over the past 30 years experienced by Japanese-Brazilians.
We follow the fortunes of two women standing as candidates in local elections held in Japan in April, 2023. They battle for acceptance in a land where female politicans are very much in the minority.
In Japan, young people are increasingly being lured into engaging in illegal jobs for money. What's behind this surge in juvenile lawlessness? And what can parents and others do to help address it?
Meet people around Japan who strive for a life without waste under the traditional philosophy of "MOTTAINAI," which values cherishing the things we have.
Climate change is everyone's problem, but the devastating effects aren't felt evenly. In partnership with a US public broadcaster, we zero in on protecting the most affected people and areas, or MAPA.
