Takahiro Hachigo, who became Honda president in 2015, envisions a revival of "Honda-ism" with products that make people happy. He speaks about strategy evolution and quality management.
Kego is a acomplished Architect involved with Tokyo 2020: Designing the Olympic Stadium
Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the former Prime Minister of Malaysia, led the country to become one of the richest ASEAN countries. This is the 1st part of an interview with Dr. Mahathir.
Dr. Mahathir Mohamad, the former PM of Malaysia, is known for his bold ideas. In this 2nd part of an interview, we hear his views on stability and security both in Asia and the rest of the world.
Having his books published in 97 countries, Jeffrey Archer is one the most reputed best-selling novelists. As a former politician, he retains a keen interest in Asia especially the Far East countries.
Yoshiharu Ueki is the president of Japan Airlines, and the company’s first leader who started out as a pilot. In 2010, JAL filed for bankruptcy, and Ueki has been in charge of revitalizing the firm.
Living with Jazz tonight we look at the life of Jazz trumpeter Terumasa Hino
Rajeev Suri , the first Indian to become CEO of Nokia, tells us what makes the company different under his management and his vision for how future technology will change the world.
Salil Shetty, Secretary General of Amnesty International, grew up in India and is a long-term human rights activist. He worries that human rights around the world have been deteriorating recently.
Guo Pei, one of China's top designers, is fast becoming famous in the fashion world with her magnificent dresses worn by international pop stars. She talks about her passion for high fashion.
Nikon’s president, Kazuo Ushida, is an engineer with a passion for optical technology. The rise of smartphones has hurt camera sales, but Ushida has a plan for the future of Nikon’s business.
Creating New Kabuki in Las Vegas Ichikawa Somegoro
Pasang Lhamu Sherpa Akita, one of the first female professional mountaineers in Nepal,talks about her challenge to climbing and her active support for the survivors of the earthquake in 2015.
Soren Hermansen, a pioneer of green movement from Denmark came to Fukushima in March. He talks about the potential of community power which has been gaining attention in Japan recently.
Legendary jazz pianist and composer Bob James taps the power of music to help the people of Tohoku recover from the tragedy of 3.11. He reflects on a 40 year love affair with Japan.
Peter Sutherland, the United Nations Special Representative of the Secretary General: International Migration, talks that governments must share responsibility for resettling people affected by crises.
Ko Ko Gyi, one of Myanmar’s leading pro-democracy activists for over 25 years, talks of the long road he has traveled along with Nobel Laureate Aung San Suu Kyi and others in quest of full democracy.
As a Singaporean diplomat, scholar, and prolific author, Kishore Mahbubani suggests we can learn ways for people of diverse backgrounds to co-exist by adopting ASEAN approach.
TOTO is Japan's largest maker of toilets. This 100-year-old company strives to develop unique products that help people and the environment. We spoke with Toto's president, Madoka Kitamura.
Born and raised in New York, Ryu Goto is 27-year-old prominent violinist. He talks his belief in music, collaboration works with Asian artists, and his interests other than classical music.
Shigeru Ban, the 2014 Pritzker Prize winner, is an architect famous for works like the Pompidou-Metz. He also leads an effort to create emergency shelters out of paper in the world’s disaster areas.
Bonsai is an art form where the work is never finished, and it fascinates people around the world. Master bonsai artist Kunio Kobayashi speaks about how bonsai encapsulates life and death.
Thailand’s pioneer in mega solar farms, Wandee Khunchornyakong looks at Southeast Asia as a region with huge potential for growth in renewable energy which she believes can tackle climate change also.
Hans Blix led the search for weapons of mass destruction before the Iraq war. Join Direct Talk to hear the former head of IAEA discuss world security, disarmament, nuclear power and global warming.
Former Google engineer Chade-Meng Tan developed an influential meditation program for tech workers. He reveals how Silicon Alley has turned to Eastern philosophy to cut stress and boost creativity.
Kumon, a tutoring company that began in Japan in the 1950s, currently has over 4 million students in 49 countries and territories. We speak with its president, Hidenori Ikegami, about how it succeeds.
The advent of smartphones and smart watches makes life difficult for the timepiece business. Toshio Tokura of Citizen Holdings, a long-established watch firm, discusses this challenge and the future.
Mahabir Pun, Founder of Nepal Wireless Networking Project, is connecting remote villages in the Himalayan region to the internet. He talks of his hope to change rural people's lives with technology.
Robin Rowland runs the Yo! Sushi restaurant chain and is one of Britain’s leading food entrepreneurs. Join Direct Talk to hear him talk about his plans to bring Japanese food to a global audience.
Toshiko Akiyoshi, Berklee-trained jazz pianist and composer, celebrated her 70-year career earlier this year. She talks the long path she had taken in American Jazz and her emotional ties to Asia.
Working across academic disciplines, Jared Diamond has spent decades observing human societies with a broad perspective. He talks about one of the biggest issues facing the world today, polarization.
Jung Chang’s family story, immortalized in her book Wild Swans, brought 20th Century China alive for millions of readers around the world. In Direct Talk Chang discusses her books and China today.
ANA Holdings is the parent company of All Nippon Airways, now in its 30th year of international flights. We speak with ANA Holdings CEO Shinya Katanozaka about effective risk management.
Yamaha is one of the world's best known makers of musical instruments, including pianos and synthesizers. We speak with Yamaha’s president, Takuya Nakata, about how it creates innovative products.
Vikrom Kromadit is the founder of Thailand's largest industrial estate developer, recognized as a leader in his field. He talks of his experiences that lead to success and his visions for the future.
Lang Lang is a Chinese pianist who has performed with leading orchestras in Europe, the United States. He hopes to inspire kids to explore the piano and celebrate the wonderful world of music.
Komatsu is the world's No. 2 manufacturer of construction equipment. Its president, Tetsuji Ohashi, talks about the company's groundbreaking technology, and the global challenges it works to solve.
Asahi Group Holdings has the largest market share for beer in Japan. In March 2016, CEO Naoki Izumiya also became chairman. He wants to use Japanese strengths to be globally competitive.
Jay Rubin has translated many novels by Japanese author Haruki Murakami. He shares his insights into the appeal of this bestselling writer and explains his own universal outlook.
Wildlife photographer Mitsuaki Iwago has captured lions battling for supremacy…and his work has appeared on the cover of National Geographic twice. He tells us the secret to photographing animals.
The heavily autobiographical movies of Naomi Kawase have won many awards, including the Grand Prix at Cannes. Now she sits on film festival juries. We speak with this leading filmmaker.
Microsoft co-founder Bill Gates is known as the wealthiest man on the planet. In recent years he’s focused on philanthropy, teaming up with his wife to launch the Bill & Melinda Gates Foundation.
Pen-Ek Ratanaruang is an internationally acclaimed film director and screenwriter, a pioneer in Thai 'New Wave' cinema, credited with reviving the country's film industry and drawing in new audiences
Jose Ramos Horta is a Nobel Peace Prize winner and key figure in the history of East Timor. He discusses the lessons of that history and his philosophy of conflict resolution through reconciliation.
Legendary Japanese actress Sayuri Yoshinaga has made a life’s work of highlighting the suffering of Atomic Bomb survivors, and now the victims of the Fukushima Disaster, by reading their poetry.
The paints and coatings made by Kansai Paint are used in a quarter of the world’s vehicles. Its current president, Hiroshi Ishino, has been instrumental in the company’s bold global expansion.
The Japanese “way of tea” dates back 500 years, and Genshitsu Sen is the previous head of the Urasenke tea tradition. He survived World War II, and believes tea can be a powerful force for peace.
Venture capitalist Dave McClure provides seed money and mentoring to startups in Silicon Valley and beyond. He talks about his passion for entrepreneurialism and assesses the East Asian market.
New York-based political scientist Ian Bremmer is the founder of Eurasia Group, a global political risk research firm. He gives us his analysis of geopolitics in a leaderless world.
Cai Guo-Qiang is a Chinese artist who currently lives and works in New York City. While living in Japan, he explored the properties of gunpowder in his drawings. We ask his belief of art.
Tomotaka Takahashi is a renowned creator of humanoid robots. He envisions a future where everyone will own a robot, and where these robots will be able to communicate effectively with humans.
Bunraku is a traditional form of puppet theater with 300 years of history. One of its foremost practitioners today is Kiritake Kanjuro III. He tells us how he makes his beautiful puppets come alive.
Lord David Howell is a Conservative British politician. Having been Secretary of State for Energy, he talks about prospects regarding low oil prices and the global future of energy.
Bridgestone is the world’s No. 1 tire maker. How will it grow going forward? By focusing on creating tires that are good for the environment. We speak to Kazuhisa Nishigai, the company’s COO.
An interview with Masayoshi Son, Chairman&CEO of SoftBank Group, about his plan,”ASIA SUPER GRID.” He aims to create a renewable energy network to connect countries in Asia to supply cheaper, environmentally friendly electricity.
With antibiotic resistance continuing to threaten world health, Direct Talk meets the Nobel Prize winning scientist Venki Ramakrishnan, whose discoveries provide the key to new drugs.
Bandai Namco creates over 200 character themed products annually. As anime’s popularity grows across Asia, Mitsuaki Taguchi shares his thoughts on the business of characters and plans for the future.
Celebrated cinematographer and director Daisaku Kimura has worked on many classic Japanese films. Having honed his skills under Akira Kurosawa, he discusses what keeps him going now at the age of 77.
Babatunde Osotimehin is executive director of United Nations Population Fund. Being a specialist in human health, he talks about how the global community should prevent epidemic of Ebola and Zika.
David Nussbaum is the Chief Executive of WWF in the UK. He is passionate about the role of sustainable business as well as government leadership to solve the environmental issues facing the planet.
Midori Goto, who made her debut at age 11, has been called the greatest violinist of her generation. She is also a UN Messenger of Peace. We speak to this virtuoso about a career of giving back.
Joanne Liu, International President of the humanitarian organization, MSF – Medecins Sans Frontieres – discusses the challenges of providing emergency medical care in war zones and natural disasters.
Shyam Badan Shrestha is a pioneer in producing and marketing Nepalese handcrafts using natural fibers from plants native to Nepal. She has built on traditional skills of women, to empower women.
Sir Paul Smith is one of the most successful fashion designers across the world, and has been creating clothes for 40 years, with stores in 73 countries. Now 70, he is still working as hard as ever.
Benjamin Law is a Sydney-based writer. The Family Law, the first Australian TV drama focusing on an Asian immigrant family, is based on his book. He talks of his insights as a minority writer.
Kartika Jahja is a singer songwriter - Indonesia's 'hottest diva' aiming to 'uncool patriarchy'. She's known for her originality in music as well as her eye-catching advocacy to bring gender equality.
After the 2008 financial crisis, many electronics companies fell into the red, but Mitsubishi Electric successfully stayed the course. CEO Masaki Sakuyama talks about strategy and technology.
Gagaku is a type of traditional music that originated in the imperial court 1,300 years ago. For the past 20 years, Hideki Togi has been combining gagaku and modern music for a global audience.
Susi Pudjiastuti is Indonesia's star Fisheries Minister known for sinking illegal fishing boats. Her tough policies have rocked the nation and its neighbors. She talks of her mission with a passion.
The swift rise of digital imaging represented a crisis for Fujifilm. In response, the company underwent a “second founding,” and bounced back strongly. We speak with Shigetaka Komori, Fujifilm’s CEO.
Hardlock Industry is a firm of about 50 employees that makes a revolutionary kind of hardware nut. We speak with its president, Katsuhiko Wakabayashi, who has been called the “Edison of East Osaka.”
Australian architect Peter Stutchbury is leading “sustainable architecture”. He designs houses based on respect for nature and the needs of residents. He tells us his philosophy of architecture.
Oh Jun-ho is South Korea’s leading robot researcher. In 2015, he won an international contest in making disaster droids. He talks about the potential of robots and how they can co-exist with humans.
Shunji Iwai’s films are known for their unique beauty, and they have a passionate following across Asia. Iwai says the inspiration for his work comes largely from his childhood and adolescence.
Paul Keating, the former prime minister of Australia, tried to expand regional cooperation throughout the Asia-Pacific. He talks about how the Asia-Pacific region will influence the globe.
Richard Dawkins is one of the most famous evolutionary biologists as author of ‘The Selfish Gene’. He is also controversial and has upset many people with his outspoken atheist views.
The father of modern linguistics, Professor Chomsky is renowned as a critic of US foreign policy. He talks about the decline of democracy and what linguistics can tell us about human society.
Peking Opera actor Shi Yihong is known to be as good at performing action roles as she is at singing. She’s also bringing Peking Opera to a new generation of audiences.
Filled with Japan’s top firms, Marunouchi is the country’s economic heart. Facing competition throughout Asia, how does Mitsubishi Estate CEO Hirotaka Sugiyama keep the business district evolving?
Famous for his Seascapes series, Hiroshi Sugimoto has been pushing photography to the level of high art since his debut in the1970s. We ask Sugimoto about the message behind his newest work.
Being the creator of Airtasker, an online and mobile marketplace for task sharing, Mr. Fung talks about the future of community-based share economy which is significantly growing in Australia.
New York-based multi-organ transplant surgeon Dr. Tomoaki Kato talks about saving lives on the operating table and his tireless advocacy for transplant surgery and organ donation worldwide.
In 1998, Takayuki Ohira created a planetarium that displayed over 100 times more stars than other models, and he did it alone. We ask Ohira about his current projects, his passion and his vision.
Australian restaurateur Bill Granger is an all around food guru who owns 16 restaurants across the world. He tells us his philosophy regarding food and restaurants.
Yoshiyuki Sankai is the CEO of Cyberdyne, a firm that is developing robotics for use in the field of medicine. One of its inventions is HAL, a wearable robot for people with disabilities.
Naoyuki Kawahara is a physician who was sent by Japan’s foreign ministry to Sudan. There, he was inspired to start his own NGO, which travels the country providing medical services to people in need.
Adnan Topan Husodo leads efforts to bring transparency to public spending and accountability to those in power. He says active public participation is essential in fighting and exposing corruption.
New York based celebrity chef David Bouley tells how his discovery of Japanese kaiseki fine dining has turned him into an advocate for making haute cuisine a healthy art form.
Kyogen is a Japanese form of comic theater with 650 years of history, and Mansai Nomura is one of its brightest stars. We speak to him about his efforts to bring Shakespeare into the world of kyogen.
Hiroshi Senju is a Japanese artist based in New York who paints in the Nihonga tradition. In 2015, he was commissioned to create 42 sliding door paintings for one of Japan’s most historic temples.
Tri Mumpuni has helped communities build micro-hydro power plants across Indonesia. She believes empowering local people to manage natural resources will lead to sustainable development for all.
Omron developed the world’s first automated ticket gate. Under CEO Yoshihito Yamada, the company is tackling many of today’s important issues, including how people and machines can live in harmony.
The novels and short stories of Banana Yoshimoto are available in over 30 countries, and she has “Banana fans” around the world. We speak with her about how her writing has transcended borders.
Christiana Figueres was playing key role in Paris agreement Dec.2015 for limiting the increase in global temperatures. Why were these talks successful after years of Controversy?
Spring Airlines is the first privately owned Chinese budget airline company. Chairman Wang Zhenghua’s concept of charging budget rates, have put him at odds with the aviation authorities.
Gallery owner Tim Blum put cutting-edge artists like Yoshitomo Nara and Takashi Murakami on the international art world map. He talks about his passion for contemporary art and Japanese culture.
Kunihiko Shimada is a professional negotiator. He has negotiated and mediated around the world, including in Kosovo and East Timor, and is currently involved in discussions related to Syria.
Calligraphy has a long history in Japan, and Sisyu is currently one of the country’s most prominent calligraphers. She is taking calligraphy beyond the page to create modern art with global appeal.
Christopher Patten is the last Governor of Hong Kong. He is a close China watcher. We asked Lord Patten what he thought of the recent Hong Kong elections and political situation.
Morita Holdings is a top maker of fire trucks. Masahiro Nakajima, its chairman & CEO, talks about how the company learns from major disasters, and the secrets of developing firefighting vehicles.
Drum Tao, a group that puts an entertaining twist on taiko drumming, has performed in front of over 7 million people in 23 countries. Its director, Ikuo Fujitaka, talks about the group’s appeal.
Angel Gurria is challenging to find an economic solution while some of the world's economies are slowing down with trade and investment. We hear how to stimulate the world's sluggish economy.
Harvard Professor (Emeritus) Ezra Vogel has authored numerous bestselling books analyzing Japan and China. He outlines the current challenges to cooperation between the two countries and the US.
Jia Zhangke is known as the “Sixth generation of Chinese filmmakers”. His films are shot in a documentary style to help illustrate the intense emotional changes faced by ordinary Chinese citizens.
Yoichi Takahashi created the world-famous soccer manga “Captain Tsubasa,” which started in 1981 and is still running today. His work has influenced many people, including famous soccer players.
Fu Yiyao, a Chinese artist who learned Buddhist art in Japan, is now well known for capturing the essence of traditional festivals by vividly drawing dancing and playing participants.
The choreographer Mikiko was recently tapped to oversee the performance of the official handover of the Olympics from Rio to Tokyo. She talks about how she uses technology to make humans shine.
Yin Myo Su is a successful entrepreneur from the Inthar tribe of Inle Lake in Eastern Myanmar. She's a passionate advocate for ethical standards in business, and conservation of nature and culture.
With her hi-tech installations and videos, Japanese / British artist Sputniko! envisions the future of society and leads the next generation of feminists in challenging the gender gap.
World-renowned Russian conductor Valery Gergiev has long been passionate about music and bringing together young musicians from around the Asia-Pacific region. He hopes this passion will lead to closer ties between Russia and Japan.
The conductor Toshio Yanagisawa helped found the Balkan Chamber Orchestra. It brings together musicians from different countries in the former Yugoslavia, a region that has faced ethnic conflict.
Eddie Jones is the rugby coach who led the Japanese national team to historic victory over South Africa in the 2015 World Cup. Now he's pursuing a new challenge as England head coach.
British architect Richard Rogers is behind many of iconic buildings of the last 45 years, including the Pompidou Centre in Paris. He has won countless awards and has campaigned for sustainable cities.
Yuichi Mori has been researching films and membranes for over 30 years. At age 53, he started Mebiol, a company that applies this technology to agriculture through what it calls “film farming.”
Kazuyuki Ishihara is a Japanese landscape artist who has been praised by Queen Elizabeth II as a gardening magician. This year, he won the President’s Award at the prestigious Chelsea Flower Show.
Mireya Solis, Senior Research Fellow and Japan specialist at the Brookings Institution in Washington DC, talks about the structure of Japan’s labor force, the role of women in the economy and the TPP.
Pichet Klunchun has won international acclaim and domestic notoriety with his contemporary interpretations of Thai classical dance-drama, Khon. He talks of his passion to keep the art alive and free.
Trend Micro is a major computer security firm. How can we defend against the hackers attacking businesses, governments, and even home appliances? We asked Eva Chen, Trend Micro’s CEO and co-founder.
Ezaki Glico is one of Japan’s leading confectionery companies. Its hit products include Pocky, 10 billion boxes of which have been sold worldwide. We speak with the company’s CEO, Katsuhisa Ezaki.
Helena Norberg-Hodge is a Swedish author and environmentalist who has been advocating “localization.” She talks about protecting and developing local economy and culture versus globalization.
Kevin O’Hare is Director of The Royal Ballet in London. He was a dancer for 20 years, performing all the leading roles. Now he's trying to find ways for ballet to be relevant to a new generation.
Daniel Barenboim, pianist and conductor explains how music has a unique power both at a personal and a political level and discusses his controversial Arab Israeli West Eastern Divan Orchestra.
Ex-Secretary of Defense, William Perry is known to have influenced President Obama and his goal of “Nuclear Disarmament.” Perry explains the idea of “World without nuclear weapons” and the threats of “New Cold War.”
Li Shuyun is China’s famous tea master. With her beautiful tea table arrangements and a performance atmosphere, Li has done much to revive interest in the art of tea in modern China.
Ton Nu Thi Ninh has dedicated her career to initiating communication and understanding between Vietnam and the world. She talks of the resilience of the Vietnamese people and the challenges they face.
Blaine Harden, former Washington Post reporter and the author of a bestselling exposé of life in a North Korean political prison camp, talks about the continuity of the repressive Kim regime.
For 30 years Oliver Stone has taken aim at government abuses in films from Platoon to JFK, and now, Snowden. The Oscar winning director discusses US foreign policy and his continuing anti-war stance.
Rakugo is a Japanese form of comedic performance with 400 years of history, and Sanyutei Ryuraku is a rakugo storyteller who has given 160 performances abroad, in seven different foreign languages.
Izumi Tateno is a pianist who, at age 65, had a stroke during a recital that paralyzed the right side of his body. Two years later, though, he was performing again, playing music for the left hand.
Ma Jun, China's foremost environmentalist, is at the leading edge of country's fight for clean air and water. His Internet monitoring system has changed the way China is tackling industrial pollution.
Vo Trong Nghia is working to employ architecture to make cities more green and sustainable. He is concerned that rapid urbanization is putting too much stress on people and the environment.
Rice has long been a staple crop of Japan, and Kubota is one of Japan’s leading makers of rice farming machinery. We speak to president Masatoshi Kimata about the company’s history and next steps.
Amon Miyamoto was the first Asian director of a Broadway musical. He recently directed a performance about the life of Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. His focus now is putting Japan on stage.
Wang Xudong, President of the Dunhuang Academy, works against time and the elements to save the Mogao Caves, one of China’s most precious cultural heritage sites, from natural and man-made damage.
Indira Ranamagar runs homes and schools for society's most vulnerable - the children of prisoners. She talks of the importance of ensuring every child quality care and education, for a better future.
Chikaranomoto is the parent company of Ippudo, a ramen chain that sells 70,000 bowls each day in 12 countries and territories. We speak with Chikaranomoto’s COO about how they’ve taken ramen global.
Shunmyo Masuno is a priest who has been designing Japanese gardens based on the principles of Zen Buddhism for over 30 years. His work is currently winning attention around the world.
Sopheap Pich is a contemporary artist from Cambodia recognized internationally for his organic sculptures created from natural materials. He talks of his appreciation of life and the power of art.
Sakata Seed, founded in 1913, cultivates seed varieties that are sold in 170 countries, and that account for 2/3 of the world’s broccoli. We ask the company’s president about its global success.
Joe Hisaishi has composed the scores for almost all the films of legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki. Currently, Hisaishi is taking a minimalist approach to his music. We ask him about his work.
Cynthia Maung is a refugee physician from Myanmar who runs a free clinic for displaced people and migrant workers in Thailand. She believes ensuring healthcare for all will benefit society as a whole.
Mohsen Makhmalbaf is a world-acclaimed Iranian film director. We ask him how we can possibly resolve the current problems created by rising tensions around the world.
When it comes to automotive design, few people would immediately think of Chinese cars. But Zhang Fan, a talented young Chinese car designer, is working hard to change this situation.
Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park modeled on an old Dutch town, opened in Nagasaki in 1992. It eventually went bankrupt, but then visionary entrepreneur Hideo Sawada took it over and turned things around.
Kai Corporation makes a variety of premium bladed items, from kitchen knives to scalpels. President Koji Endo talks about how they’ve overcome competition to successfully sell their products globally.
From humble researcher to founder and president of BGI, a world-class genetic science organization… Chinese geneticist Wang Jian is dedicated to exploring the secrets of life.
Mark Fitzpatrick is a non-proliferation expert and author of “Asia’s Latent Nuclear Powers: Japan, South Korea and Taiwan”. He discusses nuclear dangers in East Asia and what we must do to stop them.
The Bangladeshi scientist Dr Saleemul Huq is a key advisor to the countries which are most vulnerable to global warming. He is uniquely qualified to warn how climate change is transforming the planet.
Brunello Cucinelli, founder of an Italian luxury brand, places top priority on his craftspeople. Moreover, his company revitalized a small village. We focus on his philosophy, “Humanistic Capitalism”
The online show "Eat Solo" encourages Chinese urbanites to find happiness through cooking. Its creator, Cai Yani, must have touched a hungry nerve in China, because it rapidly became an Internet hit.
Tatsuo Kawada is the CEO of Seiren, a manufacturer of synthetic fibers that pioneered the use of IT within its industry in the 1980s. Their computerized color dyeing system is truly one of a kind.
Designer/artist Tokujin Yoshioka’s creative identity is based on the themes of light and nature. What is the design philosophy behind his work, which is held in permanent museum collections worldwide?
Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz explains how globalization has led to the rise of nationalism and protectionism. He advocates global economic reform to bring benefit to all.
Former French prime minister Dominique de Villepin analyzes why a far right party is gathering support in France and emphasizes politicians' need to listen to citizens.
From super-famous global brands to fast fashion, everyone uses Shima Seiki knitting machines. Today the creations of founder and president Masahiro Shima have applications in medicine and industry.
Wagashi is the art of Japanese confectionery. Chikara Mizukami is set on spreading wagashi worldwide, working with confectioners overseas and publishing a book of his creations in multiple languages.
Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of Oxfam International, one of the biggest and most influential aid agencies, discusses the challenges of fighting poverty in an era of growing inequality.
East Asian security expert Dr. Victor Cha has been a prominent voice on US policy at the White House and beyond. He discusses developments in North Korea and strategies to counter the nuclear threat.
YKK is a global giant making nearly 9 billion zippers a year for top brands. Chairman and CEO Tadahiro Yoshida talks about how the firm is adapting to fast fashion and rising demand.
Yoshihiro Murata is the third-generation owner of a century-old restaurant in Kyoto. His time as a chef-in-training in France inspired him to make promoting Japanese cuisine worldwide his lifework.
Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food Movement, is a man who has changed the way people think about food. We asked him what he considers to be the future of food and how we should relate to it.
Jackie Ying leads a multidisciplinary team of scientists, doctors and engineers to develop innovative technologies in healthcare and clean energy. She talks of the importance of keeping an open mind.
Legendary Chinese musician Cui Jian talks about life, rock ‘n’ roll, and how his audiences have changed over three decades of making music in China.
Hajime Yoneda is a chef and former electronic engineer. His 2008 French restaurant won three stars in a record 17 months. He talks about looking outside the food world in his pursuit of originality.
Japanese kawaii culture has been gaining popularity all over the world. The movement was masterminded by art director Sebastian Masuda, who spoke to us about its past, present, and future.
Chay Lo is a Cambodian social entrepreneur working to provide safe drinking water for rural communities to protect people from waterborne diseases. He believes access to clean water is a human right.
Amory Lovins is a physicist and energy specialist who has been stressing the importance of renewable energy. He talks about the energy policies in US and Asia which have serious impact on the world.
Lion Corporation makes cleaners and oralcare items. It also looks at social issues such as environmental protection. CEO Hama talks strategy and explains that the root of all manufacturing is love.
Through her pictures of flowers, portrait work, and more, Mika Ninagawa has built a following among young women throughout Japan and the world. Here, she speaks about her signature color aesthetic.
Indian Novelist Amitav Ghosh imagines future generations will call us deranged, for our inaction on global warming, and calls on creators to address the climate crisis in art and literature.
Kikuko Iwai is one of Japan's few art conservators, restoring masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso. Iwai talks about her personal restoration techniques and passion for art conservation.
Sake exports over the past decade have reached an all-time high of 138.4 million USD. One standout is Asahi Shuzo's “Dassai”, renowned for defying conventional industry wisdom. What sets Dassai apart?
Youk Chhang has kept alive the memory of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia that killed millions of its own people. He talks of the need to learn from history so that history will not repeat itself.
Having lived through hard times herself, the controversial Chinese writer Hong Ying focuses on human stories related to contemporary Chinese society. Her stories truly represent her generation.
Lighting designer Motoko Ishii has lit up Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Gate Bridge, and many other projects throughout Japan and overseas. She explains her unique methods and passion for lighting design.
Insurance today must cover cyber threats, terrorism and climate change. Inga Beale, chief executive of Lloyds of London, tells us how the insurance giant is changing and why diversity is important.
For 15 years ophthalmologist Tadashi Hattori has carried out free eye operations for poor Vietnamese patients. He's recovered the sight of 16,000 people. Hattori talks about what led to this decision.
In 2016, fireworks artist Yoichi Nomura won the All Japan Fireworks Competition for an unprecedented 16th time. He talks about the secrets of making fireworks and the cutting-edge of his craft.
The NY Times’ CEO Mark Thompson discusses strained relationships between the Trump administration and media and importance of truth in journalism as the rhetoric of “fake news” surges.
Dr Cheong Koon Hean is an architect and urban planner leading the transformation of Singapore into a smart, sustainable and liveable city, with an identity. She says planners must dream audaciously.
Russia’s most popular novelist Boris Akunin talks about how he fell in love with Japan as a schoolboy, starting writing fiction at the age of 40 and becoming a leader of the opposition to Putin.
Kanze Kiyokazu is the 26th Grand Master of the Kanze School of Noh a 700-year-old form of masked drama. He speaks on the beauty of Noh and his enthusiasm for his art.
Leading international lawyer Philippe Sands describes how he took China to court in the South China Sea case and explores the state of international law in the age of Trump, Brexit and Xi Jinping.
Innovative designer Jiang Qiong Er blends the finest elements of traditional Chinese design with contemporary styles and techniques to create a new kind of luxury design brand.
Julie Nelson Davis, America's top ukiyo-e expert, has overseen an exhibition that reunites the works of artist Utamaro for the first time in 138 years. What drives her to share the beauty of ukiyo-e?
Hironobu Tsujiguchi is a top Japanese patissier, winning the World Pastry Cup at 29, and more recently the Salon du Chocolat for four years running. He shares the story behind his delicious creations.
Mahar Lagmay is a geologist working to increase people's preparedness for natural hazards. He talks of the critical value of open data, for disaster mitigation in the time of climate change.
Mitsui O.S.K. Lines ships food, clothes, oil, coal, and everything in between. In April 2017 it launched the world's biggest container ship. CEO Ikeda talks about how the firm works behind the scenes.
Jazz pianist Makoto Ozone has made recent forays into classical music, playing with the New York Philharmonic and the San Francisco Symphony. He speaks on his genre-defying vision as an entertainer.
Philippine Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales leads the fight against corruption and misuse of power in public offices. She talks of the need to apply the same law to everyone, no matter their status.
Sir Philip Craven is the President of the International Paralympic Committee. An accomplished paralympian himself he believes the Paralympic Games are more than just sport and can transform society.
Alejandra Ancheita, Martin Ennals Award winner and founder of ProDESC, fights for the rights of the indigenous peoples of Mexico. Despite the danger to her own life, she tells us why she carries on.
Andrew Bolton, Curator in Charge of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is changing the understanding of fashion by elevating it to art with his distinct vision.
The name Kikkoman is synonymous with soy sauce. Today its foreign sales have grown to about 60% of its total sales. CEO Horikiri explains how Kikkoman made soy sauce a global staple.
Infiorata is the art of using flower petals to make flower carpets on the ground. Yasuhiko Fujikawa, who has won international acclaim for his Ukiyo-e inspired designs, explains the form’s allure.
Xavier López Ancona is co-founder of Kidzania, an edutainment theme park where kids can play at work in model cities with 24 locations worldwide. He shares with us his philosophy to “learn by doing.”
Lionel Barber, Editor of the Financial Times, one of the world’s most influential newspapers, talks about the future of the press and how he has transformed his newspaper into a global digital brand.
Washi is traditional Japanese paper. Eriko Horiki takes it to new extremes, fusing architecture and interior design. Her work has been shown worldwide. She talks about washi's beauty and potential.
Toshio Suzuki is producer and chairman at Hayao Miyazaki’s animation house Studio Ghibli. He offers insights into the creative process behind Miyazaki’s internationally beloved films.
Maritza Morales Casanova started her own environmental organization at just 10 years old, and has since founded a new kind of theme park; a place to teach kids to truly value our “grandmother earth.”
Mechai Viravaidya saved millions of lives with his AIDS campaign in Thailand, promoting the use of condoms and sex education for all. He urges people to challenge taboos, and to take NO as a question.
In 2014, Suntory Holdings bought U.S. whiskey producer Beam Inc., making it the No.3 spirits company in the world. President & CEO Takeshi Niinami talks strategy in the face of fierce competition.
Salman Khan is an American entrepreneur who founded Khan Academy, an online educator with a free learning platform and videos used by 50-million people. Khan discusses the future of education.
In 2013, adventurer Yuichiro Miura successfully scaled Mt. Everest at the age of 80—a world record. He explains how he did it despite having cardiac arrhythmia, and what adventures he now dreams of.
After studying populations with elevated levels of centenarians, the demographer Michel Poulain now investigates the determinants of healthy aging and society’s role in these so-called Blue Zones.
Fabrizio Parrulli, military commander of the Italian special force, talks of the new and pressing challenges in combating illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts by terrorists in the Middle East.
Actress Lin Chiling is familiar around the globe. But she is also a philanthropist, using personal funds to help underprivileged children. She talks about the importance of sharing wealth and love.
Mitsui is a prominent “sogo shosha,” literally “general trading company.” This uniquely Japanese type of conglomerate does all sorts of business all over the world. We speak with CEO Tatsuo Yasunaga.
Eitetsu Hayashi has pioneered a distinctive sound as a traditional percussionist, expanding the taiko’s possibilities in music and on stage. What inspires his widely acclaimed performances?
Some years ago, Japanese picture book producer Ikuko Ishikawa realized there was a shortage of colorful picture books in China. She decided to dedicate herself to providing them for Chinese children.
Hong Kong is now recognized as having the highest life expectancy of any major city or region in the world. Professor Lam Tai-Hing of Hong Kong University tells us why.
The geologist Carlo Doglioni studies ways to limit seismic tragedies like the 2016 earthquake of central Italy. He talks of his recent discovery to predict the maximum magnitude of future earthquakes.
For four decades, an American teacher John Hunter has been teaching children about world peace with his original game. He tells us how children have potential to solve global crises in their future.
Benita Chick is a Hong Kong-based LGBT advocate who holds unique tours to promote the understanding of sexual minorities. She discusses the significance of diversity in society.
Kanetoshi Oda invented a water-purifying powder that provides 3.4 million people with clean water in 40 countries. Local operations also create jobs. CEO Oda explains his approach to business.
Dashi is the soup stock that is the backbone of Japanese cooking. Katsuyuki Takatsu, president of specialty purveyor Ninben, speaks about his strategy to make dashi a worldwide favorite.
There is widespread concern about North Korea’s nuclear missile tests. Yang Xiyu, an expert on North Korean issues, gives us his opinions on how the international community should respond.
Chris Yeung founded an online media to reclaim freedom of press amidst Beijing’s growing grip on major HK media. He speaks on the importance of free press.
Seiko Watch made history by inventing the world's first quartz wristwatch. Its luxury status fell due to mass production. CEO Shinji Hattori explains his strategy for reinventing the company's image.
Kazuo Iwamura is a creator of picture books such as The Family of Fourteen series. He was awarded France’s Order of Arts and Letters in 2014. How does he create worlds that enchant so many children?
Kyaw Zwa Moe is a former political prisoner and a journalist in Myanmar. He talks of the continued struggle for truth in a country making a precarious transition from military rule to democracy.
Driven by his passion creativity, pastry chef, Dominique Ansel continues to shake up the world of confectionery with his innovative desserts, delighting customers daily with his unique sweet treats.
Bhutan has been said the world’s happiest country. Dasho Kinley Dorji, strong advocator of Gross National Happiness, a development index, talks about how to survive in this chaotic materialized world.
Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz is a pioneering scientist researching the earliest stages of human life and transforming our understanding of the embryo. Her ground-breaking work has made global headlines.
Sarita Mishra is a Nepali musician who teaches music to children from difficult backgrounds, giving them confidence and self-esteem. She talks of the transformational power of music.
The traditional Japanese sword was a weapon of the samurai, but today it is an artifact prized by collectors worldwide. Swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara talks about the beauty of the swordmaking process.
Chi Chia-wei has fought for gay rights for over 30 years, and is a key player in Taiwan’s move towards legalizing same-sex marriage – a first in Asia if realized. He speaks about his long crusade.
ASICS is one of Japan’s major sporting goods companies. They are well known for their high-tech running shoes, which are popular all over the world. We speak with the chairman of ASICS, Motoi Oyama.
Tadanori Yokoo has been a graphic designer since the 1960s, and his work is collected by museums worldwide. Currently in a painting phase, he spoke with us about the backbone of his creative process.
Tony Lo, former CEO and now advisor to bicycle behemoth Giant, grew a small Taiwanese OEM into a global business. We asked him for his idea of the best business model for our globalized world.
Advanced environmental country Bhutan is struggling to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. Tshering Tempa, tiger biologist, talks about how to solve the challenges through promoting ecotourism.
For nearly 50 years, historian Yoshiaki Ishizawa has worked tirelessly to restore historical sites at Angkor in Cambodia, as well as train native researchers. He explains his approach to preservation.
Well known labor rights advocate and promoter of peaceful political reform, Lech Walesa, discusses the early days of the “Solidarity” movement, and our modern society which he dubs the “Age of Words”.
As the leader of “Solidarity,” Lech Walesa helped to bring about the end of the Cold War. He now urges that – instead of turning to old ideas such as nationalism – we work to find global solidarity.
Maria Tri Sulistyani, founder of a unique Indonesian puppet theatre, talks of how making puppets and telling stories through puppets can create new space for imagination, communication and connection.
Musician Yoshihide Otomo has many sides, composing soundtracks for film and TV while also making experimental music unbound by conventional styles like jazz and pop. He explains his musical vision.
Nguyen Thị Phuong Thao is the founder of a Vietnamese low-cost carrier recognized as one of the fastest growing airlines in Southeast Asia. She shares her business principles that lead to her success.
Modern Chinese cities love large-scale landmark buildings. But architect Wang Shu has a very different idea. He believes good buildings should preserve traditional culture and be easy to live in.
Kawasaki Heavy Industries is famous for motorbikes but also makes plane, rail, and ship parts. Sharing technology has led to revolutionary new products. President Kanehana explains his strategy.
Since becoming the youngest person to scale the Seven Summits, alpinist Ken Noguchi has focused on mountain clean-up projects and disaster relief efforts. What drives his activism and volunteer work?
Rahimah Abudlrahim is a director of an Indonesian think tank working to strengthen democracy. She talks of the importance of fighting intolerance and embracing diversity to keep democracy functioning.
Professor Kathy Willis, Director of Science at Kew Gardens, discusses the state of the world’s plants and her mission to track the threats to biodiversity from climate change and habitat loss.
Coach Yuko Igarashi runs a cheerleader club at a Fukui high school. Just three years after forming they won a US championship with six more victories since. Igarashi discusses her work with students.
There are over 700 million people worldwide currently living in extreme poverty—less than 1.90 USD a day. Kopernik CEO Toshihiro Nakamura speaks about their ambitious efforts to help those in need.
United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, talks her efforts to ban nuclear weapons and her philosophy on making the world a better place.
Helle Thorning-Schmidt, former Prime Minister of Denmark, speaks about her new role as head of the global charity, Save the Children, where she has become a champion for children’s rights.
Andrea Hirata is a bestselling author whose coming-of-age tale has touched the hearts of millions. He talks of the crucial role of the teacher to make children believe in their infinite potential.
Yamaha Motor is a major maker of motorcycles and 90% of its sales come from abroad. It makes over five million vehicles a year from road bikes to scooters. CEO Yanagi discusses its latest product.
Kyoto-based textile dyer Sachio Yoshioka uses traditional natural dyes harvested from plants in order to recreate colors over 1,000 years old. How did he revive these long lost pigments of the past?
The field research so essential for conservation scientists needs manpower and money, and it’s hard to get enough support. Cheng Liangzhong founded NGO Operation Earth to help deal with this issue.
Julia Gillard, Chair of the Global Partnership for Education was Australia’s first woman Prime Minister. She discusses her goal to get all children into school for a quality education.
Ryohin Keikaku, better known as Muji, has gained international recognition with its lineup of over 5,000 household goods. President Satoru Matsuzaki reveals the secrets to their success.
Toshiyuki Inoko heads digital art collective teamLab, which uses the latest tech to create art not just to be appreciated, but experienced. How will digital change our understanding of the world?
Professor Jan Woerner is Director General of the European Space Agency. In Direct Talk he discusses his experience fostering cooperation in space with the aim of building peace on earth.
Professor Peter Piot is one of the World’s leading microbiologists, a pioneer in the discovery and fight against Ebola and Aids. In Direct Talk he talks about these and how to combat today’s epidemics.
Theo Jansen is best known for Strandbeest, sculptures that use the wind to walk independently. He has made a series, seeing his work as an evolving species. He explains his thoughts on creation.
Ink wash painter Hidekichi Shigemoto uses a unique style based on East Asian brush painting to depict the dynamic movement of athletes and more in grayscale. He speaks about his creative inspiration.
Eqbal Dauqan is a scientist from Yemen, a country torn by war. She talks of the need for support to refugee scientists, and of her belief that they can contribute to furthering science, for the world.
Harun Khan is the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain. As leader of the council Khan condemns terror attacks, challenges misplaced perceptions and spreads positive stories of Islam.
Seiji Yamamoto is the owner and chef of Ryugin in Tokyo. It's won three Michelin stars seven years in a row. Yamamoto talks about his unconventional techniques, his career, and his approach to food.
Nikken Sekkei, Japan’s largest architecture firm, built Tokyo Skytree, the world’s tallest freestanding broadcast tower. President Tadao Kamei explains the power and social importance of architecture.
Jeremy Farrar is the director of the Wellcome Trust, one of world’s wealthiest medical research charities. Wellcome is committed to improving global health and funding biomedical research.
China policy expert, Eswar Prasad, senior fellow at the world renowned think tank Brookings Institution, explains China’s motivation and strategy behind its growing influence on the global stage.
Kazuo Ishiguro, Nobel Laureate in Literature, talks about important roles literature plays in today’s divided world and shares his thoughts about the path we should follow in uncertainty we live in.
Obata Sake Brewery produces sake on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture. Despite its size, it exports to fifteen countries and territories. Exec. Vice President Rumiko Obata talks vision and strategy.
Journalist, writer and educator Akihiko Reizei shares his views on US and Japanese media in the internet age, his preferred information resources, and insight on entering prestigious US universities.
MIT professor and cultural anthropologist Ian Condry explores the development, evolution and global impact of Japanese subcultures rap, hip-hop, anime and manga.
Grammy Award nominee and Electronic Dance Music supremo DJ, Steve Aoki tours the globe sharing his passion for music with his 8 million fans, in pursuit of happiness and new creative opportunities.
Born in the 1930s, Osamu Suzuki still sees himself as a small-business owner. Taking personal interest in work efficiency, low-cost cars are his aim. He speaks on this, and the future of his industry.
Dr. Eiko Ikegami, professor of sociology at The New School for Social Research in New York City studies people’s experiences in the Virtual World.
Tony-winning director Julie Taymor talks about how her experiences in Asia have influenced her stage productions, including the hit musical The Lion King and her newest Broadway play M. Butterfly.
Dr. Alexandra Munroe, the Samsung Senior Curator of Asian Art and Senior Advisor of Global Arts at the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum in New York City presents contemporary Asian Art on the global stage.
Daito Manabe uses drones, VR, and the latest technology to create entertainment. He's worked with famous pop musicians and is now exploring classical music. He talks about the potential of media art.
Hiromichi Mizuno is the CIO of Japan’s $1.4 trillion Government Pension Investment Fund. He talks about responsible investing that takes into account environmental, social, and governance factors.
Trung Dung is a Vietnamese American engineer who overcame hardships as a refugee to succeed as an IT entrepreneur. He talks of his ambition to improve access to finance for people with lower income.
Tony Wu is an award winning photographer known for rare images of life underwater. He talks of what nature can teach us and how we need to step out of our comfort zones to know the real planet earth.
Chieko Mizoue is a professor whose research focuses on Japanese-Canadian internment experience. She teaches this lesser known history to students and hopes to create a future without discrimination.
Video game developer Capcom is behind such renowned franchises as Monster Hunter and Resident Evil. President & COO Haruhiro Tsujimoto explains how it makes hit after hit that rises above the pack.
David Field is the Zoological Director of the Zoological Society of London which oversees London Zoo. In Direct Talk he talks about the importance of conservation of animals and their habitats.
Xiang Sheng, ‘Chinese cross talk’, is a traditional folk art. As one of its most famous performers, Jiang Kun hopes to bring joy to both China and the world with his unique style of humor.
Award-winning dancer and choreographer Saburo Teshigawara is known for innovative pieces that introduce new, inventive movements to the vocabulary of dance. We spoke to him about his creative origins.
Kommaly Chanthavong is a Lao silk weaver recognized for reviving the traditional art in Laos. She talks of the spirit of silk weaving, and the beauty of what it can teach as well as create.
Professor Jon Crowcroft of the Alan Turing Institute says data science and AI will revolutionise society but systems need to be made more secure to protect both privacy and public safety.
Tomoyoshi Noda founded ISL (Institute for Strategic Leadership) to nurture world-class business leaders and is now opening a graduate school. Noda explains his aims and thoughts on developing leaders.
Arita porcelain has long been used to compliment Japanese cuisine, but Kamachi-toho has reinterpreted the style for Western dining. President Masaru Kamachi speaks about its beauty and potential.
40 years since its One-child Policy was implemented, China faces the situation of one adult having to take care of several old people. Wu Yushao is working on ways to deal with China’s aging issues.
Professor David Vaughan, Director of Science at the British Antarctic Survey, says the Antarctic is the key to understanding the planet and warns about the dangers of rising sea levels in the future.
Robots will one day become a part of our everyday lives. Zhou Jian believes that letting children learn about robots and get used to the idea of living with them is an important part of education.
Enrico Letta, a Former Prime Minister of Italy, analyzes why the notion of separatism from EU has occurred. However, he believes that the unity of Europe is the only way to overcome its crisis.
Onn Sokny leads an inclusive arts organization working to bring down the barriers between people with and without disabilities. She believes everyone being different is what makes the world beautiful.
Unicharm sells diapers and personal hygiene products in over 80 countries. Industry leader and CEO Takahara pioneered the ‘pant-style’ diaper. He discusses product development and business strategy.
BEYOND Tomorrow provides educational assistance to young survivors affected by the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami. Minami Tsubouchi talks about her work to cultivate future global leaders.
An advocate for the exploration of space, planetary scientist Carolyn Porco leads scientists who have been analyzing images of Saturn and the outer solar system captured by the Cassini spacecraft.
Through his photos and stories, China’s well-known Investigative journalist Chen Jie has aroused both popular and official support for campaigns to deal with pollution and poverty issues.
Climate change crusader Mark Jacobson proposes an innovative plan to completely replace fossil fuels with renewable energy. He discusses the realities and issues we'll face when realizing this idea.
Tatsuo Miyajima is an artist known for frequently employing digital LED counters. He has exhibited his work in over 30 countries worldwide to much acclaim. What is the message behind his art?
Shocked by the discovery of refugee graves in his own country’s jungle, Malaysian film director Edmund Yeo made the award-winning feature film Aqérat to open discussion on the Rohingya refugee issue.
Authority on Russia and the Soviet Union, Hélène Carrère d'Encausse sits down with NHK General Bureau Chief for Europe to discuss the future of the “strong Russia” envisioned by President Putin.
Dale Dougherty founded Make magazine and Maker Faire to counter consumer culture and revive the DIY spirit among generations of tech-savvy enthusiasts. He talks about the importance of being a maker.
Conductor Yutaka Sado studied under the great composer Leonard Bernstein for three years up until Bernstein’s death in 1990. Sado talks lessons learned and what he hopes to pass on to the future.
Mazlan Othman is an astrophysicist who pioneered Malaysia's space program and education in astronomy. She says we need to know the Universe around us to understand who we are and where we are going.
Media artist Jeffrey Shaw creatively employs the latest technology to conserve, document and display precious elements of cultural heritage, dramatically making the past meaningful to the present.
Ivana Chubbuck is a celebrated acting coach, best known for coaching award-winning Hollywood stars. We ask her what it takes to create a great actor.
Leading figure in modern wushu, and instructor of Jet Li, Wu Bin is a global promoter of Chinese martial arts. Now in his 80s, he remains actively involved. He spoke with us on his lifelong passion.
Patama Roonrakwit is a Thai architect who works with people in poor neighborhoods to improve their housings and environments. She believes in building people's confidence to transform their community.
Charina Widjaja founded Digital Fashion Week to help independent Asian designers display their talents to the world as they struggle to survive between the high fashion labels and mass brands.
Yoichi Ochiai uses tech to conjure visual wizardry unlike any seen before. He is interested in the relationship between human society and computers. He talks about his concept of “digital nature.”
The Suwada Blacksmith Works makes sharp, high-quality nail clippers that are used everywhere from salons to medical clinics. The firm was heavily in debt, but Tomoyuki Kobayashi turned things around.
Chaebol Company like Samsung brought rapid economic growth, but also disparities and its dependency in Korea. Prof. Chang, a Chaebol specialist, thinks structural reform is required for true growth.
Yanagiya has a 70% global share of the machines that produce “surimi” crab sticks. We talk with company president Yoshio Yanagiya about making imitation crab that tastes just like the real thing.
Balmuda’s hit appliances include a fan that generates a natural breeze and a toaster that makes perfect toast. Founder Gen Terao talks about the company’s nonconventional product development process.
Nick Bostrom is director of the Future of Humanity Institute, and is considered one of the most important thinkers of our age. His work on artificial intelligence has influenced technological leaders.
Patricia Rodriguez is executive managing director of Spanish football club, SD Eibar. As the only female managing director in La Liga, she is trying to increase the number of women in football.
Nicolai Bergmann creates flower arrangements that combine elements of Denmark, where he was born, and Japan, where he is based. He recently held exhibitions at a series of shrines. What drives him?
Marina Kaljurand chairs the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace. With experts from government, hackers and the tech giants, it is pushing for a new code of conduct on cyber security.
Setsuko Ono became an artist after working for the World Bank for 27 years. Like her sister Yoko Ono and her brother-in-law John Lennon, she uses art to express her fierce desire for justice.
The large-scale water tanks made by Nippura can be found at aquariums in over 60 countries. We speak with president Tetsuhiro Shikiyama about his company’s world-beating craftsmanship.
Masaki Sato is the president of spinning company Sato Seni, which produces exquisite knitting yarn coveted by some of the world’s most famous fashion brands. What makes its trademark yarn so unique?
South Korea’s suicide rate has long been the highest amongst the developed nations. Ha Sang-hun talks about the social disparities caused by rapid economic growth and his hopes for the future.
Hartwig Fischer is the Director of the British Museum. He believes that museums play a central role in showing the interconnectedness between different cultures and has radical plans for the Museum.
Kesennuma Knitting was created to help recovery efforts in an area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Its high-end cardigans and sweaters are best sellers. CEO Tamako Mitarai talks strategy.
Masahiro Kato is president of Tendo Mokko, a furniture maker that creates wooden chairs and tables characterized by distinct curves. What inspires the brand’s inventive designs and honed aesthetic?
For 20 years, Chung To has been helping children affected by AIDS in China by assisting with their tuition and job-hunting. He seeks a society where the children can thrive despite bias against AIDS.
Lord Alf Dubs, the British politician, came to Britain as a child refugee escaping the Nazis. He discusses his battle on behalf of child refugees and his global campaign against the death penalty.
Japanese-American actor George Takei spent his childhood in internment camps during WWII. He talks about racial injustice, his advocacy, and the musical “Allegiance” that was inspired by his story.
In less than a decade, the Vaccine Alliance GAVI has saved nine million lives in the developing world. Direct Talk meets the Chair of GAVI, former Nigeria Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.
Yaskawa Electric is one of the world’s four big manufacturers of industrial robots. We speak with company president Hiroshi Ogasawara about the Chinese market and the future of industrial robotics.
Japan-born Anyango is the first woman in the world to play the nyatiti, a traditional stringed instrument played by the Luo people of Kenya. What drives her to spread its sound around the world?
Yoshiharu Hoshino is the CEO of Hoshino Resorts. He began his career by turning around his family’s hot spring ryokan (Japanese-style inn). Now his company manages over 30 properties worldwide.
Asahiyama Zoo is known for unique exhibits that are designed to encourage animals to behave as they would in the wild. Director Gen Bando talks about his exhibits and the role of zoos in the future.
For 70 years, Kimura Drink has made ramune, a fizzy riff on lemonade. They also make drinks with surprising ingredients like curry and shrimp. Why? We asked the company’s president, Hidefumi Kimura.
Satoshi Miyagi is artistic director of the public theater company SPAC. He is internationally renowned for interpreting classic western plays through a traditional Japanese aesthetic. What drives him
Mathematician Noriko Arai, a top Japanese AI expert, warns that artificial intelligences will likely take jobs from humans in the near future. She discusses the keys to surviving in the coming AI era.
Yan Lianke boldly reveals contradictions in China, repeatedly facing domestic publishing bans. This episode shows why he continues creative activities where freedom of expression is limited.
Maria Isabel Legarda is the Artistic Director of Philippine Educational Theater Association. She says theater can help people learn to have a voice, and contribute to social change and development.
Paavo Järvi is one of the most gifted conductors of his generation. How does he draw out the best possible sound from an orchestra? We speak with Järvi about the present and future of classical music.
Textile designer Reiko Sudo brings together Japanese tradition and craftsmanship to design fabrics that are recognized as art by world-class museums. What drives her creativity and passion?
The Iris Group makes everything from appliances to gardening tools and food and releases 1,000 new products a year. We asked chairman Kentaro Ohyama about the secret of this amazing productivity.
Tatsuo Nomura is the creator of Pokémon GO. Following his passions took him from a modest childhood in China to Silicon Valley, where he’s a leading augmented reality game director.
Ajinomoto intends to be one of the world’s top ten food companies by 2020. Created 109 years ago, it started out making seasonings. We spoke to CEO Takaaki Nishii about the company’s past and future.
Ikebana is the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. Its origins lie in the 550-year-old Ikenobo school. Headmaster Designate Senko Ikenobo speaks about what she aspires to through her art.
Former US Labor Secretary and USC Professor of Public Policy Robert Reich analyses the ramifications of widening income inequality, money in politics, and the urgent need to revive the Common Good.
Cherrie Atilano is a Filipino farmer and social entrepreneur. She’s working to make farming attractive, sustainable and profitable, to alleviate poverty, ensure food security and enrich people's lives.
Ayato Takada is a virologist who tracks down new and mysterious strains of disease. He recently discovered an antibody that can fight Ebola. We asked him about studying viruses on the front lines.
Representatives from companies worldwide visit camping gear maker Snow Peak to catch a glimpse of President and CEO Tohru Yamai’s manufacturing philosophy at work. Yamai himself offers some insights.
Margrethe Vestager is the European Union’s commissioner for competition. A former Danish politician and Economics Minister, she has a reputation as the rich world's most powerful trust-buster.
Dr Tilo Kunath, one of the world’s leading stem cell researchers, talks about his pioneering work and contribution to finding a cure for Parkinson’s, a disease that’s increasingly common in Asia.
Olympus has a 70% share of the global gastrointestinal endoscope market. But, in 2011, it was revealed that the company had been hiding massive losses. Sasa steered Olympus through this turbulent era.
Sayuri Kinoshita is the first Japanese woman to set a freediving world record in a competitive discipline where divers use no fins—and of course, no scuba gear. What drives her to seek the depths?
Willis Wee is the founder of one of the biggest tech startup events in Southeast Asia. He says the region's diversity presents unique challenges and opportunities for startup founders and investors.
Liu Hongjun is a Chinese musician active around Asia. Over 35 years, he has reconstructed more than 50 ancient musical instruments preserved in China and Japan to revive the music of 1,000 years ago.
Dhammananda is a Thai Buddhist monk working to achieve gender equality in religion. She talks about how exclusion of others impacts society and how inclusive thinking could change the world.
Compost entrepreneur and “zero waste” educator Pashon Murray has made sustainability profitable by turning food waste from corporations into healthy soil for Detroit’s urban farmers.
Yuuki Watanabe is a marine biologist who specializes in biologging—the tracking of individual wild animals—particularly the biologging of penguins. He tells us about the surprising habits of animals.
Shuhei Hasado is a plasterer—“sakan” in Japanese. He uses traditional techniques and natural materials to design innovative plasterwork. What is his approach to the craft of making things?
Emma Lawton, a graphic designer living in London, was diagnosed 5 years ago with Parkinson's disease. She was only 29. In spite of her condition, she has become an award winning campaigner.
Manuel Barange is Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the FAO. He believes that protecting our marine life and oceans for future generations must be a priority.
Kinohachi plays the shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese bamboo flute. He joined a rock band in his 20s and continues to compose unique music, gaining fans worldwide. What is it that pushes him forward?
As its name suggests, Kirin Holdings is the holding company of Kirin, a large beer and soft drink maker. As Japan’s beer market shrinks, CEO Yoshinori Isozaki tells us how his company is responding.
In June 2018, Japanese singer Tokiko Kato held a concert in Sakhalin, in the Russian Far East, as part of a cultural exchange between the two countries. What was the message she wanted to convey?
The Benetton Group is globally known for fashion. Its co-founder Luciano Benetton, now in his 80s, has returned to lead the company’s apparel division. He speaks on his bold vison for the brand.
ICAN’s Beatrice Fihn earned the Nobel Peace Prize by introducing a treaty to the UN to abolish nuclear weapons. She continues to mobilize people worldwide by making nuclear arms a human rights issue.
Francisco J. Núñez is the founder of the Young People’s Chorus of New York City (YPC). Through music, he teaches a diverse group of children about the joy of life and the value of cooperation.
Kotaro Nishibori is the fifth-generation head of a time-honored company making wagasa—traditional Japanese umbrellas. What draws him to his craft, and what is the new direction he envisions for it?
World-renowned Russian film director Alexander Sokurov tells us why he constantly portrays power in his movies and presents his thoughts on the effects of war on humanity and culture.
What makes Denmark the happiest country in the world? According to Meik Wiking, the secret lies in a lifestyle that includes social welfare and the uniquely Danish concept of “hygge.”
The outstanding Russian entrepreneur Elena Shifrina talks about the very first all-natural healthy snack bars she launched in Russia and shares her views on the future of global food culture.
Journeying from New York to Hiroshima, Tribeca Film Festival co-founder Craig Hatkoff looks for ways to share stories to come to terms with 9.11, overcome hatred, and never cause another Ground Zero.
A main motif of Japanese composer Toshio Hosokawa is the relationship between Nature and humans. He talks about composing to reflect social strains and the importance of facing pain through music.
Dmitri Trenin, Director of the Carnegie Moscow Center, tells us why he believes Russia needs to consolidate its diplomatic strategy regarding Asian countries.
Chateraise is Japan’s largest Western-style confectioner in terms of number of locations, with shops throughout Japan. Chairman & CEO Hiroshi Saito talks about his company’s unique business model.
Pressed Flower Artist Nobuo Sugino forgoes tradition to create vivid, unconventional works of stunning beauty. What is the allure of pressed flowers, and what does he strive for through his art?
Contemporary artist and Academy Award winner for Best Makeup and Hairstyling Kazuhiro Tsuji, discussed his journey from a self-taught special-effects makeup artist to a hyperrealist portrait sculptor.
Tetsuji Honna has been serving as Music Director of the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra for 17 years, overcoming cultural barriers in his quest to create a world-class orchestra. What drives him?
Documentary photographer Noriko Hayashi has captured images in dozens of countries, in some of the most far-flung regions on earth. We spoke to her about her work process and about what drives her.
Fuji Medical Instruments was the first in the world to mass-produce massage chairs, and today its popularity is growing in East Asia. CEO Toshiyuki Otsuki reflects on the past and looks to the future.
Dr. Hisataka Kobayashi gained attention by successfully killing cancer cells without side effects using near-infrared light. He talks about future cancer treatment and advanced medical care research.
Tristram Hunt, Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, explains his vision for the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design.
Megumi Sasaki says her film “A Whale of a Tale” is not all about the whaling debate; it’s about how to co-exist in a divided world. She hopes her work will expand viewers’ knowledge.
For Eriko Yamaguchi, who started a fashion brand in Bangladesh, it’s not about making things cheaply and quickly, but making the most of a developing country’s resources. What is her brand vision?
In 1990, Song Zhenghuan, president of Goodbaby, a top global parenting product company in China, designed a stroller that became a huge hit. He talks about product development and company management.
Elif Shafak is Turkey’s most widely read female author. Her books explore identity, language and gender and she believes that literature reminds us of our common humanity.
New York-based illustrator Yuko Shimizu followed her dreams to a successful career, creating images for America’s leading publications, in a style playing on traditional Japanese techniques.
Eri Machii, chairperson of the NPO AfriMedico, uses a uniquely Japanese method of marketing medicine to bring the miracle of medicine to the furthest reaches of rural Africa. What drives her efforts?
KIND President Wendy Young talks about protection and relief work for unaccompanied undocumented children and creation of a society that prevents children from becoming refugees in the first place.
Tero Vauraste, chair of the Arctic Economic Council and CEO of Finland’s Arctia, explains how melting sea ice is transforming the Arctic and why the region needs sustainable development.
Canycom is Japan’s market leader for transport vehicles used in agriculture. We speak with Hitoshi Kaneyuki, Canycom’s chairman, about the company’s manufacturing philosophy.
Charles E. McJilton runs a food bank in Japan, collecting food from manufacturers and retailers that is for various reasons safe but unsellable, and provides them to those in need. What drives him?
Chris Redlitz, an IT venture capitalist, set up programming classes in US prisons to prepare inmates for work outside. He explains this project is a good investment for both the inmates and society.
Tong Zhilei, President of ChineseAll, started up in 2000 as the pioneer of digital publishing in China. He tells us the necessity of books and the social contribution.
Robert Wilson, iconic experimental theatre director and founder of The Watermill Center in NY, reveals his early influences, how his minimalistic style developed, and why he continues to create.
Takara Belmont is the world’s biggest maker of chairs for barbershops and salons. We asked CEO Hidetaka Yoshikawa about how the company has driven innovation in the hair & beauty industry.
Yoshiharu Kaihara is CEO of Kaihara Corp., a denim manufacturer supplying fabrics to global apparel brands like Levi’s and Uniqlo. How does the 100-plus-year-old company make its world-class denim?
Former principal dancer of the Royal Ballet Tetsuya Kumakawa serves as artistic director of his own company, which performs many classics as well as original works. What goes into world-class ballet?
Rick Stanton from England is one of the most experienced cave divers in Europe, and led the diving team that rescued the twelve children and their coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand.
William Trubridge holds the world record for freediving to a depth of 102 meters. His deep respect for the ocean is rooted in his early years, spent traveling the world by boat with his family.
Known for her candid and uncensored content, bisexual Korean-American comedienne Margaret Cho uses the power of comedy to give voice to diversity and enhance communication in a divided world.
Ikeuchi Organic is a firm that makes towels using organic cotton. We spoke to president Keishi Ikeuchi about how his company prioritizes safety and quality in its production methods.
Kosuke Kuji is president of Nanbu Bijin Sake Brewery, an international award-winning sake producer based in northeastern Japan. What drives his efforts to bring sake to a wider global audience?
Haiyan Zhang, Innovation Director at Microsoft Research, Cambridge, has made a name for herself as an inventor, specializing in technologies to help those living with disabilities and illness.
Nousaku Corporation developed the world’s first 100% tin tableware. We asked president Katsuji Nousaku about his hopes of revitalizing the traditional metalworking area where his company is based.
Internationally renowned architect Toyo Ito seeks not only to refine design and function, but also build architecture that understands how people actually live. What is his vision for architecture?
Akiko Horiba works in conflict zones across Asia to end violence by laying groundwork for peace. We spoke to her about how she supports the peace mediation process, and her passion for peacebuilding.
Twinbird is an electric appliance maker based in a Niigata city known for craftsmanship. We speak with CEO Shiegaki Nomizu about listening to every comment from the customer, no matter how small.
Internationally renowned dancer Kaiji Moriyama is known for out-of-the-box dances where he uses his body to express abstract concepts like “katana” and “human viscera.” What does dance mean to him?
Vinesh Sinha is a young Malaysian entrepreneur who created an environmentally friendly business that makes biodiesel from waste oil. His work has sparked environmental awareness in Malaysia.
Malaysian musician, filmmaker, and actor Pete Teo highlights social issues through his work and has had a big impact on society. What does he consider the key to coexisting in a multiethnic world?
Carl Pope, a former executive director of the Sierra Club has been working for environmental issues for more than forty years. Through his experience, Pope tells us how we can overcome climate change.
Artist Riusuke Fukahori uses a self-developed process to paint lifelike three-dimensional goldfish. His work has garnered him fans around the world. How does he breathe life into his creations?
An Italian social entrepreneur Riccarda Zezza has come up with the idea that nurturing experience learned during maternity leave can be useful at work.
Yang Liping is a popular Chinese dancer and choreographer. Her ‘Peacock Dance’, based on the folk dances of her hometown in Yunnan Province, has been highly praised all over the world.
Akiko Yazawa won the backgammon world championships for the second time in 2018—the culmination of a long road to recovery after being diagnosed with cancer in 2012. How did she gain the advantage?
The works of award-winning Filipino filmmaker Brillante Mendoza depict social issues in the Philippines. By shedding light on the dark side of society, he hopes to inspire discussion and change.
Peach Aviation began operations in 2012 as Japan’s first low-cost carrier. Shinichi Inoue, Peach’s CEO, tells us about the unique strategies that have led to success in a competitive industry.
Fukushima Prefecture has produced “MIRAI2061,” a musical film set 50 years after the Tohoku Earthquake. Fukushima-born creative director Michihiko Yanai speaks about the region’s present and future.
Science writer Steven Johnson analyses the problems of social media, personal data and the Internet and explains how blockchain technology can solve the issue by using an open, decentralized system.
Author and professor Mao Danqing explains Japanese culture to readers in his native China. He encourages youth in the two countries to deepen understanding of each other through cultural exchange.
The Bolshoi is one of the world’s oldest and most renowned ballet companies. Makhar Vaziev, its artistic director since 2016, talks about creating a new ballet company that doesn’t rest on its laurels.
Sophiline Cheam Shapiro is a Cambodian classical dance artist working to keep the tradition alive. She says art can be a source of strength and inspiration and should be part of everyone's life.
Impossible Foods CEO Dr. Patrick Brown discusses his mission to counter the environmental threat caused by animal agriculture and his creation of sustainable meat substitutes using biotechnology.
Kostas Kostarelos, a world expert in nanotechnology talks about how it will revolutionize medicine with tissue regeneration, new drug delivery methods, and neural interface and bio sensing devices.
As its newly appointed director, Professor Joe Smith wants to take the Royal Geographic Society forward to embrace the crucial issues of our time - including climate change and the environment.
The Harmony Project provides free music lessons to children of low-income families. Dr. Margaret Martin, the project’s founder, talks about how the project has used the power of music to mentor them.
Satoshi Fukushima lost his eyesight at 9, and hearing at 18. He is a professor of disability studies at the University of Tokyo. What is his vision for a society where everyone can live happily?
Harvard psychologist Mahzarin Banaji devised a test to measure our hidden biases towards others, according to race, gender, or social class. She discusses the origins of bias and its cost to society.
Ivan Penn is an African American NY Times reporter leading a NPO “The Power of Song” performing the legacy of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. He’s traveled globally promoting social justice through music.
Along with the development of Chinese modern art, renowned photographers RongRong from China and Inri from Japan create works together. They defy commercialization to protect the essence of art.
Koji Muraoka is CEO of a company known for a pancake mix made with grains produced on the southwestern Japanese island of Kyushu. He hopes to make the hotcakes a key part of the region’s brand.
Doctors Without Borders brings medical care to places that lack it. We speak with Yuko Shirakawa, a nurse who has worked for the NGO in conflict zones including Syria and South Sudan.
Ayyam Sureau founded a school to help refugees in Paris smoothly integrate into French society. Her successful methods offer hints for accepting diverse people and cultures.
Nobel laureate James Heckman demonstrated a connection between developing non-cognitive skills in early childhood and success in life. He advocates supporting parents, to lift children from poverty.
Margarita Mamun, the 2016 Olympic All-around Champion in rhythmic gymnastics, talks about her life since retirement and Russia’s emphasis on achieving the ultimate aesthetic in her sport.
Toru Oki is a pioneer in the effort to increase the adoption of therapy dogs in Japan. He rescues dogs that would otherwise be put down, and trains them to provide comfort and love to people.
Morinari Watanabe, president of the International Gymnastics Federation, is committed to sports innovation for athletes and spectators alike. He talks about his career, his vision, and his approach.
Lee So-hyun, the founder of a company supporting people with autism, looks forward to a time when individuals with autism are accepted, feel comfortable, and can fully play their part in society.
Grigory Sergeev set up a non-profit search-and-rescue organization in Russia, where a person goes missing every 30 minutes. He talks about the reasons behind its founding.
Charles Pépin teaches popular philosophy classes at a Paris movie theater to make the topic more accessible. He hopes to enrich modern people’s lives using philosophy.
Takahiro Yagi is the sixth-generation head of Kaikado, a long-established Kyoto manufacturer of traditional tea caddies. How does he balance tradition with the drive to create something new?
Merrill J. Fernando, is CEO of Dilmah, the first ‘producer owned’ tea brand in the world.　He says the business profits should be shared towards the dignified empowerment of underprivileged people.
University of Chicago economist Raghuram Rajan calls for the regeneration of local community to balance markets, as globalization leaves large pockets of society feeling powerless and left behind.
Kenichi Yoshida is a musician who plays the tsugaru-jamisen, a stringed instrument from Japan’s Tohoku region. We speak with him about his efforts to share tsugaru-jamisen music with the world.
Rino Nakasone is an LA-based dancer/choreographer who has worked with Janet Jackson and Britney Spears, and has choreographed many routines for K-pop stars. She talks about the thrill of entertaining.
Taiwanese activist Lin Nien-tzu founded a workshop to spread important knowledge on menstruation to Nepalese women. She helps them produce eco-friendly sanitary products.
Ni Sat Tin Htoo, a social worker in Myanmar, cares for ethnic-minority children affected by decades of conflict, helping them rebuild their lives so they can contribute to a more peaceful future.
Venture Whisky in Chichibu, Japan has won top prize two years running at an international whisky competition. President Ichiro Akuto talks about his quaint Japanese distillery’s coveted spirits.
Frances Corner, Head of the influential London College of Fashion, speaks out on why fashion should matter to all of us, and how the global fashion industry can be a force for good.
Kim Gee-yang, South Korea’s first plus-size model, dreams of a society that will accept diversity and individuality. She talks of the challenges she faces in changing social perceptions.
Noriyuki Sawa is known for bringing a Japanese sensibility to the Czech puppet theater tradition. He currently performs around the world while continuing to explore the possibilities of his art.
In 2018 Pierre Kompany became mayor of Ganshoren, Belgium; having started his life there as a refugee from DR Congo (fmr. Zaire). He speaks on current immigration issues and his personal journey.
Andrey Kurkov, Ukraine’s foremost writer witnessed the tumultuous events that shaped independent Ukraine. He explores post-Soviet identity and nationhood in a country where Russia still looms large.
David Hu reproduces the ingenious anatomical functions of animals, using mathematical modeling. Born out of sheer curiosity, his bio-inspired engineering has won acclaim in the science community.
Finnish education got top marks in the OECD’s student assessment in 2003. But in these changing times, how can educators best adapt; Finnish education official Anneli Rautiainen shares her views.
One of Africa's most successful entrepreneurs, Mo Ibrahim, discusses the continent's future and how the image many have of Africa is fundamentally wrong.
Dishani Jayaweera is a co-founder of a non-profit organization promoting peacebuilding and conflict transformation in Sri Lanka. She says divided communities need dialogue to build peace.
London based theatre director Yojiro Ichikawa discusses his love of musicals and his ambition of merging Japanese and western theatrical traditions.
In 2018, the famous chef and restaurateur Andre Chiang returned to his hometown in Taiwan. His latest mission is to help Asian cuisine evolve and become known to people around the world.
Florian Wiltschko from Austria is the first foreigner to become an officially recognized priest of Shinto, the ancient Japanese religion. We speak with Wiltschko about the meaning of Shinto.
Reiko Takahashi is a photographer who mostly shoots underwater. In 2018, she won first prize in the National Geographic Travel Photographer of the Year contest. What draws her to the sea?
Duan Yuezhong launched a publishing firm specializing in Sino-Japanese relations. With a journalist's eye, he gives voice to the people and promotes mutual understanding through grass-roots efforts.
Jon Jandai is a Thai organic farmer whose self-reliant way of living attracts people from around the world. He simplifies life with the question: "Life is easy, why make it difficult?"
Kentaro Hayashi is a doctor who's worked all over the world. For over a decade now, he's been traveling to Myanmar, providing healthcare and creating a social business focused on plant cultivation.
Masao Hosoo combines traditional craft and the latest tech to create interior decorations and other innovative items made with fine Nishijin textiles. What is his vision for this luxury silk fabric?
Entrepreneur Thai Huong revolutionized Vietnam's dairy industry by producing safe, fresh milk. Her products have restored consumer confidence and created a milk drinking culture in the country.
Taiwanese chain restaurant manager Viola Cheng's dedication to helping the disadvantaged has drawn global attention. She explains the importance of companies fulfilling their social responsibility.
In 2017, Masako Wakamiya developed her first smartphone app. She was 81 years old at the time. We speak with her about how the digital world can change the lives and lifestyles of seniors.
Bunaco is a woodworking company specializing in beech. It has been attracting international attention for its craftsmanship and creative designs. President Masanao Kurata talks about his vision.
Ryo Takeuchi is a popular online content director in China. The Japanese man introduces lifestyles and work of Chinese people living outside of China, hoping to reduce prejudice on both sides.
Aiya is a time-honored matcha green tea producer offering a diverse range of matcha products. It has worked to spread matcha culture worldwide. 5th generation president Takeo Sugita talks strategy.
Philippine-born Jose Antonio Vargas is a Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist in the U.S. He draws on his own life without papers, to bring attention to the plight of millions of undocumented immigrants.
Nobel laureate and author Svetlana Alexievich of Belarus has unblinkingly covered historical events like WWII and the Chernobyl disaster. She speaks on her work to tell truths behind the facts.
Tadashige Shiga is from Iwaki, a city in Fukushima Prefecture that was affected by the nuclear accident after the 3/11 disaster. He now leads a project to plant 100,000 cherry trees in his hometown.
For 40 years, Hiroshi Nakaso worked at the Bank of Japan, eventually becoming its Deputy Governor. Given his experience with financial crises, what does he see as the keys to Japanese economic growth?
Jalal Ahmed is a Bangladeshi architect. His work goes beyond just creating beautiful buildings. He designs comfortable houses and villages for the poor, as he believes helping them is helping society.
Kiko Matthews broke a world record when she rowed solo and unsupported across the Atlantic. It was just 6 months after having brain surgery for a rare illness. She raised thousands of pounds for the hospital that had saved her life.
Space debris is an increasing problem. Nobu Okada's company is the first to tackle the garbage. In 2020 a test satellite is planned. Okada shares his passion for this mission.
Hironao Hamada makes the world's thinnest handmade traditional Japanese paper, used to repair cultural properties such as paintings and other invaluable artwork. How does he approach papermaking?
Andria Zafirakou, an art teacher, won the Global Teacher Prize 2018 and is using the prize money of $ 1 million to create a foundation to help provide arts in schools with disadvantaged children.
Adam Hickey is fighting against cyberattacks that threaten the US government and private sector. As the number of cyberattacks is increasing, Mr. Hickey explains what is behind this growing threat.
Metrol is a firm that creates precision sensors used in 70+ countries to create machine tools, robots, and so on. We speak to boss Takuji Matsuhashi about his company's unique business strategies.
Daruma dolls are a type of traditional Japanese lucky charm with growing popularity around the world. Rising craftswoman Chihiro Nakata talks about her efforts to promote her craft overseas.
Harvard's McCormick organizes the world's oldest novel, "The Tale of Genji" exhibit at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York. We ask her about the beauty and importance of the Japanese novel.
Ryojun Shionuma is a Buddhist priest who completed an intense ascetic ritual: hiking a steep 48-kilometer mountain trail 1,000 times. We ask him about the lessons he learned on this journey.
Tatsuya Tanaka photographs dioramas made with 2cm tall figures and everyday objects and food. Over 1.9 million people follow his work on a photo-sharing site. He explains the magic of miniatures.
Acclaimed Japan-China expert and Harvard Professor Emeritus Ezra Vogel discusses the history, cultural connection, and relationship between the 2 nations, and suggests how they can forge closer ties.
In the era of digital streaming music, head of South by Southwest Festivals' music's division, James Minor shares his passion for live performance, supporting unique artists from around the world.
Karate will be an Olympic sport at 2020 in Tokyo; the origins of this martial art lie in Okinawan karate. Kenyu Chinen is an Okinawan karate master who has trained 6,000 students from 30 countries.
"Taberu Tsushin" is a magazine that comes with samples of locally produced food. It was founded in the Tohoku region in 2013, and has counterparts throughout Japan and now Asia. What is its mission?
By examining a company's environmental, social, and governance when analyzing potential stocks, financial advisor Lauren Compere is helping investors make socially responsible investing decisions.
Chinese lawyer Tang Shuai uses sign language to protect the legal rights of his clients who have hearing difficulties. He hopes for a law-abiding society that is more considerate to their needs.
Munroe Bergdorf is a successful transgender model. She also campaigns for LGBT rights and better understanding of the community, which faces discrimination and prejudice.
Masahiro Kikuno is a watchmaker who does it all himself, from design to manufacturing and assembly. One of his best known works is a wristwatch model based on a famous 19th century Japanese clock.
International award-winning artist Toshihiko Hosaka talks about the beauty of sand art and the artistic vision he brings to life through his sculptures, which are made using only sand and water.
Bill Nye leads the international non-profit Planetary Society and talks about the vital role that private groups can play in the advancement of space exploration and planetary science.
Helen Zia's "Last Boat Out of Shanghai" talks about Chinese immigrants, escaping the cultural revolution 70 years ago. She describes what immigrants face during times of tight immigration control.
Tsubakimoto Chain has the world's No. 1 market share in industrial roller chains, used for transmitting power and conveying materials. President Yasushi Ohara talks about its lineup of 20,000 chains.
Since founding The Voice of Libyan Women in 2011, doctor and women's rights advocate Alaa Murabit has challenged the global status quo with initiatives to put women in positions of leadership.
Zeba Islam Seraj is a Bangladeshi molecular biologist. She aims to secure the food security of her populous nation by creating rice that will flourish in the country's salty rice fields.
Shinji Kazama is an adventurer who has accomplished many feats on a motorcycle, like climbing Everest and reaching the North Pole. What drives his unquenchable thirst for adventure and motorcycles?
Professor at Harvard Graduate School of Education Todd Rose demystifies the century-old average-based systems in society and proposes design paradigms to embrace individuality and unique talents.
Yoshiaki Kawashima is a coffee agronomist. From rescuing endangered varieties of bean, to utilizing unsung local production methods, his quest is to grow top-quality coffee in sustainable ways.
Muneyuki Nakazawa crafts violins out of materials salvaged from the wreckage of the Great East Japan Earthquake. Those violins are now captivating audiences worldwide. What is his vision?
Providing work for over 1 million drivers with a smartphone app that is changing how people live in Indonesia, CEO Nadiem Makarim tells us how technology can shape a society.
Sir Chris Bonington has spent a lifetime scaling the world's most difficult mountains. Here the mountaineer, author, and photographer shares his tips on how to manage risk.
Rumiko Seya is committed to improving public safety and training personnel in places like South Sudan, Kenya, and Somalia. What does it take to foster a peaceful society without conflict?
Nick Romaniuk is rescue coordinator for the French charity SOS Méditerranée, leading the team that picks up African migrants who are trying to cross the Mediterranean to reach Europe.
Yale Psychology Professor Laurie Santos reveals misconceptions about happiness, features of the mind that lead us to think the way we do, and research that can help us change.
Dr. Jay Keasling is a pioneer of the practical application of synthetic biology. He talks about what impact the study can make on our lives and the concerns regarding the safety of this technology.
Prominent American investor Jim Rogers uses his knowledge of history and world travel experiences as a bellwether for economic change and predicts that the 21st century will be the Asian era.
Yeo Bee Yin became part of Mahathir's cabinet in 2018. She rejects illegal plastic waste coming from other nations and has been getting attention as a young leader tackling environmental issues.
Rheon Automatic Machinery makes machines that automate the process of wrapping dough around filling for foods like steamed buns, stuffed pastries, and filled gnocchi. The company head talks food tech.
Madeline Stuart is a fashion model and entrepreneur with Down syndrome, traveling around the world with the support of her mother Rosanne. She breaks from conventional ways to open people's minds.
World heritage is under threat. At UNESCO in Paris Mechtild Rössler leads the fight to save over a thousand sites of natural beauty and historic importance all over the world.
Mitsuhiro Iwamoto lost his sight at the age of 16. In April 2019, he became the first blind person to sail nonstop across the Pacific Ocean. How did he achieve this incredible feat?
Fisheries scientist Shigeharu Senoo was the first to successfully cultivate Tiger GG. The fish is savored throughout Asia and is now more affordable than ever. Senoo explains the role of fish farming.
Singaporean scientist Sun Xiaolong researches safe treatment of incineration bottom ash and industrial wastewater. Application of his research is helping to protect the environment.
Despite the political tensions on the Korean Peninsula, Stephen Linton has been providing medical assistance to North Korea for over 2 decades, focusing on the treatment of tuberculosis.
Malaysian historian Clement Liang was born and raised in Penang's George Town, designated a UNESCO World Heritage in 2008. What positive and negative effects has this accolade had on his hometown?
Steven Gan, editor-in-chief of the Malaysian news portal Malaysiakini, has dedicated his career to promoting freedom of the press in a country where independent journalists are often silenced.
Fumio Usui is a pioneering prosthetist and orthotist in Japan. He designs prosthetic limbs that fulfill the needs of a wide range of different people, from athletes to expectant mothers.
While imprisoned under fabricated corruption charges, former senior bureaucrat Atsuko Muraki met female victims of abuse. Now, she works to save women who are slipping through the cracks of society.
Franchesca Cubillo is an Aboriginal curator, creating a large fair for Australia's indigenous art. In the event's 13th year, she empowers those facing struggles and brings a future to them through art.
Sen Nathan of Malaysia's Sabah Wildlife Department is devoted to protecting orangutans, elephants, and other native animals. Is there a way the lucrative palm oil business can coexist with wildlife?
American pro wrestler Jan Ohrstrom is an Iraq War veteran. Through wrestling, he overcame PTSD, and regained his will to live. He now gives other veterans hope and courage through the sport.
In 2015, pediatrician Kazuko Kumon opened a facility in Kenya that offers individualized care and attention to children with disabilities. We talk to Dr. Kumon about what drives her work.
Masashi Hirao is a craftsman who cultivates bonsai -- ornamental trees and shrubs grown in pots. He talks about his bonsai art demonstrations set to music, which he performs around Japan and overseas.
We speak with the director of Proyecto Hombre - an NGO providing addiction treatment, mainly for drugs, to 17,000 people per year in Spain - on the true causes and solutions for this modern disease.
Kazunori Kumagai is the first person from Asia to win a prestigious NY Dance and Performance Award -- aka "Bessie" -- in the Outstanding Performer category. He speaks about his passion for tap dancing.
Professor Louise Richardson is the first woman appointed Vice-Chancellor of the University of Oxford in its 900-year history. She is passionate about the power of education to transform lives.
Sheku Kanneh-Mason is an award-winning cellist. In 2018, he performed at the royal wedding in Britain and became an international star. He is a role model for a new generation of classical musicians.
Sir Antonio Pappano recently became the longest-serving music director of the Royal Opera House in London. He is passionate about sharing the joy of opera and finding new ways to attract a wider audience.
Trinh Khanh Ha works on developing robotic prosthetic arms in Vietnam. With groundbreaking prosthetic arms, she gives hope to disabled people who gave up their work.
In China, most visually impaired people become masseuses or masseurs, but the blind Dong Lina became a verbal artist. She presents her thoughts on the determination needed to overcome many obstacles.
Yoshino Oishi is a photographer who has documented brutal conflicts around the globe, including in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Kosovo. We speak to her about what message she hopes to express to the world.
Leslie Kee has overcome numerous challenges to become one of the top photographers in Asia. As part of the social minority, he seeks to dispel prejudices against minorities through his portraiture.
Hiroto Kawasaki moved to China at age 66 and succeeded in organic farming using cattle dung. Supported by young Chinese, he is working to change local customs long dependent on chemical fertilizer.
Minerva School founder Ben Nelson's innovation approach to learning is fundamentally changing the way we educate college students with a combination of technology and life experience.
Since 2003, Dr. Tetsu Nakamura has built irrigation canals in a drought-plagued region of Afghanistan where people were starving. We hear how his project has succeeded in the face of huge challenges.
Japanese startup Spiber has pioneered tech for mass-producing synthetic spider silk. Kazuhide Sekiyama talks about the next-generation materials that will replace petroleum-based fabrics.
Mother of the Zero Waste Lifestyle movement Bea Johnson inspires people around the globe to simplify their lives while helping the environment with her 5 rules for zero waste.
Mani is a medical equipment maker with a large global market share in products such as surgical needles, ophthalmic knives, and dental drills. Company head Toshihide Takai talks business strategy.
A young engineer tackling the serious issue of landmine clearance in Cambodia has developed an unattended robot to replace dangerous manual demining.
Britain's Advertising Standards Authority has introduced new rules on gender stereotyping. Guy Parker, its chief executive, discusses why 2 TV adverts broke the rules and other issues.
For more than 20 years, architectural designer Karl Bengs has been restoring old folk houses in depopulated areas of Japan as part of an effort to revitalize communities. What drives him?
Delia Ferreira Rubio represents an international NGO that aims to eliminate crimes such as bribery and embezzlement worldwide. How can we prevent corruption, which she says undermines our daily lives?
Kees Veldboer, the Ambulance Wish Foundation founder, has fulfilled over 13,000 final wishes of terminally ill patients. He reveals his thoughts about his contacts with dying people.
Robert Riener founded the Cybathlon, a global contest spurring the development of robotic assistive devices for people with disabilities. What role can robotics play in creating a diverse society?
The Latin American School of Medicine in Cuba educates youths from poor areas to become doctors. In 20 years, 30,000 graduates are active in 105 countries. President Antonio López Gutiérrez explains.
Nobel Prize in Literature winner, Svetlana Alexievich, expressed the hardships endured in the Soviet era through eyewitness testimonials. She shares stories of life in a post-Soviet world.
Since 2014, the conflict in eastern Ukraine has left many soldiers MIA. Yaroslav Zhilkin, the founder of Black Tulip, tells us why he collects bodies in the troubled area.
Ory Yoshifuji creates communication robots that help people who, for whatever reason, have difficulty leaving the house. We speak with Yoshifuji about his determined quest to "end loneliness."
The bikini category of bodybuilding is all about a foundation of muscle that accentuates the feminine shape. MIHARU, Japan's only pro bikini athlete, talks about what building muscle means to her.
Sadan Kaptanoglu, President of BIMCO, the world's largest association of ship owners, talks about the threat to global shipping from tensions between the US and Iran in the Persian Gulf.
Patrick Ky of the European Union Aviation Safety Agency discusses the decision to ground the Boeing 737 MAX after 2 fatal crashes, why the plane is still grounded and the future of aviation safety.
Bart Roetert, co-founder of Instock, a restaurant in the Netherlands, has rescued 800,000 kilograms of food waste. He tells how to address food waste issues in an efficient and positive manner.
NORA is the lead vocalist of Orquesta de la Luz, a world-famous salsa band from Japan. She speaks about her passion for music, and what she hopes to accomplish through her work with the group.
Open source technology advocate, Wikimedia Foundation CEO Katherine Maher encourages everyone to contribute and share knowledge and information on the free online encyclopedia, Wikipedia.
Filmmaker Zacharias Kunuk's works focus on the Inuit of the Canadian Arctic, and underscore the importance of protecting their heritage. He shared his thoughts on the hopes and struggles of his people.
Sho Kitagawa plays the balalaika, a traditional Russian stringed musical instrument. He was the first person from outside Russia to win a prestigious Russian music competition.
Noriaki Imai returned to Japan after a hostage ordeal in Iraq only to face harsh criticism, which made him a social recluse. Today, he supports young people who have similarly withdrawn from society.
Famous for its "Freak Cabaret" performances, the Ukrainian music and theater band Dakh Daughters sings about the harsh situation in Ukraine. Its vocalist explains the thoughts behind the lyrics.
Mitsuhiro Takasaki, President of Engineer Inc., developed innovative heavy-duty pliers that can remove stripped or rusted screws with ease. What is his manufacturing philosophy and business strategy?
Giles Martin is an award-winning music producer at the world-famous Abbey Road Studios. He has remixed 3 of The Beatles' albums and is at the forefront of changes in the music industry.
Yoshua Bengio, a frontrunner in AI research and a recipient of the Turing Award in 2019, discusses AI's potential and its inherent risks. What is the best way forward for humans to coexist with AI?
The key to helping Syrian refugees is to enable refugee widows to earn their own living and raise their children. Jihan Kaisi, the executive director of an NGO, is generating employment for them.
Jane Goodall, known as the greatest field scientist of our time, showed how closely humans are related to chimpanzees. She now campaigns to protect animal habitats and fight climate change.
Katsuobushi is a traditional Japanese foodstuff. It is dried bonito, typically shaved into umami-rich flakes. Mai Nagamatsu is the owner of a restaurant that specializes in recipes using katsuobushi.
Tomosuke Noda is the principal of the River School, a camp designed to teach kids how much fun rivers can be. He talks about the many outdoor activities the kids enjoy and his vision for the program.
Entrepreneur and social activist Ayad Nasser launched a project using art to rejuvenate the slum of Lebanon, and he helped to transform the community from a place of poverty to one of hope.
Yoshihiko Akimoto developed canned bread that can be stockpiled for as long as 3 years. It is used as an emergency food and distributed as relief supplies to areas suffering from food shortages.
Lech Walesa is a Nobel Peace Prize winner who stood up against USSR and accomplished free election of Poland 30 years ago. His struggle never ends, protecting liberal democracy from rise of populism.
Ziauddin Yousafzai is a teacher and activist who stood up to the Taliban in Pakistan. With his daughter Malala, he campaigns for girl's education and equality around the world.
Oyungerel Tsedevdamba is the leader behind the "Let's Change Our Toilets" campaign in Mongolia who says that changing toilets can change lives. She speaks on the problems her country faces.
Bertrand Piccard was the first man to fly around the world in a solar powered plane. He explains what that achievement means for the future of clean energy.
Heatherwick Studio is known for ingenious installations and extraordinary buildings. Its founder, designer Thomas Heatherwick shares his secrets and talks about its plans for Tokyo's Minato Ward.
Air pollution is causing health problems in Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian capital. We speak with former Mongolian Minister of the Environment, Oyun Sanjaasuren, on its causes and solutions.
Apichatpong Weerasethakul directed "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives," winning at Cannes in 2010. He connects memories of oneself with society and politics, and is now focusing on Colombia.
Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus won a Nobel Prize for creating a microcredit system for the poor. We speak to him about his new endeavor, "social business," that has him traveling the world.
Jokha Alharthi, the first Man Booker International Prize winner writing in Arabic, is also the first female Omani novelist translated into English. What message does her work have for today's world?
The Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan Breweries have been producing sake for over 260 years. We speak with president Takenosuke Yasufuku about how his firm makes sake with huge appeal both in Japan and worldwide.
Tomohiko Izutsu was on a path to work in space science research, but he changed course, and is now dedicated to revitalizing rural communities through space-themed events. What drives his mission?
In 2019, Sueko Nakamura directed a documentary about young women in Japan who've been in trouble with the law. She herself had a troubled adolescence that included time in a juvenile detention center.
Shin-ai-Juku is a Japanese NPO that's been providing support for foreigners living in Japan for over 40 years. Chief Director Mariko Takekawa talks about what's happening on the ground.
Kenichi Noguchi is a farmer who grows lotus plants. His lotus roots sell for $50 each, and are served in fancy restaurants the world over. We ask Noguchi what makes his lotus root so amazing.
Ryusen Hamono has developed a steak knife with excellent sharpness that has been carefully designed to be safe to use. President Koji Masutani talks about the work that went into crafting the blade.
Chi-chi Nwanoku is a world-famous double bassist from London and is founder of the Chineke! Orchestra, the first classical orchestra in Europe to be made up of majority black and minority ethnic musicians.
The next-generation transportation service called MaaS, is rapidly expanding worldwide. How will it change our lifestyle? Its founder, Sampo Hietanen, talks about the mobility future he envisages.
António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, faces a new phase for the UN at its 75th anniversary in 2020. In the exclusive interview, he discusses the challenges and vision into the future.
Pianist Gohei Nishikawa was diagnosed with focal dystonia as an adult. Unable to use 3 fingers on his left hand, he performs using his other 7. How did he find his way back to the piano?
Levison Wood is a British explorer who traveled through 13 countries in the Middle East. He wants to challenge stereotypes about a region which is often presented negatively in the news.
For years, Keiko Itabashi has hosted a radio show about disaster preparedness in Miyagi Prefecture, an area that suffered grave damage in Japan's 3.11 disaster. What lessons does she have for her audience?
Hiroki Iwasa grows high-end strawberries in Miyagi Prefecture -- a region that was hit hard by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. How is he revitalizing the local economy and agricultural industry?
We talk with photographer Lekima Hung about his history and passion capturing and exhibiting photographs of marine plastic waste pollution in Vietnam to raise awareness about the issue.
Eko Supriyanto is Indonesia's leading choreographer and dancer. In February 2020, he received praise on a piece including female dancers from a divided Timor. Performances are planned around the world.
The seas of Fukushima Prefecture were gravely harmed by the 2011 nuclear disaster and its aftermath. For the past 9 years, Riken Komatsu has worked tirelessly to restore them and related industries.
Nihon Homespun blends silk, cotton, synthetic fibers and traditional washi paper into their sought-after wool fabrics. President Kanji Kikuchi talks about the homespun textile tradition.
Yi Seung-Jun is a South Korean documentary filmmaker. He talks about his motivations and the feedback for his recent short film about the ferry disaster which was nominated for the Academy Award.
Tourism is a vital source of income for Laos in Southeast Asia. A woman is now producing an entirely new form of tourism, agritourism, while keeping in mind how to improve the livelihood of farmers.
Anna Fasano is the president of Banca Etica in Italy. It finances projects meeting a strict ethical standard for the environment, human rights and social principles as it aims to change the world.
Renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp discusses her new book, which delves into her philosophy of aging and highlights the importance of moving our bodies to maximize our potential, whatever our age.
Yoshihiko Ishikawa has ascended to the elite ranks of the world's ultramarathon runners. He tells us how he got involved in this intense sport, and how he managed to rise to the top.
Myanmar in southeast Asia suffers from a lack of safe drinking water. Hisafumi Shogi works with locals to develop the water supply infrastructure. He talks about the road so far, and what lies ahead.
Hoang Yen Vo is a Vietnamese rights advocate. The center she runs helps people with disability, not for their physical needs, but their well-being. Her goal is to see them thrive however they live.
As Artificial Intelligence becomes part of our daily life, have we considered the ethical pitfalls? Computer scientist Sir Nigel Shadbolt on the new Institute for Ethics in AI at Oxford University.
Professor Alan Dangour is pioneering a new approach at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to examine the impact of our changing diet on population health and on the planet itself.
Chef Sean Sherman revives the wisdom of his ancestors by applying Native American ingredients to modern cuisine. As an educator he uses food to bring indigenous culture closer to the next generation.
Koichiro Kobayashi has won gold at the Paraclimbing World Championships 4 times in a row. He works to help people who are visually impaired take up climbing. What does the sport mean to him?
A young Rwandan female entrepreneur has had success producing and marketing beetroot wine and providing stable employment for local women. The program follows her battle to succeed in business.
Houriya Taheri, the Middle East's first FIFA A-licensed women's soccer coach, speaks on what women athletes in the region, whose participation has been limited, need to help them spread their wings.
Albert Lin is an award-winning explorer and scientist from California who is innovating technology to uncover hidden stories of history from lost civilizations and ancient ruins all over the world.
Terumo is a Japanese manufacturer of medical devices such as catheter-based solutions for the treatment of coronary arteries. Company CEO Sato Shinjiro talks about reducing the burden on patients.
Popular among the Berliners, "Kreuzberger Himmel" serves dishes from Syria and Afghanistan. Tölke opened this restaurant to provide occupations for refugees. We asked his principle in helping them.
Takeuchi Masahiko runs and funds a nonprofit that builds schools for the blind around the world. Takeuchi himself is visually impaired. We speak with him about his life's work.
Bartender Gokan Shingo was named 2017 International Bartender of the Year. He talks about the secrets behind his signature cocktails and what he loves about bar culture.
For many foreigners living in Japan, the language barrier is hard to overcome. Choi Sungja is an advisor at a cafe where foreigners become chefs, communicating with Japan through their native cuisine.
Director Iwaisawa Kenji won the top prize at the Ottawa International Animation Festival for his 2019 feature film. He talks about his hand-drawn approach and what he hopes to convey through his work.
The unique Green School in Indonesia founded by John Hardy and his wife Cynthia aims for a sustainable future. Favoring a progressive education, children and parents gather from all over the world.
COVID-19 is taking the world by storm and the struggle with the invisible enemy continues around the world. We sat down with Kawaoka Yoshihiro, Japan's leading virologist for his insight on the issue.
Yoshitake Shinsuke is one of Japan's best known children's book authors, the winner of multiple international prizes. He finds inspiration in aspects of kids' lives that grown-ups tend to ignore.
Ceramic artist Kuwata Takuro is known for using experimental procedures to produce startling, one-of-a-kind work. He has exhibited all over the world. He talks about his creative process.
Professor John Edmunds has dedicated his career to studying the spread of infectious diseases, and is one of the scientists advising the UK government on how to control the pandemic of coronavirus.
With UN work experience, Mary Balikungeri returned to Rwanda after the 1994 genocide to support women who had suffered greatly. She believes women have a new role to play in her country's development.
Hagiuda Megumi imports and sells African roses from Kenya as part of an effort to contribute to women's employment in the region. She talks about what roses mean to her, and what drives her.
Italy, pulmonologist Sergio Harari is on the frontline when it comes to treating coronavirus patients in Milan, even since it was declared a red zone and its population placed in isolation.
Professor Warwick McKibbin warned in late February, how human and economic losses would soar if governments didn't react to COVID-19. He addresses cooperation measures to overcome the global crisis.
Bernd Gaiser, a co-founder of Berlin CSD, talks about why he encourages coming out of the closet and how he came to set up a multi-generational housing project for those of any sexual orientation.
Alexis Mena, an urban farmer in Brooklyn organized a food bank to address the food crisis in his community with a "bottom-up" strategy. He is creating a resilient community with innovative food system.
Extreme weather around the world is causing an increase in major natural disasters. We ask Ishii Mieko, a nurse who has worked in several disaster zones, about how to save lives.
Richard H. Kaszynski formed a global network to rapidly conduct clinical drug trials in order to fight against infectious disease pandemics. He talks about a promising drug candidate for COVID-19.
When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Malaysia, Rashvin Singh and his team at his social enterprise wanted to make a difference and began producing face shields to help frontliners.
Folding@home led by Dr. Greg Bowman seeks a cure for COVID-19 with distributed computing. The American molecular biologist talks about the prospects connecting millions of participants and their PCs.
Health psychologist, Professor Susan Michie is advising the British government on how to help people change their behavior in a pandemic so as to control the spread of coronavirus.
In 2020, the huge swarms of desert locusts have invaded to the countries in East Africa. Mr. Cressman continues to warn about outbreak and talks about the way we should deal with what the nature makes.
Dr. Rob Gore is fighting the pandemic and healing the community in NY. He founded KAVI, an NPO to end violence and urban trauma and to make a better future for his unborn son.
Fashion designer Morinaga Kunihiko creates technologically innovative styles that no one has ever seen before. He tells us what motivates his work, and discusses the untapped potential of clothing.
Social entrepreneur Nakamoto Chizu started up a brand that makes colorful bags out of African fabrics. She talks about her vision of providing stable employment to Uganda's single mothers.
As the coronavirus strikes the world, South Korea's corona prevention measures are recognized as a success. Professor Moran Ki, the chief of COVID-19 task force is leading the success with the government.
Japanese violinist Lena Yokoyama performed on the rooftop of Cremona's hospital, as a tribute to healthcare workers and patients struggling through the coronavirus emergency.
Taavi Kotka of Estonia, an IT powerhouse with 99% of its government services available online, speaks on how engineering will shape our technological future.
Khaled Reshad's day job is running a local medical clinic in Japan, but he also works to build hospitals and schools in his home country of Afghanistan. We speak with Dr. Reshad about his work.
Yamami Koji creates award-winning kaleidoscopes that rise to the level of art. What sort of wizardry goes into crafting optical instruments that surprise and delight the eyes?
Minister Audrey Tang's IT measures against COVID-19 greatly contributed to Taiwan's successful containment of the virus. She is also a leading force behind Taiwan's digital democracy.
With a long experience of tackling viruses, Rwanda is striving to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Africa. Dr. Vedaste Ndahindwa tells us about the efforts and background of its infection control team.
Yamasaki Nobuyoshi's company produces items like food trays and garbage bags using a sustainable limestone-based material. He talks about its potential as an alternative to paper or plastic.
Pastor Okuda Tomoshi has been working with homeless people for over 30 years, helping 3,500 get back on their feet. He talks about what is necessary to create a society where no one is left ignored.
Guillaume Gomez, Head Chef at the Elysée Palace, French presidential residence delivered meals to medical staff together with other chefs who had to close their restaurants during lockdown.
Ishii Katsuyuki heads a manufacturer of custom sports wheelchairs used by top athletes competing in the Paralympic Games. He talks about design, craftsmanship and the secret to the company's success.
Illustrations by Estonian artist Eiko Ojala have appeared in newspapers and magazines worldwide. His gorgeous paper-like graphic designs shine a penetrating light on modern society.
George Magnus is an economist, author and Associate at the China Centre, Oxford University. He believes that globalization is at a crossroads.
Nakajima Satoshi is a software engineer developing a free app for takeout orders that he designed to help businesses pushed to the verge of bankruptcy by the economic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak.
Nishimoto Yu-ki is an innovative practitioner of sumi-e (ink wash painting). His art -- which has incorporated video, CG and more -- is exceptionally dynamic, and he is always pushing himself further.
For 40 years, Gushiken Takamatsu has been excavating the remains of those who died in the Battle of Okinawa at the end of the Pacific War. He talks about lingering scars and the value of peace.
James Brining is the Artistic Director of Leeds Playhouse, north England. He endeavors to connect the community through theater.
Mitch Albom started his serial, "Human Touch," on April 2020. Proceeds from his e-book and audio that describe survivors in Detroit, funds his charity. He tells us more about hope for the future.
Buku Jalanan Chow Kit is a school co-founded by Siti Rahayu who aims to provide education for poor and stateless children who live in the red light district of Malaysia.
Dominique Chen, known for his outstanding research in the field of information studies, talks about ways to achieve well-being through digital communications.
In 2013, Teshima Daisuke developed oral hygiene products that don't harm the body if swallowed. His innovative business model supports people with disabilities. We asked Teshima about his motivation.
Okahara Kosuke is known for award-winning photojournalism documenting the human condition in places like South America, Africa and China. He reflects on his humanistic approach.
With amazing economic growth in recent years, Rwanda has been pursuing a progressive ICT policy. The woman appointed Minister of ICT and Innovation at merely 35 talks about the future ICT offers.
Author of How Contagion Works, an essay on the science of infectious disease, physics PhD Paolo Giordano clarifies the issues we face and speaks on how to live in a post-pandemic world.
Saengduean Chailert, the founder of Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand, has devoted her life to caring for Asian elephants that were wounded while made to work as performance animals or in logging.
Wada Atsushi is an award-winning animator who plays with the concept of "ma," or "the space in between," building tension through contrasting movement and the absence of movement. What inspires him?
Fukunaga Takeshi's latest film, which is about the indigenous Ainu of Japan, received Special Jury Mention at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. What inspires him to tell stories of minority communities?
Anoushka Shankar is a sitarist, composer and producer who has won many awards in the world music scene. She is the daughter of Indian musician Ravi Shankar. She is also a social activist and feminist.
Robin Hanbury-Tenison is one of the greatest explorers of his era, and has traveled to remote areas of the world, where he has witnessed huge changes to the environment in the last 60 years.
Osawa Shuichi is a baker who won the 2019 Mondial du Pain, arguably the world's most prestigious breadmaking competition. He tells us how he crafts his top-class bread.
Ogawa Yoko's novel "The Memory Police" was shortlisted for the prestigious International Booker Prize in 2020. What are the major themes and motifs that characterize her work?
Perrine and Charles Hervé-Gruyer, farmers in France, have quested for tomorrow's agriculture that reconstructs ecosystems, inspired by methods of ancient civilizations and latest scientific studies.
Earth Heir, a social enterprise in Malaysia is founded by Sasibai Kimis to empower the lives of marginalized communities, emphasizing on combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design.
Larry Littlebird, a Native American elder/storyteller, founded Hamaatsa, a place to reconnect with nature with indigenous wisdom, by listening to nature and to each other in this challenging time.
For 3 long decades, Vosot Ikeida has been a hikikomori, locking himself in his room and avoiding human contact. Now, he wants to do something about it. His answer? Communication and connection.
Yamada Mio empowers Rwandan women to rise up from poverty. She talks about opening a Japanese restaurant in the Rwandan capital and ongoing efforts to support the women during the COVID-19 pandemic.
A former German teacher who created a revolutionary system to provide people in developing countries with one-dollar glasses shares his thoughts on the meaning of sustainable social business.
A leader in the slow food movement, Paolo Di Croce speaks on how the current pandemic is changing the way we eat.
Jordi Faulí is the 9th head architect of the Sagrada Familia. He attempts to complete the building by 2026, 100 years after Gaudi's death. We look at the outlook during the COVID-19 pandemic.
In Ethiopia, one of the world's poorest countries, Samejima Hiroko founded a company that ethically produces high-quality leather handbags. She tells us the story of her unique products and business.
Akimoto Rina runs an online food market that directly connects farmers and fishers with consumers. She talks about her website and what she's doing to help food producers in the time of COVID-19.
GiGi's Playhouse supports people with Down Syndrome. 49 are in the U.S. and Mexico. 30,000 people use their program. We speak to founder Nancy Gianni as she continues her mission during COVID-19.
Fujiyama Taijyu is a practitioner of Tezuma, a uniquely Japanese art of illusion. He placed in the top 5 at the World Championships of Magic. We ask him about Tezuma's enduring appeal.
Hayashi Kaname has built Lovot, a companion robot whose main purpose is to encourage people to love -- just by being there. He explains how his pet-like creation can soothe us in these trying times.
Mr. Boyan Slat and his foundation's goal are getting rid of plastic waste from the oceans all over the world. They focus on developing technologies to achieve it. He adds support from people is key.
Dr. Anthony Back created a medical communication guide called Vital Talk. It helps practitioners better understand the emotions of patients and family, a matter of great importance in the COVID-19 era.
Saraya, a maker of health and hygiene products, has undertaken a massive "handwashing project" in Uganda that has helped to stop the spread of disease. We speak with company president Saraya Yusuke.
In 2020, Hiraide Kazuya received the prestigious Piolet d'Or mountaineering award for the third time -- the first such feat by a Japanese climber. What fuels his passion for ascending unclimbed routes?
Emmai Alaquiva discovers BLM also to the deaf and hard of hearing. He shows us this through his 59-second video "Unspeakable." He also talks about discrimination and the challenges ahead.
Dr. Blanche Wiesen Cook is a historian and an author of bestselling biography on Eleanor Roosevelt. In a time of global movements for human rights, we ask Dr. Cook how to achieve dignity for all.
Endo Ken is developing next-generation artificial limbs, including the world's best sports prosthetic and a robotic leg that reduces strain for those with disabilities. What is his vision for society?
Director Ladj Ly's film "Les Misérables" was a Jury Prize winner in Cannes Film Festival 2019. He tells us how we can overcome racism and poverty as BLM expands in France.
Londoner, Josie Naughton co-founded Help Refugees, a charity devoted to raising funds to help refugees and displaced people who are escaping war, persecution and poverty.
Lilian Thuram, a former football star who contributed to the victory of France in FIFA World Cup 1998, has fought with his foundation against racism through books, exhibitions and workshops since 2008.
Lee Ayu Chuepa, founder of Akha Ama Coffee and a member of Thailand's Akha ethnic minority, provides high-quality coffee to global consumers while protecting the livelihood of his community's farmers.
HARA is an illusionist who has performed live and on television in over 30 countries, winning numerous awards. We speak with him about how he strives to conjure up "magic that only I can do."
Graphic designer Shimada Tamotsu was chosen to design the official logo for the 2025 World Exposition to be held in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. What is the concept behind the eye-catching design?
Producer of hit musicals discusses how Broadway theaters should reopen safely and profitably in the COVID-19 era and respond to the Black Lives Matter movement by appealing to a more diverse audience.
The bicycles painstakingly crafted by Konno Shinichi offer superior technology and design. Japanese cyclists love them, and they've won multiple awards at international trade shows.
Purintei Merin performs Rakugo, a type of storytelling that has a more than 400-year history. She writes and delivers original pieces in both Japanese and English. Hear her story.
For former astronaut Chris Hadfield, life in self-isolation amid the pandemic is similar to that of an astronaut in space. He shares his tips on how to survive and thrive in the long-running pandemic.
Stella Jean has submitted action plans to the council to eliminate discrimination in the Italian fashion industry. In particular, she is struggling to give non-white youth a chance to get jobs.
Max Richter is one of the most successful composers in the contemporary music world. He has produced critically acclaimed albums of his own compositions, and also writes for films, ballet and opera.
In 2017, Fujiki Daichi became the first Asian countertenor to debut at the Vienna State Opera. What does he wish to convey to audiences through his dazzling performances?
Sociology professor James Nolan warns of the danger to society of an unchecked technological mindset. His new book explores the complicity of doctors in covering up the dangers of the atom bomb.
Kogenji Ryota is a world champion pole dancer who was named Mr. Pole Dance 2020. How does he come up with his routines, for which audiences have described him as being like a floating white fairy?
Dr. Claire Wardle is on a mission to help the global public understand the dangers of disinformation and misinformation, which have proliferated with the rise of social media and now the coronavirus.
Mounir Biba, multiple world champion of Breaking, runs the project about breaking and coaching to support young people. He also contributed to the promotion of Breaking for Olympic sports inclusion.
Yukari Suzuki has been working for reconciliation between the Dutch, Japanese and Indonesian. How can people transcend division through dialogue?
Nodoka Okisawa is one of the world's most buzzed-about young conductors. In 2019 she won the prestigious International Besançon Competition. We speak to her about her musical passions.
Nishimura Satoshi is developing an original electric car concept, as well as a microscope that can perform high-res imaging of living organisms. He talks about the philosophy of making things.
Wendy Kopp heads "Teach For All." Its network independent partners recruit recent graduates to teach for a 2-year mission. These NGOs operate in 59 countries providing quality education in challenging places and even during COVID-19.
Fashion designer Agnès b., who has long supported artists and continued various social activities, recently opened new art gallery in Paris. She talks about the power of art in society.
In civil war-torn Uganda, over 30,000 children were abducted and forced to serve as fighters. Follow Ogawa Shingo's quest to reintegrate former child soldiers into society through vocational training.
Thai restaurant owner/chef Phanuphon Bulsuwan uses a wide array of local ingredients for his dishes. He is also taking steps to combat food waste, both in his own kitchen and society at large.
Rewilding to revive lost species and restore nature. In the United Kingdom, an aristocratic couple's efforts are attracting attention. We talk to Isabella Tree, who is also a writer.
Executive Producer, Stephen Garrett, has had a 40-year career in the entertainment industry producing films and creating television drama in Hollywood and the UK for a global audience.
For over 50 years, Tamai Yoshiomi has provided educational support to children who have lost one or both parents. His outreach extends to Africa, where he raises leaders out of vulnerable children.
Jimmy Pham's vocational school in Vietnam provides young deprived people with hospitality training. He talks about the struggle for sustenance during the economic downturn caused by COVID-19.
Iida Masashige creates immersive video presentations for dome-shaped projection screens that hang overhead in planetariums and other theaters. He talks about his vision, themes and methods.
A Vietnamese Japanese engineer discusses the high-frequency ventilator he developed to save the lives of premature infants, but it has been considered difficult to put into practical use.
Mizutani Yoshihiro invented a cardboard bed for use in evacuation centers during natural disasters. He talks about what drives him in his quest to improve conditions at emergency shelters.
Richard Misrach, an eminent photographer who has been shooting deserts in the U.S. for half a century, discusses the split of America as he has been bearing witness it.
Kotchakorn Voraakhom is a Thai landscape architect known for designing public parks that combat flooding. In order to fight an unpredictable future, she uses nature as her blueprint.
Takahama Kan was awarded one of Japan's most prestigious manga prizes in 2020. She talks about overcoming alcoholism and how the experience ties into her internationally acclaimed work.
Marc Hull-Jacquin of Shelter Movers has rescued over 2,000 people fleeing domestic violence, providing 6 sanctuaries in Canada since 2016. He's fighting an increase in DV cases during the pandemic.
Rosemarie Garland-Thomson challenges stereotypes about people with disabilities. An advocate for human diversity, she explores how disabled culture and identity have evolved throughout history.
Since 2010, Gilles Delebarre has engaged himself as the director in "Démos," a music education program for children operated by Philharmonie de Paris for the sake of the unity in a local society.
Director Eric Khoo is one of Singapore's leading creators. His recent short film is making waves online. We speak to Eric Khoo, spreading an important message "love and humanity" through film.
Musician and scholar Chi Suwichan Phatthanaphraiwan, a member of the Pgaz k'Nyau (Karen) ethnic group in northern Thailand, advocates for ethnic equality and fosters cultural identity through music.
Wanda took part in the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, which was the resistance struggle to the Nazi regime. Nowadays, she protests against the politicians about some social matters from her experience of the war.
Nureehan Da-ouli, a female Muslim conservationist, strives to protect hornbills - the species that play a detrimental role in the survival of the forest and the livelihood of her community.
Akram Khan, the British dancer and choreographer, calls for urgent action to save the performing arts and to support young dancers, in the face of the UK's enforced lockdown.
Filmmaker Mansour documents the impact of wars in the Middle East on the people of Lebanon. When parts of Beirut were destroyed by a massive blast in August 2020 her cameras captured the aftermath.
Textile expert Olga Reiche is working with rural artisans to find ways to build a sustainable industry. Overcoming natural disasters and war through textiles, she shares her inspiring story.
Paul Miller, aka DJ Spooky: multimedia artist, composer and author. Miller creates music and art inspired by science and nature to motivate people to change the world.
Wasfi Kani is on a mission to share opera with the world. For the last 3 decades she had taken opera into prisons, and in 2016, she created a new opera house in the UK.
Columbia University's Christopher Emdin talks about his method of centering culture to engage young people in science and how the pandemic is creating an opportunity to transform education.
Sarah Al Amiri is both a minister and the science lead of the UAE's Mars probe mission, which successfully entered orbit in 2021. What is it that pushes her and her country towards space exploration?
Using 360-degree cameras, a South African virtual reality video creator is helping to preserve wild animals on the verge of extinction by dispatching documentary films.
Pianist Alice Sara Ott made her first recording in 3 years, as a reflection on life. Living with multiple sclerosis, she keeps a contemporary performance empowering her audience.
Anand Menon is Professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs at King's College London. He also directs the UK in a Changing Europe project which studies the effects of Brexit and its implications for the UK.
Maye Musk, dietitian, fashion model and mother of Elon, shares the secrets to flourishing in her 70s. Her independent spirit took her from struggling single motherhood to iconic status on billboards.
Tsuda Yuichi leads a project at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency that recently completed a mission to return subsurface samples of an asteroid to Earth. He reflects on the scientific milestone.
Pietro Bartolo is a doctor. For 30 years he treated refugees from Africa on the Italian island of Lampedusa. Now, as a Member of the European Parliament, he defends the rights of immigrants.
As a refugee, Omar Ahmad realized how the media portrayed the refugees differed from reality. Now as a citizen journalist, he hopes to deliver narratives, told from the refugee's perspective.
Torajan woman and leader of the world's largest body representing Indigenous Peoples, Rukka Sombolinggi has long championed indigenous rights in Indonesia with her passionate and fiery oratory skills.
Kagii Yasuaki talks about photographing underwater worlds in oceans across the globe, including his periodic trips to document submarine environments in the disaster-stricken Tohoku region of Japan.
Chicago-based stand-up comedian Saku Yanagawa talks about deconstructing American society from a uniquely Japanese perspective and honing his own comedic voice.
Journalist Maria Ressa is found guilty in a case seen as a test of press freedom. In a country where journalists are under threat, Ressa's case became symbolic and followed internationally.
Lual Mayen fled South Sudan and grew up as a refugee. He created a video game on that experience. Players on the 2021 online version will fund refugee camps. He now supports youths to learn IT.
British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes has spent his life in pursuit of extreme adventure, risked his life in some of the most ambitious expeditions ever undertaken and raised millions for charity.
In 2017, SIROCO became the first Japanese person to win a prestigious flamenco competition in Spain. What does flamenco mean to him, and how did he rise to the top of his profession?
Sirachai Arunrugstichai is a photographer and marine biologist based in Bangkok, Thailand. His photos are a sharp reminder to the world that the oceans and sea life must be protected.
ERTH, a social enterprise in Malaysia is founded by Mohamed Tarek which aims to reduce the environmental hazard caused from end-of-life electronics, also known as "E-waste."
A young Czech innovator is drawing attention in the desktop 3D printer market with his open-source approach. What kind of future will be brought to us by the printers evolving with worldwide users?
Chang Sung-un has created a way to solve child labor problems in Africa with the Solar Cow Project which suggests an innovative approach to easily solve the issue by utilizing natural solar energy.
Over 30 years, Alain Reynes has sought peaceful coexistence between human activities and reintroduced brown bears in the Pyrenees, a mountain range forming a natural border between France and Spain.
Ten years after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, film director Iwai Shunji talks about the stories behind projects such as "Flowers Will Bloom," the song for recovery he wrote.
Renowned pianist Tigran Hamasyan talks about the beauty of traditional folk music and what it can do to connect people around the world.
Meet Jack Sim, also known as Mr. Toilet. His mission? Toilets for everyone. Around 2 billion people do not have access to proper toilets and sanitation. Jack wants to change that.
Mauro Colagreco has been called the best chef working today. Follow his journey to break new ground in sustainable gastronomy using only ingredients local to his chosen town of Menton, France.
World-renowned dancer, choreographer and director Bill T. Jones talks about creating his new socially distanced indoor performance, addressing the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism.
Doctor Waheed Arian arrived in the UK aged 15 as an Afghanistan refugee. Today he is the founder of a pioneering charity Arian Teleheal which helps save lives across the world.
Baybars Örsek, Director of the International Fact-Checking Network, is on a mission to stop the spread of false information. He talks about the importance of fact-checking and how it can empower us.
Imran Ahmed is the CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, a non-profit organization based in Washington and London, founded to highlight the increasing misinformation published online.
In 2019, Sasaki Rui was named winner of the Rakow Commission, a program put on by the renowned Corning Museum of Glass. She discusses her creations, which include works that use phosphorescent glass.
Singer-songwriter Sam Lee spent years collecting indigenous folk songs of the British Isles. He's turned his attention to nightingales, an iconic bird endangered by climate change and habitat loss.
At the start of the pandemic, Cynthia Choi co-founded an organization to report hate incidents against Asian Americans. The data it collects has empowered communities to raise their voices together.
The electric wheelchairs created by Sugie Satoshi feature superior performance and design, and are used by people in many parts of the world. We speak with him about the future of personal mobility.
Tanaka Kiyo is internationally recognized for warm, intricate children's books illustrated using copperplate techniques. She talks about the beauty of her craft and what children's books mean to her.
Amar Latif is a blind traveler and entrepreneur. In 2004, he created a travel agency, Traveleyes, determined to make the world more accessible for blind and visually impaired travelers.
At 15, Ann Makosinski from Canada invented a flashlight powered by body heat. She is now developing toys to help solve environmental issues. The young inventor tells us about her perspectives.
The efforts of a Nigerian who studied ballet on YouTube and runs a ballet academy in his back yard have attracted sympathy and support worldwide. He is now creating a unique African style of ballet.
Father Greg has rehabilitated thousands of ex-gang members in L.A. for 30 years. He runs a bakery as a base with members and has tattoo removal programs among others so they can re-enter society.
Kubota Ryo runs a biotech startup that is working with NASA to develop a device that can test for the eye problems to which astronauts are susceptible. Kubota shares his vision with us.
Doya Yuto started an apparel brand that sells fashionable items made in Ghana. His work supports local employment and the education of Ghanaian children. He talks about providing sustainable support.
Jan Johnson has dedicated her life protecting and running the Panama Hotel built in 1910. Hear her message to the future through the last luggage left by Japanese Americans taken to internment camps.
Many turn to extremism because of personal problems, not ideology. One-time white supremacist Christian Picciolini sees people as human beings first, to save them from hate groups.
Hori Takahide spent 7 years making the globally acclaimed animated feature film "Junk Head," doing everything from character and set design to cinematography, editing and music.
Kodo Nishimura blends his duties as a Buddhist monk with work as a makeup artist. He speaks from experience about overcoming adversity, being true to yourself, and what it means to be different.
Italian life mentor Massimiliano Sechi may have been born missing limbs, but nothing will stop this former top eSports player from enjoying the beauty of life and motivating others to do the same.
Otake Hidehiro has been photographing wild animals in the vast Northwoods forest for more than 20 years. He recently won a prestigious Japanese photography award. He reflects on his career so far.
Murakami Kiyoshi is applying the lessons he learned working at the U.N. to help his hometown's economy recover from a devastating earthquake and tsunami. He talks about his vision for the community.
Egawa Etsuko has worked as a makeup artist on many movies and TV shows, including the Academy Award-winning 2008 Japanese drama film "Departures." She shares her pursuit of ideal makeup artistry.
Kaneko Fumi was promoted to Principal of The Royal Ballet this year. Behind her captivating stage presence lie major injury and pandemic. She talks about overcoming setbacks and her passion for ballet.
Fujimori Terunobu became an architect at 45. His unconventional approach to design and use of natural materials have made him internationally in-demand. He talks about his architectural philosophy.
Internationally acclaimed Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie shares her belief that the realization of gender equality and a fairer world for all may take time, but they are achievable aims.
Former pro soccer player Tim Brown makes shoes using natural materials. His ambitions also include labeling shoes with their total carbon footprint. He speaks on seeking sustainability through shoes.
Emmy winning broadcast journalist, Lori Matsukawa fights hate crimes against Asians in the U.S. She holds webinars with a Seattle Japanese community and collaborates with the government to end racism.
Paszko launched a fake online cosmetic shop since the coronavirus pandemic began. Many women have faced abuse from partners during the lockdown. They could secretly send SOS messages through a shop.
After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, Kaneta Taio created a cafe that pops up at locations around northeastern Japan. There, survivors open up to him as he helps them process their grief.
Kajiya Yuriko is a principal dancer at the Houston Ballet in the United States. The coronavirus pandemic has been a struggle for artists in Japan, and Kajiya has worked to support them.
Sasha Filipenko's 2014 novel "The Ex-Son" foresaw the turmoil in Belarus today. Now temporarily out of the country, he continues to write while considering his return to his homeland, despite the risks.
Christina Koch, an outstanding female astronaut, who has made remarkable accomplishments in the traditionally male-dominated field of space exploration, could be the first woman to land on the Moon.
South Africa after Apartheid has a wealth gap within the black community, having only a few rich. S'bu Zikode with Abahlali baseMjondolo assists shack dwellers. His supporters surpass 100,000 today.
In a bestselling book, Jane Hyun highlighted barriers facing Asian Americans in the corporate world. Since then, she has helped businesses tap this talent pool by becoming culturally responsive.
Fawzia Koofi was the first female Vice President of Afghanistan's National Assembly. The Nobel candidate has been fighting for women's rights for 20 years as the Taliban takes over the country.
Since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, Miura Hiroshi has worked to revitalize local agriculture using renewable energy and create opportunities for strengthening the bonds of the community.
Olivier Baussan founded L'Occitane and has spent 40 years in Burkina Faso developing shea butter. He has helped create jobs, women's education and alleviate poverty in a sustainable way.
Kaczmarek starts her initiative to tackle period poverty realizing menstruation has been a taboo topic in Poland. She launched an online charity to distribute free sanitary products to women in need.
Murata Sayaka's novel about a convenience store worker was awarded Japan's most prestigious literary prize, and has been translated into over 30 languages. What struck a chord with readers?
We speak with Japanese anime director Hosoda Mamoru about his new work, "BELLE." His inspiration comes from "Beauty and the Beast," the internet and some changes brought about by the global pandemic.
A mother to a transgender son, Amber Briggle has brought national attention to the struggle for equal rights for LGBTQ children, speaking out at the Texas State Senate and elsewhere.
Abdul Baqi Samandar started schools called Kashana to offer free education for street kids. At his schools, they can study and learn basic knowledge and techniques to survive in society.
Tech2Peace is a seminar in which Israeli and Palestinian youth work together on tech-based projects. The cofounder, Palestinian Abeer Bandak, hopes that it can contribute to conflict resolution.
Thai winemaker Visootha Lohitnavy is attracting attention from the world for her authentic wine production in the tropics. Is there a hint here for sustainable winemaking in the age of global warming?
A global company that attracted attention for disinfecting a cruise ship contaminated with COVID-19 is dedicated to restoring disaster-stricken towns and homes and bringing hope to victims.
Yasui Hiromi has lived in Afghanistan for 20 years. She organized a free school for children and a handicraft workshop for women. We talk to Yasui Hiromi, who has dedicated her life to the country.
Only 16 people were selected as referees for the judo competition at the recent Tokyo Olympics. Amano Akiko was one of them. She tells us about the international appeal of this Japanese sport.
Antibodies are proteins that help us fight off infections. Tsukamoto Yasuhiro extracts antibodies from ostrich eggs for use in treatments to prevent infection from viruses such as COVID-19.
Lilianne Fan, founder of Geutanyoe Foundation, supports the Rohingya refugees in Malaysia. She provides them food and education, and empowers them to become leaders in their community.
In Tijuana, Mexico, college student Andrea Rincon created a mobile school for children stuck at the border with the US, raising the alarm on the educational crisis facing migrant children worldwide.
Yano Koji has been acting in China for about 20 years. He's gained overwhelming popularity, despite being a foreigner. We ask him about his success in the fast-growing Chinese entertainment industry.
Nakamura Hiroshi is known for innovative architectural designs based on careful observation of human behavior. His design for a waste center won an award in 2021. What is his vision for architecture?
Hoshi Kento is a social business entrepreneur who created Japan's first employment search website for the LGBT community. His dream is a world where no minority group has to face discrimination.
Rebecca Rockefeller co-founded the "Buy Nothing Project," that has 4 million members in 44 countries. The gift economy initiative gives and receives everything for free, reexamining consumer society.
We focus on an engineer who has developed an ice pack technology that can keep its temperature at -35 degrees Celsius for several days and take a key role in vaccine transportation amid the COVID-situation.
Hirata Kimiko, a director of an NGO that works on climate change issues, has been a fierce opponent of coal power in Japan. She was recently awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize.
The Ainu are one of the indigenous peoples of Japan. Kaizawa Toru is an Ainu artist who brings a contemporary sensibility to traditional Ainu woodcarving. He talks about his craft and creative drive.
For years, Fujita Chiyoko has worked to provide healthcare in Pakistan and Afghanistan alongside Dr. Nakamura Tetsu, the late founder of PMS. In 2021, she was awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal.
Lito enchants followers around the world with intricate scenes carved into leaves. Diagnosed with ADHD, he applies his focus and attention to detail to explore his own creative voice.
Douangmany Heuangkhamsene is a Lao social entrepreneur who helps the lesser-known ethnic women improve their social status by turning their traditional handicrafts into more contemporary products.
Otsubo Makoto develops technology that displays holographic images in midair through the reflection of light. Equipped with sensors, the images can be manipulated like a touchscreen, albeit touchless.
Tom Hovasse led Japan's national women's basketball team to its first-ever silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games. He talks strategy, tactics, and inspiring the team to reach new heights.
Adli Yahya founded Autism Café Project in 2016 to provide job opportunities for autistic youth. At the café, this team prepares food to give to communities in need.
Noor Shaker, a former computer scientist, is determined to contribute her expertise to society. She is now using AI to tackle and improve the expensive, time-consuming process of drug discovery.
With over 1.7 million subscribers on YouTube, the beautiful melodies and skills of guitarist Ichika Nito have entranced people worldwide. We learn more about his goal to create soul-stirring music.
The Japanese artist known as SHOGEN creates unique paintings in an original style that is inspired by Tingatinga, a Tanzanian school of painting. He shares the wisdom he learned in Tanzania.
Imada Miho was named one of BBC's 100 women of 2020. She talks about her passion to brew sake that embodies the distinct climate and agricultural heritage of her home prefecture of Hiroshima.
South Korean gynecologist Bak Seulgi addresses biases held in the country against women's bodies, speaking at schools and events in order to spread accurate information and protect women's health.
Venezuelan Glass Marcano became the first black woman conductor of a French orchestra at the age of 24. The vibrant energy of her music transcends the boundaries of gender, ethnicity and language.
The Biwa is a wooden lute traditionally used in Japanese classical music. Italian-born Doriano Sulis makes and restores Chikuzen-style Biwa, and is working to pass down his craft to a new generation.
Kojima Marina has been working since 2016 to rescue migrants and refugees from North Africa attempting a perilous Mediterranean Sea crossing. She talks about the front lines of humanitarian action.
Since 2000, Amy Herman, an art historian and lawyer, has been organizing "The Art of Perception," an educational program which uses art to develop people's observational skills.
Chang-Haeng is a juggler who has performed in over 80 countries. He grew up in Japan, but his Korean heritage made him the target of vicious bullying. He speaks with us about his life and his art.
Naka Kotobuki runs a company producing peanut butter in the Khotang District of Nepal. She is cultivating the local peanut industry and creating a work environment where women can thrive.
Antoine Hubert, the world's biggest mealworm farmer is tackling the looming global food crisis by bringing insects as a new source of protein. His team invented an innovative farming technology.
Bella Galhos, a former East Timorese independence activist, shares with us her mission: what needs to be done for Timor-Leste to become a vigorous and stable society and attain financial independence.
Christopher Coutanceau, a French chef running a restaurant rated 3 stars by the most famous guidebook, proposes sustainable gastronomy respecting the limited resource of the planet.
In 2018 and 2019, Kon Hiyori won back-to-back second-place trophies in the women's openweight division of the Sumo World Championships. She's getting more people interested in sumo wrestling.
Professor Steve Brusatte is an American paleontologist teaching at Edinburgh University. He specializes in the evolution of dinosaurs, and he has named 15 new species.
Ties van der Hoeven is a co-founder of a Dutch firm of holistic engineers with a plan to regreen the Sinai Peninsula, dry land in Egypt. Ties believes regreening is an answer to tackle climate change.
Professor Jemma Wadham is a leading glaciologist who has spent the last 20 years examining glaciers in places as diverse as the Himalayas, the Andes and the Alps.
Olimpia Coral Melo Cruz helped pass regulation on "digital" violence that became law in Mexico. She was a victim of revenge porn where her former partner spread videos and photos of them having sex.
Amidst growing censorship of art and media in China, the performance artist Nut Brother has used his imaginative works to speak out against modern issues such as pollution and class differences.
Ota Akimi recently won multiple international awards for his documentary film on the Amazon rainforest. He talks about developing a style of visual storytelling that transcends borders and boundaries.
Tomino Yoshiyuki is the creator of "Gundam," an iconic sci-fi robot anime series. For over 50 years his work has explored the social issues facing humankind. He talks about his creative process.
Missing limbs, bruises, medical devices... The look-alike dolls for children with a unique appearance handcrafted by A Doll Like Me are helping to further an inclusive world.
When 16 elephants set off on a sudden journey from their home in China's Yunnan Province, elephant specialist Wang Bin mobilized to ensure that both humans and the elephants would remain safe.
Singer and actor Olivia Newton-John was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government in 2021. She is also a cancer survivor and is working to raise awareness about cancer.
Mori Ryohei has developed a novel 100% nature-derived biodegradable plastic that is made without petroleum products. In 2020, his startup was selected to receive financial support from the U.N.
Brandon Farbstein is a Gen Z with disabilities, pushing for an anti-bullying law. Chosen as one of the "Most Influential Teens in the World," he currently works on inclusion strategies for companies.
Italian 100m sprinter Lamont Marcell Jacobs took gold in the Tokyo Olympics. How did the relatively unknown athlete train his mind and body to be crowned the fastest man in the world?
Over 3 years, a French Pianist Guilhem Fabre has run "uNopia," his own project in the aim of making classical music known and loved by audiences who don't normally have access to it.
Hanayagi Juraku's original Nihonbuyo performance film "Diversity of Japan ~MAI~" was premiered at the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. He shares his passion for this Japanese classical dance form.
Joshua Miele designs accessibility tools for people with disabilities to interact equitably with the world. He explains how the pursuit of equal access has driven innovations for the benefit of all.
A transgender state senator is working to eliminate discrimination against not only LGBTQs but all people in a divided America. She aims to create a safe society where everyone can live with dignity.
Mitsubori Junichi is a confectioner who has made Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) in front of wowed audiences around the world, including at the prestigious Salon du Chocolat in France.
Leena Kejriwal is a photographer and artist. She blends art and technology to create awareness about India's child trafficking, using stencils, games and digital comics based on true stories.
Saito Eita is an executive at a Fukushima-based company that has developed the world's thinnest and lightest silk, which it supplies to luxury brands around the world. He shares his passion for silk.
Rationality has made society healthier and more peaceful, argues Harvard Professor, Steven Pinker. Now, in our era of fake news, we need institutions which bring back trust in evidence-based thinking.
Professor Ryad Alsous fled Syria in 2013 in the civil war as his life was in danger. He has set up a beekeeping project in the North of England, to help other refugees.
Ingrid Daubechies has collaborated with people from various fields to solve problems using innovative mathematical theory. Her recent art project was created to show that math is everywhere!
Kenneth Rimdahl came from Sweden to Chiang Mai, Thailand. There he discovered "miang," an edible tea made with leaves from local tea plants. Now his business helps protect the forests where they grow.
Jane Da Mosto is an environmental scientist living in Venice. In 2015, she founded WE ARE HERE VENICE, which draws attention to the health of the Venetian lagoon system.
To understand the problem of abusive policing in America, Georgetown University professor Rosa Brooks became a rookie cop herself, then founded a program to help recruits reimagine their profession.
Fujimoto Yasushi developed an ultra-high pressure cleaning machine that can remove unauthorized graffiti on walls with ease. He talks about his innovative, non-chemical, eco-friendly cleaning system.
A female entrepreneur formed a robotics team of teenage girls in Afghanistan. Undaunted by the Taliban's return to power, she struggles to change the future of Afghan women through digital literacy.
The logistics industry is suffering from a labor shortage amid the COVID situation. We feature an engineer who has developed a cloud robotic system aiming for collaborating between humans and robots.
Inata Miori has photographed holy sites worldwide. She was holding an exhibition in Kyiv when Russia invaded Ukraine. She talks about the sanctity of everyday life and what we can do to protect it.
Benoit Schumann, a professional firefighter, founded Project Rescue Ocean to make citizens aware of the environment and to take actions.
Matsuoka Satoshi oversees the operations of Fugaku, a Japanese supercomputer named for Mt. Fuji. It made global headlines when it succeeded in visualizing the aerosol dispersal of COVID-19.
Takahashi Tomohiro is a journalist who photographs disaster sites. Since the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, he's been traveling across Japan increasing disaster awareness and preparedness.
Yalitza Aparicio, indigenous Mexican and Academy Award nominee, strives for minority inclusion in the media, driven by childhood memories of television where no faces like hers were to be found.
Cofounding an organization which measures companies' impact on society, Jay Cohen Gilbert is working to reshape corporate culture to benefit all stakeholders, from workers to suppliers to communities.
James Wong is a popular botanist working in the UK. He is also an author and television presenter on gardening programs.
Hirabayashi Kei wants to break down the barriers between able-bodied people and those with disabilities. He shares his passion for stylish, accessible and inclusive fashion.
Pritzker Prize-winning Ban Shigeru is known for his commitment to disaster relief efforts, such as his work to improve living conditions at shelters. He talks about helping Ukrainian refugees.
A legendary New York actor and director best known for playing Connie in "A Chorus Line" now strives to create opportunities for Asian performers. She talks about racial diversity in American theater.
Rafa (19) is the founder of EwasteRJ, a nonprofit community organization tackling the e-waste problem in Indonesia. At 12, he became the youngest published Indonesian author with his book "E-WASTE."
Shirley Raines provides makeovers for the homeless in downtown L.A. Beauty services bring back dignity and hope to them. We ask her about her expanding organization and what's most needed today.
Okawa Yoshiaki is attempting to breathe new life into a 1,300-year-old Japanese music tradition. He traces his beginnings with the koto—a plucked string instrument—and reflects on its sound.
Thanks to Tinia's innovative approach, her 8-employee urban start-up in Brooklyn, New York, provides safe and nutritious fresh produce with no environmental impact.
Dutch shareholder activist Mark van Baal challenges the power of Big Oil and urges these influential companies to abandon fossil fuels and commit to a fossil free future.
After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the author Boris Akunin condemned Vladimir Putin's aggression and began fundraising to help Ukrainians. Akunin says his actions represent the "true Russia."
Shinpuku Yoko was recognized by the World Health Organization on its 2020 list of "100 Outstanding Women Nurse and Midwife Leaders." She talks about her work to improve maternal health in Tanzania.
Victims of female genital mutilation reached 200 million. The UN has called for ending the practice, but it still continues. Waris Dirie is fighting to eradicate FGM through her own testimonies.
Generation Z computer wiz Avi Schiffmann uses his coding skills to confront global crises, with websites tracking the coronavirus outbreak and connecting Ukrainian refugees with temporary housing.
Award-winning chef José Andrés is the founder of World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization supporting people in disaster areas with fresh food. He shares his passion for humanitarian work.
The esports market is worth $1 billion (USD) a year, and Tokido is a prominent figure in that world, having won multiple global fighting game championships. Hear about his life in gaming.
Awata Takaya and his international chain of udon restaurants have made the firm and flexible noodles a hit overseas. He talks about his localization strategy and business philosophy.
Like a sci-fi dream come true, a service using drones to deliver medicines was launched in Africa. This service that presents a challenge to the future of logistics has spread to Japan and the USA.
Deja Foxx created GenZ Girl Gang. The platform helped peers bond during isolation due to COVID-19. The network is leading to a more real connection today, as we exit the pandemic and tackle agendas.
Russian filmmaker Vitaly Mansky documented Putin's rise to power in 2000. His films reveal early clues to Putin's objectives in Ukraine and how Russia lost its way on the road to democracy.
Fukuda Naoki is a photographer the world's premier boxing magazine once referred to as the "undisputed champion." He talks about the technique and passion that goes into capturing critical moments.
Andrey Kurkov is a bestselling Ukrainian writer with Russian roots. We ask him about the current conflict and his novel set in the "grey zone," a space that neither Russia nor Ukraine controlled.
Giulio Bonazzi takes nylon waste such as fishing nets and carpets to recycle them into ECONYL(R) nylon. He is reshaping the fashion industry that's been behind with environmental measures.
Food waste is a major problem. A founder of a non-profit in Germany is tackling the issue by rescuing food destined for the dustbin.
Maeno Ould Koutaro studies the desert locust, a creature that has wreaked havoc on humanity since the dawn of civilization. His extensive field research has increased our understanding of the insect.
Miyazaki Kensuke paints murals in areas affected by conflict and poverty with the support of local people. He talks about his work in Ukraine and the power of art amid Russia's invasion.
Thai journalist Nalutporn Krairiksh is the founder of ThisAble.me, a website about disabled people and disability rights. A disabled person herself, she seeks a society of true equality for all.
Trendsetter Kerry Murphy co-founded a digital fashion house. Digital fashion is now mainly used by Gen Z for self-expression on social media and in the metaverse, but the market is expanding.
Dr. Firdausi Qadri is a Bangladeshi scientist specializing in infectious diseases such as cholera. In 2021 she was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Asian Nobel Prize, for her work.
Kawaguchi Nobuhiro is trying to bring solar panels to parts of Africa that lack electricity, in order to supply schools and public facilities with power. He talks about changing lives in rural Africa.
Tamsin Mather's research into how mercury and other volcanic gases affect the atmosphere has triggered new exploration into the cause of mass extinctions of living organisms in earth's distant past.
A poet living in western Ukraine, created rap songs to call for resistance to Russian invasion. He speaks to the world for people to realize more about what is currently happening in Ukraine.
Orii Koji is a traditional craftsman who uses a special technique to develop unique colors on copper panels less than 1mm thick. He talks about what goes into creating beautiful copperware.
James Rebanks is a British farmer who runs a 600-year-old farm in the Lake District in the UK. He is also the author of 2 best-selling books and is a campaigner for sustainable farming.
Firzana Redzuan founded Monsters Among Us, the only youth-led child sexual abuse advocacy organization in Malaysia that aims to create a safer world for children.
Mountain climber Xia Boyu (73) lost both feet when he climbed Mount Everest for the first time. After 43 years, finally on May 14, 2018, he reached the summit of Everest.
Renowned yachtsman Horie Kenichi, 83, recently became the oldest person to complete a nonstop solo voyage across the Pacific Ocean. What compels him to set sail for the horizon?
In the era of #MeToo, intimacy coordinators play an important role in TV, film and theater, ensuring actors feel comfortable performing intimate scenes, while helping directors execute their visions.
Growing up in a Nairobi slum, Kenya's leading pro gamer didn't even own a pair of shoes, let alone a game console. Today, he uses his prize money to help slum kids find a better future.
Naomi Shimada is a successful model working in Europe. She has also been a campaigner for more diversity in the fashion industry and has co-authored a book about social media.
Tanabe Chikuunsai IV's bamboo art has been exhibited at the British Museum and other prestigious museums around the world. He talks about the creative possibilities of art installations using bamboo.
To avoid pollution, a business has started transforming the huge number of temple flowers discarded into the Ganges River into incense. It's a model of circular economy that respects local customs.
Polish veterinarian Radosław Fedaczyński is head of an animal shelter that is working to save animals caught up in the horror of the ongoing conflict in Poland's neighbor, Ukraine.
How and when will Belarus, long ruled by the iron hand of a dictator, achieve democracy? Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the exiled Belarus opposition leader, talks to us from Lithuania.
Osa Yukie, who has many years of experience working in conflict zones around the world, is the head of an NGO that has been providing humanitarian aid to refugees from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.
Nagahara Chisato won third prize in an international competition for cheesemongers in 2021. She talks about the unique cheese that is developed in the agricultural region of Tokachi in Hokkaido Prefecture.
Ukrainian picture book creator Romana Romanyshyn co-founded the art studio "Agrafka." Despite the 2022 Russian invasion, she remains in her homeland to communicate the truth of war through her works.
The number of Vietnamese people working in Japan has been on the rise in recent years. And when a Vietnamese person in Japan is in need, Buddhist nun Thich Tam Tri is there to help, day or night.
Hayakawa Chie has garnered international acclaim for "Plan 75," a feature-length drama about senior citizens facing choices of life and death. She shares her experience of making the film.
Baseball team co-owner Jesse Cole has enhanced entertainment and family fun with his unique approach to presenting games. His team, the Savannah Bananas, has more followers than any Major League team.
Thai activist Patima Tungpuchayakul is co-founder of the NGO called Labour Protection Network. She has been saving workers victimized by the giant fishing industry that is exporting seafood worldwide.
Despite all obstacles, then-Director Bill Kramer led the Academy Museum to its successful opening in 2021. With his proven leadership, Bill became the new CEO of A.M.P.A.S. in July 2022.
Besides helping to revive the Tour de France Femmes for the first time in 13 years, Kathryn Bertine, former pro cyclist and CEO of an NPO, strives to eliminate gender disparities in the cycling world.
Kishikawa Masanori is a Shinto priest who has organized live painting events, anime collaborations and more at a 1,300-year-old shrine. He shares his vision of a shrine for modern times.
Robin Takashi Lewis developed an app to reduce consumption of single-use plastic bottles. He shares how he's creatively working on changing mindsets, one bottle at a time.
Ikehara Masaki's company takes detritus such as volcanic ash and seashells and transforms them into regional souvenirs. He talks about the potential of their proprietary solidification technology.
Matsuda Aoko won a prestigious international fantasy fiction prize in 2021 for one of her short story collections. She talks about her work and how it explores gender issues and feminist themes.
Sir Mark Lowcock, former UN Relief Chief, has worked for nearly 40 years in international development policy and global humanitarian issues.
Honma Mareki is part of an international project involving 200+ scientists that claims to have photographed a black hole, both in 2019 and 2022. Can a black hole truly be seen? Prof. Honma explains.
Mitsuta Haruo is the only craftsman in Japan specializing in "jizai okimono"—meticulously made, highly articulated metal figures of animals such as insects and crustaceans. He talks about his craft.
In India, sanitary products are uncommon. Saathi makes pads from banana fiber, supplying women who lack access. Co-founder, Kristin Kagetsu discusses sustainable solutions for menstrual issues.
In September 2022, Fabio Luisi was appointed chief conductor of the NHK Symphony Orchestra. He shares his thoughts about music and his work as a conductor thus far.
In 2022, Shinohara Tomoe's "The Leather Scrap Kimono" design won two awards at the prestigious ADC Awards in New York. She looks back on her career path and shares her passion for design.
Dewey Cornell created a threat assessment program to prevent mass shootings in schools. It catches signs that a student is troubled and can help resolve issues before violent behavior starts.
Yamamura Koji is the creator of numerous internationally acclaimed animated shorts; each of his films is groundbreaking in its own way. We spoke with Yamamura about his sources of inspiration.
Shibuya Źarny provides relief supplies and offers language and sewing classes in his native Myanmar, which is in a state of civil war following a coup. He shares his perspective as a former refugee.
Air pollution causes millions of premature deaths. Anirudh Sharma, from India, has developed a method of making ink from car emissions. What drives this self-described "chronic inventor"?
Watanave Hidenori is working on a project to track war damage in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion through digital maps that utilize satellite images. He talks about the power of digital tools.
Misawa Noriyuki is a shoemaker who produces traditional footwear as well as innovative artwork that uses shoes as a motif. He is always in search of the next "new shoe" that only he can create.
Mukengerwa Tresor Riziki is a music superstar in South Africa whose roots is a refugee fleeing the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo. He challenges to eliminate the harsh conditions of refugees.
For close to 50 years, Miyazaki Manabu has been photographing wild animals entering human habitats using unmanned cameras he devised himself. He shares his thoughts on how we can coexist.
We feature a Japanese composer and pianist, Nakamura Tempei performing around the world. He has given numerous concerts in Ukraine over the past 13 years and plays prayers for peace of the country.
Since Natasha Ednan Laperouse died aged 15 in 2016 from a food allergy, her parents, Nadim and Tanya have campaigned to raise awareness and created a new law in the UK for better food labelling.
Mayuzumi Madoka is a haiku poet with a global outlook. When Russia invaded Ukraine, she invited people around the world to submit poems of peace. She talks about the power of haiku in times of crisis.
DeepL is highly evaluated by users worldwide for its very accurate AI translations. How can the development of AI help to solve the issues in modern society and how should we interact with it?
Chicago physician Zaher Sahloul founded an NGO to support people enduring war and natural disasters worldwide. It started in response to war in his homeland. Syria, and continues today in Ukraine.
Fu Jingliang, the 1st inheritor of Incense Culture, has been researching incense for over 30 years. Due to the pandemic, it drew the attention of Chinese.
Deaf since birth, Actor/Director Monique Holt is cast in many roles usually reserved for the hearing. She leads a movement to make the theater world recognize the potential of those with disabilities.
Maggie Aderin-Pocock is a popular space scientist and communicator working in the UK. She is also an author of several children's books, and worked on the James Webb Space Telescope.
Gamarjobat has performed in over 35 countries around the world. In 2021 he brought sporting pictograms to life during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games. He talks about the power of mime.
Bitoh Tomomi came in second place in the women's race of the 2021 Marathon des Sables, a 250km multi-stage run across the Sahara Desert. She talks about her passion for pushing her limits.
Shibasaki Harumichi has a YouTube channel where he makes all sorts of drawings and paintings — and teaches viewers how to make them, too. Fans have given him an affectionate nickname: Grandpa-sensei.
Lisa Power has been an LGBTQ+ campaigner for over four decades. She is also a trustee and supporter of Queer Britain, the first LGBTQ+ museum in the UK.
Shani Dhanda is a British disability activist. She was born with brittle bone disease. The barriers she has faced motivates her to make the world inclusive for disabled people.
Music is the first language of teenage drum prodigy Soma Yoyoka. When a video of her playing a Led Zeppelin song went viral, Yoyoka and her family moved to the US to pursue her dreams of making music.
Nimsdai Purja MBE is a ground-breaking mountaineer from Nepal. Formerly a Special Forces soldier, he is now setting climbing records on the world's highest and toughest peaks.
As global warming threatens destruction of the world's coral reefs, Kinjo Koji has managed to transplant farmed coral into the ocean, and get it to thrive there. He told us about restoring the reefs.
Takasago Junji won the Natural Artistry prize at the 2022 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. He shares the story behind his three-decade career and his love and respect for nature.
Hoshi Tomohiro is the head of Stanford Online High School, which has in recent years been ranked among the top college prep schools in the US. He shares how to unlock every student's potential.
Kusakari Tamiyo was a guest performer with a Russian ballet troupe for many years, and has friends in both Russia and Ukraine. She talks about her efforts to support Ukraine's national ballet company.
Chuu Wai, a young Burmese artist residing in Paris, created her artworks with traditional women fabrics as canvases. Through her works, she expresses a hope for the citizens trapped in Myanmar.
In 2000, Hamed aged 10, had to escape from Afghanistan with his family. He has now written a successful book and co-authored a play about his family's story and their 18 month journey to safety in UK.
In 2022, Kurechi Masayuki received the Ramsar Convention Award for Wetland Wise Use. Kurechi tells us about his five decades of conservation work with migratory birds and their habitats.
Olympic medalist Arimori Yuko has been supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities through her work with the Special Olympics movement. She talks about her mission to promote social inclusion.
Jiaoying Summers confronts racism with her comedy. Living in the U.S., she has a billion views on social and speaks of the misunderstanding toward Asians. She explains the power of laughter.
Markus Gabriel, the world featured philosopher, became the youngest ever professor at the University of Bonn, Germany, at the age of 29. We interview him about his new challenges as a philosopher.
Amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Japan-based Nataliya Gudziy is supporting relief efforts through her music. She talks about her native Ukraine and the power of music and culture.
Silvia Polleri, founder of the world's first restaurant inside a prison, brings customers to this unusual location for a delicious meal, setting the stage for social change both in and out of prison.
Syed Saddiq, one of Malaysia's youngest politicians, was Asia's youngest elected cabinet minister at just 25 years old. Using social media, he advocates youth involvement in shaping the nation.
We focus on Steve Leeper, the first American who had served as chairman of the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation and has long been calling out how nuclear weapons have had disastrous consequences.
Takahashi Akiyoshi developed a way to make fish grow faster by exposing them to a certain color of light. He talks about overcoming setbacks and innovating ground-breaking fish farming technology.
Former street kid John DeYoung, who developed easy-to-handle water purification filters, now delivers 'water for life' to Ukraine as well as to developing countries. He explains his mission.
Louis Martin founded Refugee Food, an association that trains and employs refugee chefs. It promotes refugees' culinary know-how and supports their integration process within their host country, France.
Yamafune Kotaro has developed a methodology for the 3D modeling of underwater archaeological sites. He talks about how the technology has changed the field of maritime archaeology.
In Zambia, a country where many live in farming villages without access to paved roads, Wyson Lungu has sold over 3,000 bicycles to residents through a deferred payment system, helping them earn more.
Shari Davis encourages young people and minorities to take part in deciding government and school budgets. The process, participatory budgeting, helps strengthen communities and revitalize democracy.
Much of the used clothing sent to Africa is discarded. A Ghanaian who conveys this reality through art talks about sustainable ways for the consumer society to address clothing.
Fukushima-based Muroya Yoshihide is the first person from Japan to win the Red Bull Air Race World Championship. He talks about promoting aviation culture and his efforts to give Fukushima a boost.
Kate Griggs is CEO of global charity "Made By Dyslexia," founded in 2015. She believes that society needs to redefine what it means to be dyslexic and focus more on the strengths of dyslexic thinking.
Felicity Aston is a record-setting explorer who leads scientific expeditions to the North & South Poles. She was the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica and is a champion of female adventurers.
Takeda Sana is an Eisner Award-winning artist known for her comic books. She shares how she developed her signature drawing style, which has been described as "breathtakingly gorgeous."
Cassa Pancho is the founder and artistic director of an award-winning dance company in the UK called Ballet Black which she started in 2001, aged 21.
Sunita Danuwar, of Shakti Samuha and Sunita Foundation, works to educate women from human trafficking and promotes economic independence. Her passion comes as a victim of human trafficking herself.
Nadine Kaadan is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator from Damascus in Syria. She promotes diversity and inclusivity in her many books and is published in several languages.
For over 20 years, Nagamine Takashi has been working to protect the Okinawa rail, a bird species native to the Yambaru area of Okinawa Prefecture. He talks about the importance of saving animals for the future.
Modern dancer David Leventhal co-created a dance program for people with Parkinson's. 20 years later numerous studies have proven that dancing slows the progression of the neurodegenerative disorder.
Ahmad Joudeh, a dancer from a Syrian refugee camp, talks about his tumultuous life and the activities he has been working on to keep the Syrian conflict fresh in people's minds 12 years on.
Furuta Takayuki co-developed an intelligent mobility robot that won a prestigious international design award in 2021. He shares his passion for creating robots that help people.
Japan-based illustrator Matthew Meyer has drawn over 500 varieties of yokai―supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore. We ask him about his fascination with the phenomenon of yokai.
Britain is re-evaluating its past and that battle is playing out in museums across the country. Nick Merriman explains why the Horniman Museum is returning its entire collection of Benin bronzes to Nigeria.
Nakamura Noburo is the CEO of a prosthetics manufacturer that pioneered the use of silicone in making insoles. He explains the many ways his company offers support for disability and illness.
Scientist Carlos Moreno's radical proposal to cut global warming is taking off worldwide. He wants cities reshaped as neighborhoods so that we live and work within a 15-minute walk or cycle ride.
Indonesian environmental activist Yuyun Ismawati, co-founder of the Nexus3 Foundation NGO, has been tackling the mercury poisoning issues caused by illegal gold mining practices.
Sacha Dench is an Australian biologist. Through flying around the world on a paramotor she has drawn global attention to species of birds whose numbers are decreasing.
We feature Kure Kaoru, a Hong Kong photographer who experienced the democracy movement. Now, in Ukraine, he is photographing local people and addressing the threat of authoritarianism to the world.
Oda Tokito is a professional wheelchair tennis player who took the world by storm when he made his first Grand Slam singles final at just 16 years old. He says adversity has only made him stronger.
Takahashi Moe was a member of the Japanese team that won the top prize at the 2023 Pastry World Cup. She reflects on the experience and talks about the desserts concocted by the team.
Fukuda Keisuke heads an NPO that has been organizing volunteer cleanup events in Japan for over 20 years. He talks about his efforts to bring communities together.
The Tang Dynasty Court Music Restoration Organization was founded in 2014 at the initiative of Xu Ge, in 2023, the soundtrack of hit Chinese animation gains attention of the younger generations.
Katoh Gizan's works have fetched substantial sums at auctions in New York, earning him an international reputation. He talks about making sculptures for temples damaged in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
The first Indian author to win the International Booker Prize talks about crossing "boundaries," a major message of her novel, and how her first language Hindi serves as a source of her imagination.
Chef Sasaki Yotaro is known for his unique fermented dishes and doburoku, an unfiltered sake he brews from rice he grows himself. He talks about the craft that goes into creating world-class cuisine.
The founder of a Ukrainian NGO describes its efforts to bring together children who are hesitant to talk about their traumatic war experiences in order to help them heal their mental scars.
Luis von Ahn created the most used educational app, Duolingo. The app teaches 40+ languages on a smartphone to its 72 million monthly active users for free. He aims to make learning available to all.
Turkish Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk says the havoc caused by the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake is related to Turkey's culture and national traits, and he explains his belief in "the power of the pen."
Gareth Malone teaches singing to people in places where it is uncommon but where the inspiration and unity of music is most needed. He uses choral singing to empower, heal and connect people.
At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, Masa Takumi won Best Global Music Album. This was the culmination of a life goal that Takumi moved across the world to Los Angeles in order to achieve.
Okumura Arisa created the Slow Order Cafe, a pop-up concept staffed entirely by people who stutter. She talks about her speech impediment and the vision behind her project.
Marcus John founded "Back to Healing," a non-profit that empowers people living with ailing backs called scoliosis. He is a director who expands support by mixing fashion, art, medicine and technology.
In 2021, architect Mori Toshiko won the prestigious Isamu Noguchi Award. She has received global acclaim for her ability to serve society and humanity while respecting the natural environment.
Kawahara Naoyuki has been providing medical assistance and more to people in Sudan for nearly 20 years. He talks about the ongoing armed conflict and what he hopes to accomplish with his activities.
Indonesian social entrepreneur Arief Rabik has launched an eco-business aimed at revitalizing forests and rural economies by planting bamboo with local residents.
Nakarai Shigeyuki is a world-class breakdancer touted as a gold medal contender in the upcoming Paris Olympics. He shares his passion for breaking and discusses its unique appeal.
Osa Yukie, who has many years of experience working in conflict and disaster zones around the world, is the head of an NGO that is providing aid to victims of the Feb. 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake.
Horiuchi Yoshimi is running a library in a small city in Northern Thailand. She is blind, yet she has the passions about reading and believes it can change lives for the better future.
Keiko Ziak is a co-founder of OBON SOCIETY whose mission is to return flags which belonged to Japanese soldiers who died in World War II. She tells us why the wounds of war are finally being healed.
In 2022, Jenna wrote and composed a song called "The Symphony" as a prayer for peace in Ukraine. She talks about the song's success and her drive to bring the world together through gospel music.
A specialist in ancient humans, Ella Al-Shamahi explores places understudied by science because of conflict and political instability. She balances this unique job with a passion for comedy.
Takenami Hiroo is one of the premier makers of nebuta, the floats that are the main attraction of the Aomori Nebuta Festival. He hopes to share the unique appeal of nebuta with the world.
Sato Motoyuki developed a mine detector that uses radar technology to visualize landmines. It's currently being used in Ukraine and other parts of the world. He talks about his work to clear mines.
Scottish filmmaker Gordon Buchanan is one of the most famous cameramen in the UK due to his 30 years filming of wildlife in some of the remotest areas of the planet.
Amsterdam-based Makers Unite upcycles life vests once worn by refugees into bags and other products. They also hold workshops to help refugees find employment in the Dutch creative industries.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has caused widespread damage, including destroyed houses, schools and hospitals. Structural engineer Miyamoto Hideki is working with local people to repair buildings.
Architectural designer Sho Yutaka founded a not-for-profit architecture firm in Rwanda that is working to revitalize rural areas through the building of community centers and other projects.
Kyoraiseki Saori heads an NPO that screens movies for children in developing countries in the hopes of inspiring them to dream. She talks about how she wants to make a difference in their lives.
In 2022, a research team at OIST announced that they had developed the world's first sustainable system for farming squid. Nakajima Ryuta, a member of this team, shares the secrets of their success.
Kiyokawa Hiroki is working to share the traditional restoration method of "kintsugi" with people in Japan and around the world. He talks about the spirit of sustainability behind the technique.
Shoshana Stewart is President of Turquoise Mountain, established in 2006, which works to protect heritage and communities at risk around the world.
Goto Netsuko is an Aufguss master, the person in charge of circulating air and directing heat inside a sauna. She is one of Japan's best, a true ambassador for the natural sauna experience.
Social entrepreneur Maeda Yosuke developed an innovative system that can turn wastewater into a water resource. We asked him about his vision and sustainable approach to solving water problems.
Friedensdorf International takes sick and injured children from war zones to Germany for treatment and rehabilitation. Director Birgit Stifter explains its activities on a visit to Hiroshima Prefecture.
Kurahashi Kae was part of the Japanese wheelchair rugby team that took home the bronze at the 2021 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Hear how she overcame a devastating injury to compete on the world stage.
Photographer Komatsu Yuka has been documenting the lives of Syrian refugees who fled to Turkey to escape the conflict in Syria, only to now once again find themselves displaced by earthquakes.
In June 2023, a film directed by Taguchi Tomohisa won the Paul Grimault Award at Annecy, the prestigious international animation festival. Taguchi explains the creative process behind animated film.
Cambodian mental health expert Chhim Sotheara tells us about his distinctly Asian methods of healing the many people said to be still suffering the psychological after-effects of the 1970s genocide.
Watanabe Kankolongo Sayaka is helping asylum-seekers in Japan, a country with a low refugee acceptance rate. Her organization helps match them with jobs that utilize their specialist skills.
Professor Jason Arday focuses on the UK education system in his work as a sociologist. He made history this year, when at 37 he became the youngest Black professor at Cambridge University.
Mexican muralist Paola Delfín's paintings of women and plants are imbued with peace and anti-discrimination messages. Her mural in Kyiv after the 2016 Russian invasion of Crimea drew great attention.
At 9, Nalleli Cobo, her mom, and their community began battling toxic oil drilling. In 2020, LA Council passed the "Phase-Out" resolution. We talked to Cobo about her unwavering passion for the cause.
Australian scientist Scott O'Neill, CEO of the not-for-profit group of companies World Mosquito Program, has worked to protect countless communities from mosquito-borne viral diseases such as dengue.
Rene Silva dos Santos, a favela native, began the paper "Voz das Comunidades" at 11, sharing local views. He tells us how he underscores the crucial role of disseminating information from the favelas.
For over 40 years, Koike Hiroshi, one of Asia's leading directors, has staged innovative productions with artists from around the world. He shares his thoughts on diversity and the creative process.
Since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, Chujo Hideto has been working to support children who have been traumatized by the conflict. He talks about how he hopes to make a difference.
Afghan girls face educational barriers with the Taliban. Pashtana Durrani defies this by operating a covert school, nurturing their unyielding thirst for knowledge. She fights for a brighter future.
In 2023, "ONI: Thunder God's Tale," Japan-born animation film director Daisuke "Dice" Tsutsumi's first film, won the prestigious Annie Award. He explains its "fear of aliens" theme and his own roots.
Independent animation creator Chen Lianhua describes his creative philosophy as indie animation gains new attention in China, where such programs have gathered major viewership.
In 2023, Okada Nozomi became the first Japanese person to win a gold medal at the World Logging Championship. She talks about achieving the feat just six years after first picking up a chainsaw.
Oda Yuriko has a disease which affects her muscles. She runs an app that offers fellow wheelchair users information about accessibility in the hopes of creating a world that works for everyone.
Miwa Kaito uses information and communications technology to help children in poverty around the world who lack access to adequate schooling. He shares his vision for providing educational support.
We feature an engineer who is changing the world for people with disabilities like himself by making the blueprints of myoelectric prosthetic hands accessible to everybody on the Internet for free.
Dr. Bernadette Madrid, a Filipina pediatrician, has brought medical, legal, social and mental health services together in a one-stop facility. Her aim is to raise awareness of child abuse.
An organization in Thailand provides free medical care in out-of-reach rural areas and CPR free workshops to realize the effective medical care to all. Dr. Lalana Kongtoranin talks about her goal.
Nawa Kohei's work has been shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre Museum. He talks about working with a range of materials and technologies to expand the possibilities of sculpture.
Bernard Benzamin Nathan founded Don Management, an inclusive talent agency in Malaysia, challenging beauty standards by diverse talents, and advocates positive societal roles beyond sympathy.
Prominent American artist Chaz Guest is embarking on a new challenge. He is focusing on Ai, indigo blue, used in indigo dyeing in Japan. The program conveys a message poured into his work.
Otake Ryoho creates meticulously detailed wood sculptures modeled on the shapes of natural motifs such as animals and plants. He talks about his work, including a carving of a flower that "blooms."
Stressing the need for awareness, Global Chief Heat Officer Eleni Myrivili leads the response to extreme heat that threatens lives and livelihoods worldwide. She outlines ideal countermeasures.
Alessandra Korap Munduruku, Amazon activist, fights for indigenous rights and environmental protection. We seek her insights as a mom and advocate how mining development threatens their livelihoods.
John Kaizan Neptune is one of the world's leading players of the shakuhachi, a type of Japanese bamboo flute. He talks about making his own instruments and what the shakuhachi can teach us about life.
In Nepal, prisoners' children often end up on the streets. Indira Ranamagar founded an NGO that cares for such children. In 2022 she was elected to parliament, where she works to improve their rights.
Takada Satoshi has won top prizes in two different international gelato competitions. He reflects on his journey so far and talks about the gelatos that wowed the judges in Italy.
India tops traffic deaths. Piyush Tewari, driven by loss, founded an NGO for zero victims. He teaches first aid, improves roads and advocates laws easing legal fears. He tells us his lifelong mission.
Accomplished conductor Ronald Braunstein founded an orchestra to help classical musicians with mental illness. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder himself, he wants to eliminate stigmas for all.
Sakana-kun (Fish Guy) is a self-taught marine biologist based in Chiba Prefecture. He speaks about his endless curiosity for new fish knowledge, as well as the crisis currently facing the planet's marine life.
Facebook Photojournalist Sasaki Ko traveled to wartime Ukraine alone and eventually made his way to the frontlines, capturing human moments along the way. He talks about what he saw on the ground in Ukraine.
Pioneering a cruelty-free method of growing meat through cell cultivation technology, former cardiologist Uma Valeti hopes to meet increasing global demand, while reducing environmental harm.
Tsukamoto Shinya's film "Hokage" (Shadow of Fire) won the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at Venice in 2023. Tsukamoto's recent films focus on wartime stories. We ask him about his creative process.
Nakano Takayuki heads an NPO that provides educational opportunities for children in Syria, which has been ravaged by civil war and huge earthquakes. He talks about what is needed to save schools.
Facebook Vivi Lin is the founder of The Red House Period Museum in Taipei. She aims to achieve period equity and DEI by helping people to understand menstruation, an issue that has been regarded as taboo in society.
Malaysian filmmaker Adele Lim champions minority voices, crafting Hollywood films highlighting Asians and women. Fostering diversity, she actively nurtures Asian talent, shaping the industry's future.
Miriam Coronel-Ferrer was the chief negotiator in ending the Mindanao Conflict in the Philippines. She talks about her way of ending conflicts by defining problems and building relationships.
Kinota Braithwaite is an African-Canadian educator whose daughter was bullied because of her skin color. Braithwaite was inspired to create picture books that let all children know they are valued.
Mishiro Kenshi creates installations with ornate bamboo lanterns known as "take-akari." He talks about the potential of the craft, including his work to bring light to disaster-stricken communities.
Morita Hirokazu heads an NPO which collects used children's wheelchairs and sends them to physically disabled children overseas. He explains the system and its 20-year history, and what drives him.
Dr. Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury is a globally acclaimed zoologist who studies the effects of plastic pollution on aquatic life in Bangladesh. She talks about ways to effect social change.
Emmanuela Shinta, a prominent Dayak leader in Kalimantan, established the Ranu Welum foundation in 2014 to serve as a platform for her advocacy for indigenous rights and environmental conservation.
Yasufumi Nakamori, Director of New York's Asia Society Museum, talks about expanding the reach of Asian art, while recognizing the colonial roots of western museums and the importance of diversity.
Omura Kazuhiro is an ear, nose and throat doctor. For the past decade, he has been offering his medical expertise outside Japan, primarily in Cambodia. We ask him how he trains top-notch doctors.
Ishihara Yurina has created a workplace and farm in Laos to empower people with disabilities to be self-reliant. She talks about how she's trying to improve social welfare in developing countries.
Leslie Sussan became an anti-nuclear activist after discovering her father's films of victims of the atom bomb that filmed in Japan and long suppressed by the US military. Her work fulfills his legacy.
Indonesian social entrepreneur Helianti Hilman is reviving her country's food biodiversity and helping farmers to bring their produce to market under her "Javara" brand.
We take a look at a fashion designer, Kadri Keung in Hong Kong, who is revolutionizing fashion by creating clothing specifically for the elderly and people with disabilities.
Noda Hideki received the Distinguished Artist Award from the International Society for the Performing Arts in 2023. In this two-part interview, he talks about theater that transcends boundaries.
Noda Hideki received the Distinguished Artist Award from the International Society for the Performing Arts in 2023. In this two-part interview, he talks about theater that transcends boundaries.
Narayan Lal Gurjar has used discarded fruit peels to develop a polymer that allows soil to retain moisture longer. He hopes it will help to improve water availability in areas affected by drought.
Muhammad Noor works to unite stateless Rohingya refugees through digital language preservation and creating digital IDs, offering vital support to their community.
We feature a scientist, Eniya Listiani Dewi, who is leading energy reform in Indonesia by aiming to create a sustainable society using "green" hydrogen produced from only natural energy.
Human rights activist Galuh Wandita has led the initiative to track down the children "stolen" from East Timor during the Indonesian occupation and help them reunite with their birth families.
In New York City, autistic creative consultant Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt worked with the creators of a Broadway musical to authentically represent the lived experience of autistic youth on stage.
In the face of growing Internet hate crime, Germany's first ever support group for victims of digital violence, HateAid, was established. We speak to its founder Anna-Lena von Hodenberg about her fight to re-establish online dignity.
Anastasiia Demchenko is part of a trio who developed two apps to support Ukrainian children who have fled their country amid war. They were awarded the 2023 International Children's Peace Prize.
Omune Kosuke is an award-winning clown. As part of his work, he's been visiting hospitals and evacuation shelters in Ukraine to entertain children in need of support. He talks about what drives him.
In the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Ashizawa Keiji founded Ishinomaki Laboratory, a furniture company now winning global acclaim that incorporates stories of the disaster in its designs.
Shiraishi Yuriko is working to popularize "surimi," a type of processed fish paste, in Africa. She talks about how her efforts are helping empower African women and improve their status in society.
Composer Paul Chihara was inspired by music he heard at the Japanese American internment camp where he spent his childhood during WWII. How did the war affect him, and what does music mean to him?
Introducing the CEO of a company promoting eco-tourism by guiding travelers to the Himalayan Mountain region. They install solar power systems, supporting local energy needs for the community.
Takahara Miki is a nurse with long years of experience in conflict and disaster zones. In 2023, she received the Florence Nightingale Medal. She shares her thoughts on international relief work.
Oka Yuki uses digital technology to make tough rehabilitation programs more enjoyable for children with disabilities. He shares his vision for combining medical/welfare services with entertainment.
The artist Zhang Xu Zhan is receiving global acclaim for highlighting traditional Taiwanese papercraft. He fuses it with digital technology to create paper dolls, animated films and other works.
Maksym Haichenko has created a free Japanese language learning app for fellow Ukrainian evacuees at the Japanese IT company where he works. He talks about the development process.
Inaba Mototaka is a doctor with the international NGO Peace Winds Japan and the leader of its airborne emergency response team, ARROWS. He talks about providing medical care in disaster areas.
The Human Library's human "books" share on topics they care about, like being transgender or surviving cancer, and those who "read" can ask them questions. We spoke with its founder, Ronni Abergel.
Born in Ghana, Fred Swaniker, lived across Africa and realized that good leadership is key to a nation's success. He built schools to nurture entrepreneurial leaders, training over 250,000 youth.
Steve Pateman is fighting to make Sumo more accessible by encouraging individuals typically sidelined from sports to try it for free at his gym in the UK. We ask him how Sumo can change lives.
For 25 years, Kamijo Yoko has been engaging with Palestinian painters and children. In May 2024, she held an exhibition of their artwork in Japan. She talks about her connection to the Gaza strip.
For over 20 years, Kuwayama Norihiko has been providing psychological care to children traumatized by war in places such as Palestine and the former Yugoslavia. He talks about being there for others.
In this episode, we feature Elton Ilirjani, CEO of a company supporting LGBTQ+ inclusive workplaces, and a genderless model expressing his messages for living true to oneself.
Through research on the calls of the Japanese tit, Suzuki Toshitaka has proven that animals other than humans have language capabilities. He talks about pioneering the field of animal linguistics.
Ishikawa Junya provides trailers with flush toilets to areas hit by natural disasters. He talks to us about sustainable disaster relief, and the importance of networks.
Yamamoto Riken won the 2024 Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honor. For decades he has tried to use architecture to revitalize communities. Hear his vision for society and the spaces we build.
Kaji Kakuo is revolutionizing the 400-year-old tradition of Japanese indigo dyeing, breathing new life into the deep hue known as Japan blue. He shares his thoughts on innovating indigo.
With her dedication to handcrafting, woodworker Mira Nakashima keeps her father, George Nakashima's legacy alive by creating furniture that holds the spirit of each tree she selects for her designs.
For nearly 20 years, Watanabe Kazuyo has worked to improve childhood cancer survival rates in Vietnam and other Asian countries. She was even awarded honorary citizenship by a Vietnamese province.
Gonoi Rina made global headlines by speaking up about the sexual abuse she suffered while serving in Japan's Self-Defense Forces. She shares her thoughts now that the case has been settled in court.
Renowned Ukrainian film producer Anna Palenchuk relocated to Canada due to Russia's invasion. She now supports the Ukrainian diaspora while highlighting her homeland's situation to the world.
Architect Thomas Rau designed the Dutch Pavilion for the 2025 Expo in Osaka Prefecture. His Material Passport system tracks material data for reuse, getting global attention for a circular economy innovation.
To protect Cambodian traditional arts that were nearly wiped out by the Pol Pot regime, Lomorpich Rithy founded a festival called BonnPhum that combines modern pop culture and traditional arts.
Kanamori Jo is the artistic director of Noism, the first dance company in Japan with a permanent residency at a public theater. He discusses the importance of physical spaces for the performing arts.
Based in South Korea and Japan, Kim Insook highlights diverse individuals through photography and video. She interacts with her subjects while looking beyond the labels society has given them.
Matsuda Takaya heads a startup that turns the work of artists with disabilities into fashionable products and pays a portion of the proceeds back to them. He talks about their vision for the future.
Thai environmental activist Niwat Roykaew has led the local movement to protect the Mekong River from massive development projects which are causing troubles to its environment.
Lee Jong-Rak is a South Korean pastor who has worked for the rights of mothers with unwanted pregnancies, overcoming criticism to establish the first "baby box" there to anonymously give up infants.
Wildlife conservationist Dr. Gerardo Garcia is using cutting-edge technology and engaging local communities to save "Cinderella species," which are endangered animals that are typically overlooked.
Yamamoto Toshimasa has developed a way to cultivate saltwater fish by mixing a special powder into fresh water, making aquaculture possible in inland areas. He talks about addressing the food crisis.
Judith Depaule, Co-founder of the Agency of Artists in Exile in Paris, supports exiled artists by providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents and continue their creative work
Ekberg Satoko started a business making paper from banana stems in the African country of Zambia, which is helping support farmers and create jobs. She talks about her approach to reducing poverty.
Through the use of personal alarms and community policing, Sakurai Masayoshi aims to reduce sexual violence in underprivileged areas. So far, he has provided support to about 17,500 women in India.
Shimizu Eisuke has developed an eye exam device that works as a smartphone attachment, making it possible to provide eye care anywhere. He talks about his goal of reducing global blindness by half.
In 2024, Oki Taikan was awarded the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize for his contributions to more sustainable water management on a global scale. He shares his research and proposals for the future.
Yamazaki Mari was honored with the Order of the Star of Italy for her contributions to the growth of Italian culture. She talks about creating manga comics that transcend time, space and borders.
Having experienced the removal of landmines with Japan's assistance, Cambodia is now helping other countries with its demining technology. The leader of this initiative gives us his thoughts on peace.
Jo-Ann Yoo is dedicated to advancing the wellbeing of Asian Americans, long overlooked and discriminated against, especially during Covid. She says it's time to kick down doors to demand their rights.
Renowned Vietnamese American chef Peter Cuong Franklin explains how growing up in Vietnam and then the U.S. inspired him to reinvent traditional dishes using innovative ideas and techniques.
Kawabe Soichiro is a paleontologist who works with one of the world's leading dinosaur museums in Fukui Prefecture. He has used digital technology to decipher the mysteries of dinosaur fossils.
Hongo Shinya is an iron forging artist who creates realistic, life-size animals by hammering iron countless times into shape. He talks about the message he hopes to convey through his work.
Ogata Yuko has developed a medical device that can measure fetal heartbeat and send the results to a doctor remotely. The goal is to make childbirth safer in places without specialized OB-GYN care.
Enomoto Megumi opened free learning centers modeled on traditional Japanese temple schools to provide education for disadvantaged children in Mozambique. She talks about breaking the poverty cycle.
Gary Bencheghib, a French activist in Bali, founded Sungai Watch with 100+ members to clean rivers and turn plastic waste into new products. He tackles pollution cooperating with the local government.
In 2023, Nagayama Yuko won the prestigious iF Design Award in Retail Architecture for one of her store designs. Highly acclaimed for her use of light, she shares her thoughts on architecture.
Jean Bellorini has taken in girls exiled from Afghanistan under the Taliban regime as actresses. He creates plays with them in the belief that cultural interaction is an essential part of theater.
With the 2024 blockbuster Ultraman: Rising, Animation Director John Aoshima introduced the iconic Japanese superhero to new audiences. He talks about bringing his heritage to the Hollywood screen.
Emmanuel Gérard established a collaboration between a 600-year-old French industry and Hayao Miyazaki's globally popular animations. The project's mission goes beyond Franco-Japanese cultural exchange.
Katalin Karikó was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2023 for the development of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. But her research path was long and hard. She talks about her beliefs as a scientist.
Yamanaka Masumi, a botanical artist at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kew Gardens in the UK, shares how her work promotes biodiversity and plant beauty amidst rising environmental challenges.
Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong has been tackling the link between health hazards such as birth defects and the spraying of Agent Orange by the U.S. military for over 50 years since the Vietnam War.
Yanagawa Yoshimaro manages a budding college wrestling team that recently produced two gold medal winners in women's wrestling at the Paris Olympics. He talks about his unique coaching methods.
Renowned puppeteer Basil Twist talks about his inspiration from Japan's traditional puppet theater, experiments with abstract puppetry, and his work on a hit stage adaptation of "My Neighbour Totoro."
Sam Bett has translated books by Kawakami Mieko and other popular contemporary Japanese authors. He talks about Japanese literature's popularity and why the world is embracing it now.
Fukushima-based poet Wago Ryoichi, who experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake, has received international acclaim for his collection about his disaster-stricken hometown. He talks about his poetry.
Miyuki Williams lives in Scotland and is co-founder of Europe's longest-established Taiko group, Mugenkyo. This year, she is celebrating their 30th Anniversary with performances across the world.
Mimaki Toshiyuki is co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo, winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. He talks about surviving the Hiroshima bombing and the group's work to achieve a world without nuclear weapons.
In her acclaimed novels, author Julie Otsuka draws on the experiences of her Japanese-American family, preserving stories that were once nearly forgotten.
