Universal Health Coverage (UHC) refers to "the availability of health services related to health promotion, disease prevention, treatment and rehabilitation to all citizens when needed at a cost they can afford." The World Health Organization (WHO) raised the issue in 2005, which led to the United Nations General Assembly passing a resolution to promote universal health coverage in December 2012. This program will look at how Japan achieved universal health coverage back in 1961, and at the issues it faced then and now, and what is being done to improve the quality of universal health coverage. It will also feature examples of JICA assistance in the health and medical sector. The program will focus on the experiences of a number of people in Saku, Nagano prefecture to describe how universal health coverage works in Japan. It will also focus on initiatives by the local Saku General Hospital, which helped make the region a pioneer in preventative medicine.
The huge earthquake and tsunami that struck northeastern Japan 5 years ago swept vast amounts of debris across the Pacific. Many objects reached the U.S. State of Oregon, including the crossbeams from the gates of a Shinto shrine dedicated to the safety of local villagers who depend on the sea. Thanks to the all-out efforts of people in America, those precious artifacts made the long journey home. NHK NEWSLINE FOCUS tells the story of how this incredible homecoming formed bonds of friendship between people living an ocean apart.
Dr. Tetsu Nakamura was a humanitarian who devoted his life to rebuilding Afghanistan, up until the day he was tragically killed on December 4, 2019. This documentary tells the story of his tireless efforts to bring water, agriculture and civilization to the people of a war-torn nation.
World-renowned Western-style painter Koji Kinutani and his daughter Kanako, a Japanese-style painter, collaborated on a work which successfully harmonized the 2 worlds of his burning color and her monochrome ink painting. Titled "Shining Life," the work is being shown this summer at a major exhibition in Kyoto and attracting great attention. This is the heartwarming story of the intense relationship between father and daughter as they proceed toward the birth of a joint masterpiece.
Alain Ducasse is a world-famous French chef and owner of restaurants worldwide, including Tokyo. He's fascinated by Japanese cuisine and makes several visits a year to explore local ingredients and culinary techniques. We follow him on his search for premium winter ingredients such as sea urchin, pole-and-line fished cod and traditional Kyoto vegetables. After commenting on the beauty of the way in which they're prepared Japanese style, he demonstrates his unique style of French cuisine.
Self-taught artists are claiming respect and recognition for themselves and their work. Marie Suzuki is one such person, a creator of what has come to be known as art brut, made by artists who have learned on their own. She cultivates her skills primarily to please herself. Nevertheless, others have taken notice. The program features an exhibition of Japanese art brut in Nantes, France, including that of Suzuki. Tune in to see how boundless imagination turns into expression beyond words.
The "Tokyo Girls Collection" fashion show has become a social and economic phenomenon. Teenage audience members -- some 20,000 in all -- buy the clothes the models are wearing right in front of them, in real time. Their social media posts affect the year's clothing trends. People in Kitakyushu, quite a distance from Tokyo, thought their community could use that sort of event. So, they staged their own version of it. Tune in to see young people taking to the catwalk as their industrial city finds itself in fashion.
Situated as the gateway to the Japanese archipelago from the South China Sea, Japan's southernmost prefecture of Okinawa is one of the country's most popular tourist destinations. Until the 19th century, it was an independent island chain known as the Ryukyu Kingdom. Then during WWⅡ, Okinawa was the location of the first ground battle in Japan. Countless civilians died, both young and old. The former Kingdom's Shuri Castle was also burned down. It was only in 1992 that it was restored to its former glory. In its long and turbulent history, Okinawa's songs never ceased to offer hope and support. Artists symbolizing Okinawan folk music have gathered at Shuri Castle, now a World Heritage Site, to perform a series of songs celebrating the islands and their culture. What emotions do these artists hope to share and what messages are they trying to convey?
Satoyama are areas where people have formed a close interdependent relationship with nature. These timeless landscapes are deeply embedded in the Japanese psyche and a recognizable feature of Japanese culture around the world. Yet the countryside is facing a crisis of epidemic proportions: a graying and decreasing population; wide swaths of unused farmland; and numerous empty or abandoned buildings and houses. But a ray of light has shown from a hopeful source: the younger generation. Leaving urban areas behind, they've quietly revitalized their adopted communities, and in the process, have found renewed energy and passion. American writer and Japanologist Alex Kerr takes us to the aging castle town of Taketa in Oita Prefecture where new value and old traditions work hand in hand. Kerr notes that this change occurring in the satoyama may alter assumptions of life in the countryside and economics in general.
A ravaged high school piano, soaked by the tsunami, sat stoically after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Renowned musician Ryuichi Sakamoto came across it when visiting the disaster area. The sounds were divorced from conventional tonality, and Sakamoto employed them in his first album in 8 years. He also attached sensors to the keys, transforming the instrument into a machine that converts seismic waves into sounds. It was his way of conveying the message that the disaster should never be forgotten. Watch and listen as the teacher and a student who had used the "tsunami piano" before the quake react to its new melodies.
William Perry served as US secretary of defense for 3 years, beginning in 1994. He granted NHK 20 hours of exclusive interviews, focused on the 1994 North Korean nuclear crisis and tensions surrounding American military bases in Okinawa Prefecture that occurred during his tenure. The unknown story of Perry's friendship and disagreements with former Okinawa governor Masahide Ota, the close linkage between the North Korean nuclear crisis and negotiations over the plan to close the Futenma Marine airbase, the distrust that plagued Japan-US relations... For the first time, Perry revealed his personal perspectives on these and other issues. In the summer of 2017, Perry made a return trip to Okinawa. At a time of renewed crisis over North Korean nuclear missiles, how does the former secretary assess Japanese and American options?
"Running in Japan" introduces Japanese running culture to the world. Canadian expat and running advisor Brett Larner takes part in exciting running events across Japan in order to meet other runners and find out what they love about running. Of the 70 full marathons held annually in Japan, the Himeji Castle Marathon is relatively new, yet it attracts many runners from throughout Japan as well as from overseas. Our running reporter, Brett Larner takes on this marathon with a camera in-hand in order to give a first-person point-of-view of this unique race. With a scenic start and finish, enthusiastic volunteers and spectators and lively local events, the city of Himeji puts on a marathon to be proud of!
Recipes are often developed over several lifetimes of work, lovingly crafted and passed on from generation to generation. These dishes represent much more than home cooking. This program delves into traditional recipes to shine a light on unique food cultures across Japan, and discover the older generation's seasoned philosophies of life. Tami Hiyama, 92 years old, lives alone in Fukuoka City, where she has taught home cooking for more than 60 years. We learn her recipe for "chirashi-zushi", a special kind of sushi eaten at family celebrations. Tami prepares the finest ingredients but she says mindset is just as important – she cooks the dish imagining those who will soon enjoy it. What does "chirashi-zushi" mean to 92-year-old Tami? We discover her recipes for life and the secrets of her good health.
The grounds of Tokyo's Imperial Palace are home to a little-known garden storing an extraordinary bonsai collection. Overseas guests who visit the Palace may be greeted by masterpieces of the Japanese bonsai art such as the 2-meter high "Neagari-goyo" pine, a 600-year-old juniper, or a 17th century shogun's favorite five-needle pine. Discover the trees -- and their pots of Imari ware and other fine ceramics -- as we explore the unsung cultural ambassadors of the Imperial Household.
Snow-bound and still impacted by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the people of Tohoku wait eagerly for that springtime symbol of hope and life: the blossoming of cherry trees. Northern Japan boasts many varieties of cherry trees and some very beloved ones -- a tree strong enough to grow through a boulder and another whose lineage stretches for a thousand years. Some of these trees are cared for by generations of the same families, people who know each bud on their trees and the best places to view the cherry blossoms. Follow us on this trip to Tohoku to see these beautifully filmed scenes.
ULTRA-TRAIL Mt.FUJI is Asia's biggest trail running race against the background of UNESCO World Heritage Site – the iconic Mt. Fuji, Japan's tallest and most beautiful mountain. This year's race was the 6th, and more than 2,400 competitors from across the globe gathered to take on the challenge. The 168-kilometer course takes them through mountainous terrain and forested foothills, with a cumulative altitude gain of 8,000 meters. More than 30 cameras captured the spectacle from multiple angles, including from the air. Tune in to experience some of the highs and lows of this thrilling event.
Local residents boast of Mt. Fuji's blessings, and especially the water. Rain and snow penetrate the volcanic surface, and the nature of the layers through which the water filters change its content, so it differs from place to place. It produces the best rice, the hottest wasabi and succulent sakura shrimp. Stephan Rager, a beer brewer in Fujinomiya, was drawn to the wonders of the water and surveyed 100 springs to find the right one for his beer. He shows us the power of Mt. Fuji's water.
"The Directhon" is a TV version of an "ideathon", where teams come together in quick brainstorming sessions to generate ideas. The participants are NHK viewers who want to promote their local area, and they themselves become TV directors and create a show. This time, the location is Shizuoka Prefecture, and people of different ages and backgrounds compete. A high school student and her teammates come up with the winning idea: a travelogue introducing a scenic and leisurely escape for hardworking women.
7 years ago, a huge earthquake hit the Tohoku region of northeastern Japan. The fishery industry sustained heavy damage from the quake and the tsunami that followed. Reactor meltdowns at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant led to the spread of radiation. People became nervous about the safety of seafood. We followed the 7-year-long journey of the locals striving to overcome various challenges, including a fisherman trying to regain consumers' trust and business owners trying to expand overseas.
Nearly 70 years ago, an American named Floyd Schmoe arrived in the atomic-bombed city of Hiroshima on a mission of peace. Over 5 years, Schmoe, a Quaker and lifelong pacifist, led a diverse group of volunteers from the US and Japan in a project to build houses. In all, "Houses for Hiroshima" created 21 homes for atomic bomb survivors and their families. New information about Schmoe's efforts came to light in Hiroshima this year. Through historical documents and interviews with people who knew and worked with Schmoe, we trace the legacy of a grassroots peace builder.
We follow former members of the Japanese yakuza gang as they work to return to society by opening an udon shop. The Organized Crime Exclusion Ordinance and movements to banish yakuza members have led to a decrease in their numbers. In other words, ex-yakuza are increasing with each year, but returning to society isn't easy for them. The employment rate for ex-yakuza is about 2%. In Kitakyushu, ex-yakuza Nakamoto and fellow former inmates learn how to make udon noodles and wait on customers in order to open an udon shop.
On August 12, 1985, Japan Airlines Flight 123 crashed in Osutaka, Japan, becoming the deadliest single-aircraft accident in history. The crash site has become a gathering place for people who have lost loved ones in other calamities, including the Great East Japan Earthquake. Many of the bereaved families are working to ensure that such tragedies never happen again. They are inspired by Kuniko Miyajima, who lost her 9-year-old son in the Flight 123 crash. She became the head of a relatives' association dedicated to getting the voices of victims' families heard. This program highlights people who, bonded by grief, fight to make sure that their loved ones did not die in vain.
Yoshimasa Takakura, a kimono shop owner from Fukuoka Prefecture has launched an unprecedented project: to produce elaborate kimono representing every single one of the 206 countries and regions around the world. His goal? The 2020 Tokyo Olympics ... he'd like to see all the placard bearers wear the kimono at the opening ceremony. Takakura is fighting to save the declining kimono industry by calling on artisans from all around Japan to come together and create innovative designs. The program follows Takakura's quest to bring new life to an old tradition.
In March 2018, the Mars Society hosted its 191st research mission in the arid Utah desert. The 7 members that make up Crew 191 spent 2 weeks at the Mars Desert Research Station (MDRS) simulating life on the Red Planet. But this was no ordinary research team – none of the crew members were space specialists, and they covered a range of ages and backgrounds. An NHK cameraman went along to record what happens when 7 strangers are thrown into confined isolation with limited power and water. The MDRS is a pressure cooker environment that had proved the downfall of many groups in the past. How did Crew 191 cope?
The Nagoya University Graduate School of International Development (GSID) was established in 1991 as Japan's first graduate school dedicated solely to the study of international development. GSID has since trained students from developing countries to become their nation's leading specialists through its practical curriculum and support from Nagoya's local communities. This program will explore these 2 driving forces, and how they create a nation leading specialist.
Tune in for an exclusive long-form interview with the legendary French movie star Alain Delon. The epitome of a handsome, cool actor, Delon has starred in more than 80 films. Throughout his career, he has not been fond of the media. Nonetheless, a year after announcing his retirement, he agreed to an interview with NHK. Despite whispers that he could be difficult, the 81-year-old Delon proved to be charming and open. He spoke freely about his private past and his relationships with movie directors and cast members, covering more than 60 years on the screen.
24 brewers in Japan send their sake to 24 restaurants in Paris to create new dishes to be paired. This project was a part of the event "Japonismes 2018" celebrating 160 years of French-Japanese relations. One brewer is from Kesennuma, Miyagi Prefecture, which was ravaged by a tsunami in 2011. The brewer sent a video message to the French chef telling his story of making sake after the catastrophe. And thus, a new legend begins.
7 years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, actress Alice Hirose visits Otsuchi Town in Iwate Prefecture. She meets a father and son who lost 4 family members in the tsunami. The father was struggling with the guilt of not being able to save his beloved family. The son, Yuki, was 11 years old when he suddenly lost his mother, younger brother, and grandparents. He gradually began to close off his heart. Now at 18, Yuki is preparing his departure away from his hometown. He opens his heart up to Alice and shares his pains from the past 7 years. As they grow closer, Yuki and Alice find a common bond in their struggles as teenagers.
The sun descends over the horizon, color radiating across the sky: It's the Magic Hour. Vincent van Gogh, enchanted by this spectacle, spent the twilight of his life searching for colors only he could see. During the final 2 years of his 10-year painting career, he produced over 300 masterpieces. Why did he embark on this lonely quest for color, to a foreign land so far from home? A journey in 8K, to the skies upon which Van Gogh gazed in the South of France, before ending his life at just 37.
For NHK's "Letters from Hibakusha" project, the broadcaster received 2,200 written recollections of the 1945 atomic bombings. 4 of them were chosen this year and recreated as short animations. The memoirs include the story of a survivor's struggle to make ends meet, a teenager's quest to find his first love in the aftermath, and the parting words of a dying girl. NHK hopes that teenagers today may gain an insight into the experiences of people who were much like them when they had their dreams snatched away.
In August, 2018, the ABU Asia-Pacific Robocon was held in Vietnam. With the goal to come out victorious using their shuttlecock-throwing robots, teams from 17 countries and territories gathered from across the world for the 17th edition of the competition. However, many of the teams find their high-tech robots being affected by the extreme heat in Vietnam. Who will overcome all obstacles and rise to the top in the chaotic finals?
Songs from across Asia rang out at this year's General Assembly of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU). From Japan, Eir Aoi performed [IGNITE].
British-born Venetia lives a handcrafted life in Ohara, Kyoto Prefecture. She appreciates fall blossoms in her garden and makes apple compote with her daughter. She then goes to have her broken wooden toy fixed. An admirer of Japanese traditional chests of drawers, or tansu, she takes a trip to Iwate Prefecture and visits a tansu workshop. The elaborate craftsmanship dating from the Edo era impresses her. In Tono City, she visits a couple living like she does and tries cooking a local delicacy, hittsumi with them.
Meet Makoto Kotani, a jovial 34-year-old man without a care in the world. He is a social butterfly with invitations flooding in for dinner and drink parties and has reportedly gained 20kg from his gourmet lifestyle. People come asking for his advice on everything from family relationships to lack of self-confidence. Makoto Kotani is also a homeless man. Why do so many people want to spend time with him? The program director spent 10 days on the streets with him to find out what makes this man so special.
Do you know "Rakugo"? Along with Kabuki, it's a traditional Japanese entertainment of dexterous and comical storytelling that covers everything from people's everyday lives, customs, food to unique sceneries. On "RAKUGO NIPPON!", we follow the travels of Rakugo performers in the beautiful land of Japan, and discover how they transform their heart-moving experiences into original English Rakugo performances. This episode will follow English Rakugo Performer Kimie Oshima to Toyama Prefecture, where local splendors such as the Winter Yellowtail of Himi and the traditional cast metal crafts of Takaoka await her. Just what kind of original Rakugo will her journey usher? Sit back and enjoy!
The World Heritage "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region" preserve the memory of the Christians who observed their faith during 250 years of religious prohibition. Many of these sites are in the Nagasaki area, where the Virgin Mary was particularly venerated. The secrecy of their faith is evident in objects of worship, including a seashell bearing a human-like image and statues of a Buddhist deity. Both were proxies for images of Mary. These Christians held onto their faith despite the threat of oppression and death, believing that Mary was life. We look at what the prayers of these people can tell us today.
2018 marked the 30th anniversary of My Neighbor Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies. Sadly, it was also the year Isao Takahata, one of the great masters of Japanese animation, passed away. Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki formed STUDIO GHIBLI so they could create their masterpieces. This program will give you an up-close look at some of the studio's most famous films along with the music of STUDIO GHIBLI that continues to have multi-generational appeal. Songs are performed by popular J-pop stars and artists who have worked with STUDIO GHIBLI over the years. Treat yourself to fun and moving performances that pay homage to your favorite STUDIO GHIBLI films, hear rare stories about Hayao Miyazaki, and learn about the history of Isao Takahata and how he became one of Japan's greatest treasures. Filmed at Hiroshima Prefectural Art Museum's Ghibli Expo -From Nausicaä to Marnie- exhibition, this 45-minute program is jam-packed with the magic of STUDIO GHIBLI, including famous scenes from your favorite STUDIO GHIBLI works.
An extraordinary journey tracing the footsteps of early Homo sapiens leaving Africa, reaching the easternmost end of the Eurasian continent, and developing unique culture there. The latest paleoanthropological findings and CGI created by top game creators should stun the viewers.
What is involved in creating a groundbreaking film that documents the latest paleoanthropological findings? This film will shed light on the talent, research, and scientific discoveries that made Out of the Cradle possible. The origins of humanity
Robots were created to transform the workplace. Now, they're revolutionizing the way humans communicate. Asian researchers believe robots will soon serve as intermediaries to communicate between elderly dementia patients, autistic children, and their families. But could introducing robots into our homes have unintended effects like hurting family ties or making us lose touch with our humanity? To find out, we traveled around Asia.
Hidetoshi Nakata first made his name on the soccer pitch, as a member of Japan's national team and pro teams in Italy. Now, he's working in a different field, spreading the allure of Japanese sake around the world. Sake has been riding along with the boom in Japanese cuisine. Exports have doubled over a decade. To boost those numbers, Nakata has visited more than 350 breweries and founded a company that promotes Japanese culture through sake.
In February 2019, several months before Emperor Akihito's abdication, a painting went on exhibit at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. It was a portrait of the Emperor and Empress Michiko. The portrait was painted over the course of nearly 4 years by Hiroshi Noda, a master of realistic painting. During the final 6 months before the portrait was completed, our cameras visited Noda's studio and carefully documented his process. Noda has known the imperial couple for 3 decades, and he grappled with the challenge of depicting the humanity and sense of presence they have maintained, in close connection to the Japanese people as the symbol of the nation. The program depicts the completion of the first and only portrait of the imperial couple.
Villagers in the upper reaches of China's Yangtze River once depended on the "Sky Cradle" gondola to cross a deep canyon, though now they have a bridge. The program documents tradition encountering change.
ULTRA-TRAIL Mt.FUJI is Asia's biggest trail running race against the background of Mount Fuji, and more than 2,500 competitors from 40 countries and regions gathered to take on the challenge. The 165-kilometer course takes them through mountainous terrain and forested foothills, with a cumulative altitude gain of 8,000 meters. More than 30 cameras captured the spectacle from multiple angles, including from the air. Tune in to experience some of the highs and lows of this thrilling event.
"Mobile Suit Gundam" is a science fiction anime about a war-torn future where humanity has colonized outer space. Over the decades Gundam has become one of Japan's most iconic media franchises. But when the original series debuted in 1979, ratings were low, and it was initially deemed a flop. So how did Gundam become beloved by generations of people? What was the making of "Mobile Suit Gundam" - the beginning of this cultural phenomenon - like? We spoke with the people who were there to hear the inside story.
Peter Barakan is a broadcaster and a 45-year resident of Japan. In this series, he discovers how Japan is changing, starting with a look at the country's capital: Tokyo. From tucked-away shrines in upmarket Ginza to secluded waterways in Nihonbashi, Peter visits the lesser-known corners of the city. What echoes of the city's history do they reveal? And where will Tokyo go from here? Join Peter to find out. The series features beautiful images created by time-lapse creator Daisuke Shimizu.
This annual ceremony for world peace commemorates the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima. People from around the world gather to pray for the souls of the victims.
This annual ceremony for world peace commemorates the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki. People from around the world gather to pray for the souls of the victims.
For over a decade, NHK has solicited the memoirs of atom bomb survivors in the form of letters describing their experiences. Of the more than 2,200 letters received, 3 were selected as the basis for the anime short films featured in this program. Created by teams of prominent artists, animators, and local university students in Hiroshima Prefecture, the short films present, with the new sensibilities of today's generation, recollections of the war and the catastrophic bomb explosions. Not limited to the horrors of the bombings themselves, they also include refreshing scenes of happy family moments, love, friendship, and other expressions of youth that are universal and eternal, thereby conveying the tragic magnitude of the lives and days that were lost.
In April 2019, 52-year-old Mitsuhiro Iwamoto, who is totally blind, succeeded in crossing the Pacific Ocean in his sailboat. This program documents both his spectacular achievement of being the first blind person to make the brutal 55-day voyage, and the life experiences that led him there. When he lost his sight at age 16, Iwamoto contemplated suicide but was saved by a seemingly impossible dream: to sail across the Pacific Ocean. 6 years before this documented success, he had attempted a crossing with a popular newscaster that ended in failure when their boat collided with a whale. On this successful voyage, Iwamoto teamed up with Japan-based businessman Douglas Smith. The two of them set sail from San Diego, California and arrived, without any stops in between, at Onahama Port in Fukushima Prefecture. The entire journey was filmed using 3 fixed cameras placed strategically on the boat in addition to one hand-held camera.
On the first of May 2019, the Reiwa era dawned in Japan and Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne. As a young man, the Emperor studied at Oxford University and married an up-and-coming diplomat, Masako Owada. Empress Masako became the first Empress of Japan to have had a previous career. Drawing on rare footage and interviews with people who know them, we consider what may lie ahead for the new Emperor and Empress.
Faced with a shrinking population, Japan is admitting a record number of foreign workers. In April 2019, the government initiated a new residence status called "specified skilled worker." Many companies and communities are opening their arms to foreign workers. But some Japanese are concerned about crime and problems with assimilation. Should Japan become more welcoming? Or is homogeneity more important than growth? We look at the growing awareness of these issues and the steps being taken to address them.
The terror of devastating infernos. From Australia to America and Europe, "megafires" are threatening life across the world. Reducing homes and belongings to ash, they also leave a death toll. This series, an international co-production with France, will focus on "megafires." The key driver of frequent "megafires" is the increasing pace of climate change. How do we respond to this state of emergency? In the first part of the program, we will explore the mechanism of these "megafires." We will also report Japan, with its many wooden buildings, is no stranger to "megafires." The threat of an earthquake fire could strike its cities at any time. Is there any way to stop "megafires"?
This series, an international co-production with France, will focus on "megafires." In the second part of the program we will show how "megafires" are affecting the environment. They are accelerating the speed of global warming, and threatening the future of our planet. We will cover "megafires" around the world from Siberia to Brazil. "Megafires" in the Amazon and other rainforests produce huge quantities of carbon dioxide. Peat forests in Indonesia are also burning. Global demand for palm oil has destroyed the pristine forests, and turned them into massive farmland of oil palms. These palm oil farms are contributing to wild fire in Indonesia, and warming the atmosphere. In the program, we will explore strategies to stop "megafires."
In the remote regions of southwest China's Guizhou province reside the Miao, an ethnic minority. Villagers brave the unforgiving mountains to tend rice fields, and shamans sing esoteric songs of their past. Some scale hundred-meter cliffs without a lifeline. Research has identified their roots in the ancient Yelang kingdom, which flourished some 2 millennia ago. After making enemies of the Han empire, the Yelang were forced to flee into these distant mountains. Their history is a record of a community bearing the harsh elements, united as one in the preservation of their unique tradition.
"Despite not knowing what it is, it's amazing." There are artists devoted to creating works that are not influenced by existing art or trends, nor by education, works that can't be imitated. Works like an elaborate drawing done by a 27-year-old woman who draws herself with a single ballpoint pen, or an oil painting by an artist with cerebral palsy who struggles to control his hand as he applies layers of paint. This program enters into and brings their artistic world to life with high-resolution images, and provides a glimpse of the artists' life through these original works. Witnessing them work brings up questions about what it means to be alive.
Vietnam's economy is revving up thanks largely to foreign investors who favor its young workforce and relatively low labor costs. It has also managed to avoid the worst effects of the US-China trade war that is slowing economies worldwide. At the same time, there's innovation driven by IT start-ups and the first Vietnamese car brand. Yuko Fukushima from our business desk investigates what's behind this robust growth and the challenges that lie ahead.
In November of 2019, Pope Francis visited Japan. It was only the second time a pope had visited the country, but the correspondence between Japan and the Vatican stretches back centuries, to a time when believers faced persecution. "Hidden Christians" in Nagasaki Prefecture and elsewhere dreamed of a day when their leader would come to guide them. For their descendants, that long-awaited day has come.
Almost immediately after the Great East Japan Earthquake 9 years ago, people in the Tohoku region started talking about encounters with ghosts. The region's culture and history may account for the reports. The area has experienced countless disasters and famines, claiming the lives of tens of thousands of people. Over the years, residents started to see the deceased as "beings that live together with the living" and offer encouragement. Host Peter Barakan looks into how Tohoku citizens view the loss of loved ones and incorporate that loss in their own future.
One technique called mindfulness that rooted in Buddhist meditation is spreading across the world. But what is Buddhist meditation? Why people enthusiastic about it in this advanced information society? The most innovative two Zen teachers are proving the answers to our dilemma right here.
"Paprika," the " Song to cheer up everyone's challenge for the year 2020 and beyond," has become a big hit in Japan. Related videos have reached more than 300 million views on the video-sharing platform! It is loved by people young and old as a song that can be enjoyed together through singing and dancing. The wave of support delivered by "Paprika" is spreading not only in Japan but throughout the world. The program features a part of the music video's global version of "Paprika." It also shares an interview with singer-songwriter Yonezu Kenshi who created the song. Find out the thoughts he breathed into this song! The program also airs the dance music video of "Paprika," performed by Foorin team E who sing the song in English. They will support the dreams of everyone in the world through this song!
Creative designer Kashiwa Sato is famous for countless memorable icons and designs, for reinvigorating companies and shaping new values. Since 2018 he's been providing special classes to design students at Arita technical high school in Saga Prefecture. Under his tutelage students consider the role design plays in the local area, and how to prioritize it. Explore Sato's interactions with the students, and his personal thoughts on design and its potential.
The JAPAN PRIZE is an international contest for education media which was established by NHK in 1965. "LIFE" is a 2018 best proposal that was pitched and produced by a producer, Elke Franke who lives in Mexico. Elke got to know that there are increasing number of suicide in Larrainzar, -- one of the poorest indigenous municipalities in southern Mexico. Then she started investigation and completed a 40-minute documentary. It follows youngsters who have organized a hip-hop festival in effort to stop their peers from taking their lives in the face of poverty and discrimination. The show aims to get society in general to think about these impoverished youngsters putting their heart and soul into rapping and dancing.
NHK has teamed up with Thai Public Broadcasting Service to create a film adaptation of Shiga Naoya's short story Moki-Fuboku -- The Blind Turtle and the Driftwood. A novelist travels to a quiet village by the sea with his beloved dog. But then his dog goes missing... A classic Japanese story is brought to life in present-day Thailand!
Gion Kobu is the largest geisha district in Kyoto. Gion, with its history of about 400 years, has over 60 teahouses in a narrow alley of only 1 kilometer square. In the neighborhood, there are shops of various artisans supporting and sustaining the district.
Kyoto University's Center for iPS Cell Research and Application (CiRA) celebrates their 10th anniversary in April 2020. Professor Shinya Yamanaka, who developed the method to produce iPS cells, serves as the director for the center. How much progress have they made in the past 10 years toward clinical application? What vision does the director have for CiRA for the next decade? The program looks at how Yamanaka runs the organization as well as the past and future challenges of CiRA.
The stark Atomic Bomb Dome and the sublime Itsukushima Shrine and its thousand-year-old history. Both these World Heritage Sites are in Hiroshima Prefecture but there's also a lot more off the beaten track. NHK and Hiroshima TV, 2 local stations, suggest different overnight itineraries for visitors. Come and explore Hiroshima.
A young boy carries on his back the lifeless body of his younger brother, in the devastated city of Nagasaki after the atomic bomb. An American military photographer, Joe O'Donnell, took a picture of him standing stoically near a cremation pit. No one knows the boy's name, but the photo has become an iconic image of the human tragedy of nuclear war. This program follows the continuing efforts to deepen understanding of the photograph, while exploring the fate of thousands of "atomic-bomb orphans" and their struggles to survive the aftermath of World War II.
The International Association for the Visually Impaired (IAVI) is a Japan-based group that supports blind exchange students who visit from developing nations, helping them acquire trade skills such as massage and acupuncture. 3 years ago, the group struggled with the termination of the funding that the Japanese government had once offered. Now with the spread of the coronavirus, exchange students face even more unexpected challenges as this program follows 1 year of their experiences.
October 31, 2019, Shuri Castle had been destroyed by fire. The symbol of half a millennium of history gone in one night. Okinawans grieve as one of their most precious treasures burns. Now Shuri Castle is about to rise again in the digital realm. The goal is to resurrect the castle in 3D graphics, using thousands of photographs from all over the world. This episode follows people's efforts to rebuild Shuri Castle byte by byte, with images carrying the thoughts of all those who love this Okinawa's treasure.
Tokyo was undergoing massive changes as it prepared to welcome the world to the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games until the COVID-19 pandemic brought everything an abrupt halt. Peter Barakan meets with people from a wide range of countries that have settled in Tokyo to get their perspectives on the current situation and what the future holds moving forward.
The Himeyuri Peace Museum tells the story of the Himeyuri Student Corps, a group of young schoolgirls who were forced onto the battlefield at the prime of their youth to treat wounded soldiers in the Battle of Okinawa during WWII. In recent years, the museum had been facing a serious problem: the exhibits were not getting through to the young people of today. To bring change to this situation, the museum boldly decided to renovate its exhibits to make the theme of war and peace more relatable for the younger generations. But as the museum staff, all of whom have never experienced war, set out on the arduous path to do just that, they are met with even more challenges. The museum staff dedicate themselves to find ways to revive the lost voices of the Himeyuri girls, which have the power to remind future generations of the horrors of war and the invaluableness of peace.
In the aftermath of the Great East Japan Earthquake, bodies yet to be identified were designated with serial numbers. Retired police officer Abe Shuichi took it upon himself to recover the names of these unknown victims. Following the disaster, affected families needed to search for relatives by examining photographs of corpses, taking a great emotional toll. Abe, an expert in police likenesses, volunteered to use his forensic skills to help ease the pain of grieving families.
Summer, 2020. Nomura Yuki, the 20-year-old scion of a family dedicated to the Japanese performance art of Kyogen, prepares to take a huge step forward in his professional development. After rigorous training under the watchful eyes of his father Mansai and grandfather Mansaku, he will debut the challenging solo piece "Nasu no Yoichi," in which he plays 4 different characters. Mansai must ensure the family's viability while seeking a way forward as a live performer in the era of COVID-19. With the weight of tradition on his shoulders, can Yuki live up to the Nomura name?
Sano Toemon has spent much of his life trying to understand and preserve Japan's iconic cherry trees. Entrusted with restoring a cherry tree that's collapsed, he carefully observes its roots and listens to the particular sounds it makes to understand its condition and what it needs. Even at over 90 years old, he examines unique blossoms from new, crossbred varieties and keeps detailed records. This program listens to the words of a man who is filled with respect and love for all living things.
On March 11, 2021, a new form of prayer was born at Kiyomizu-dera, Kyoto Prefecture. Dancer and actor Mirai Moriyama dedicated his performance to the Buddhist temple upon completion of its large-scale renovation, done every 200 years. The motif he chose was Kusozu, a 1,000-year-old illustration of the decaying process of a corpse. He conducted fieldwork at sacred sites around Kyoto, with the aim of reinterpreting what he felt there. What did Moriyama create? Director Kosai Sekine documented the process. (Performance organized by PERROTIN / Film produced by NION)
Stop-motion animation Junk Head has won global praise, but he's turned down offers from Hollywood. Now; he's made a new short just for NHK, and we're bringing you the world premiere!
In 2001, a 15-year-old Mongolian knocked on the door of traditional sumo wrestling in Japan. After 20 years, 69th Yokozuna Hakuho held many of the biggest records in professional sumo, including 45 championships and 1,187 career wins. How did Hakuho overcome tough competition and climb to the top rank, with so many unprecedented achievements? We look back on highlights of the great grand champion's career and ask Hakuho himself about his deep love for sumo.
The Michinoku Coastal Trail reveals both the grand nature of Japan's Tohoku region and the struggles of people to recover from the 2011 earthquake. The 1,000 kilometer path connects 4 prefectures along the Pacific coast, between Aomori and Fukushima. Join Canadian actor Kyle Card on a trek across the trail as he meets residents and ponders what the future may hold for the region and the country.
Climate change is our common crisis. People from all walks of life are reinventing the way they live and work to stop it. In partnership with public broadcasters in the US, we zero in on grassroots actions for a carbon neutral future. Coal has fueled our economy for generations. We've used it to heat our homes, drive our trains and power our grids. Hotter summers pushed many countries away from this burning rock. But some depend on coal for their energy, their industries and their livelihoods. And they're finding it hard to let go. We'll mine how they can mitigate the damage, ease their dependence, and move on to more sustainable sources.
Our oceans help to feed us. They absorb heat from the sun and make it possible for us to live on this planet. But rising temperatures are changing the waters below the surface, warming our oceans, and killing creatures that live there. Scientists expect these marine heatwaves will become longer, more frequent and more severe. We'll dive into efforts to repair the damage and meet innovators who are trying to turn the tide.
Around 1,800 children in Japan are involved in sexual abuse through social media. How does this happen to ordinary teenagers? We worked with support groups and psychiatrists to investigate multiple examples. What lies behind teens' use of social media, and what drives abusers? How can we keep children safe from abuse? A documentary and drama that explores teenage perspectives through workshopping scenarios with young actors.
North of Tokyo, near Mt. Tsukuba. An old-fashioned farmhouse with a thatched roof still sits here, home to a young couple and their 2 children. Thatched roofs are eco-friendly, and a symbol of Japan's traditional farming communities. Under their roof, the Yamada family enjoy the slow life in harmony with nature. They've fostered a mutual aid network who gather for each season's farming milestones and celebrate their successes. The Yamadas' "thatched living" is at once familiar and new.
From the Macintosh computer to the iPhone, Apple founder Steve Jobs masterminded a series of inventions that changed the world. He was also famously interested in Japanese culture, including Zen meditation and traditional cuisine. Less known was his love of Shin-hanga -- a modern take on ukiyo-e woodblock printing. Ahead of the 10th anniversary of Jobs' death, NHK WORLD-JAPAN was granted exclusive access to a list of works he bought in Tokyo. In this special program, experts and old friends look at how Jobs' beautiful collection may have informed his own aesthetic sensibility.
What can artists do in time of war? This series conveys messages from Japanese artists in various fields in relation to the Russian invasion of Ukraine. Noted haiku poet Kono Saki creates anti-war haiku while recalling the role of this poetic form during World War II. As both a poet and a mother, what will Kono say in the short space of 17 syllables?
People who have experienced bullying share their stories in each 30-minute "FACES" special. "FACES" is an international collaboration involving NHK and broadcasters all over the world. Suzuki Musashi was born to a Jamaican father and Japanese mother. As a child in Japan, people made discriminatory comments because of his skin color. Wanting the hurtful words to stop, he chose to bottle up his emotions of anger and sadness. A talent for soccer set him on a road leading to Japan's national team. But that success exposed him once again to attack. Suzuki opens up about his painful childhood, how soccer saved him and his perspective now as a seasoned soccer pro.
Be inspired! Introducing 100 passionate stories of efforts and innovations that pave the way towards the UN's 17 SDGs. From the treasure trove of NHK WORLD-JAPAN's rich content library. Everyone has an interest in or a basic awareness of fashion. This episode's theme is sustainable fashion. This familiar part of our daily lives is said to be the world's second leading cause of pollution. Mass amounts of clothes are produced, only to go unsold and end up discarded. We report on unique undertakings within the industry to save the planet, like reusing and remaking old clothes, and one company that makes clothes using traditional Japanese paper which returns to the soil.
An American, Art Lee is a master of the taiko, a traditional Japanese drum. He formed the successful drumming group TOKARA, whose members include his wife, Yukari. In 2002, Art was diagnosed with an incurable liver disease. Eventually he received a partial liver transplant, but his treatment is ongoing. Art and Yukari maintain an optimistic outlook and advocate for diversity through music. We follow them as they plan a special concert in which drummers around the world will take part remotely.
Karakuri are traditional wooden automata. Since their heyday in the 17th century, they have become the source of mechanisms still used in moving toys today, and they are seen as a key step in the evolution of Japanese craft and manufacturing. Tamaya Shobe IX runs a Nagoya workshop that has been building and repairing karakuri since 1733. We join him as he takes on the challenge of recreating a karakuri set thought to be Japan's oldest surviving example, at an estimated 270-plus years old.
Brazilian President Bolsonaro seeks reelection in the October vote. He advocates putting the economy first, leading to increasing deforestation in the Amazon. Standing against this destruction are the Amazon's indigenous people, who use smartphones or drones to expose illegal logging and mining operations. They are led by Sonia Guajajara, who aims for election as federal deputy. She gains support from social media, as the indigenous people who were once scattered now unite in protest, waging a digital war for their homeland.
The Tokyo National Museum is home to a collection of some 120,000 objects of beauty and interest, mainly Japanese art and craft pieces along with work from the Asian mainland and historical artifacts. The museum houses 89 items deemed by the Japanese government to be of especially high value and designated as national treasures. Paying a visit to this historic museum that is celebrating its 150th anniversary are Andy and Shaula, hosts of NHK WORLD-JAPAN's popular program DESIGN TALKS plus. They marvel at the majestic building, visit an exhibit that offers insights into 30,000 years of creativity in Japan, and revel in the first ever exhibit of every national treasure in the museum's possession — an experience that will surely make art aficionados across the world jealous. The two also get a glimpse of the future of museums, experiencing high-definition imagery, 3D computer graphics, and other cutting-edge digital technology. Come join us on this 50-minute adventure exploring the Tokyo
Keiko Ogura, age 85, has spent her life talking to the world about her experiences as an A-bomb victim in Hiroshima. Feeling helpless in the wake of the Russian invasion of Ukraine, she decides to participate in a symposium in a small college town in Idaho, U.S.A., where many people accept the existence of nuclear weapons. Determined to hear their side of the story, she engages in dialogue and discovers circumstances she had never understood before. When it's her turn to give a presentation, how does she convey her own beliefs?
The prestigious entertainment quarter of Gion in Kyoto Prefecture is one of the largest in Japan. As an area priding itself on traditional hospitality, Gion was hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. Several geiko and maiko lost their places of work, and without any opportunity to pass down traditional ways to the new generation, the art itself seemed in danger. The revival of the Miyako Odori, a large-scale dance performance to be performed for the first time in three years, is their only hope. We join some young maiko who fell in love with this wondrous district and life in Gion as they attempt to overcome adversity. We bring you rare footage from inside the okiya where they live and train; a side of life normally unseen by outsiders. Young maiko work hard to realize their dreams in the sometimes strict, sometimes kind world of Gion.
Half a century since the birth of video games, we explore how legendary titles have shaped our ideas and created a new culture. "DEATH STRANDING" won new plaudits for its uncanny predictions of our experiences during the pandemic. Program guests share their love for the game, and why it's captivated so many. Renowned developer Hideo Kojima guides us on a deep dive into his creation and explores his inspiration and motivations. A special, expanded episode with new footage in response to the reaction to the original broadcast.
Tanaka Isson, an artist known as Japan's "Gauguin," moved to the subtropical island of Amami Oshima at the age of 50 after years of struggle. He then spent highly productive years there painting its striking flora and fauna until his death at the age of 69. In order to follow in Isson's footsteps, Peter Barakan travels to Amami Oshima, where, in addition to many unusual biological treasures, he discovers how the distinctive cultural traditions of Amami Oshima were shaped by a history of hardship.
In April 2023, a memorial was held to remember James Hatsuaki Wakasa, a Japanese immigrant who was shot dead in a wartime internment camp on US soil 80 years ago. The killing of the 63-year-old caused an uproar among the internees at the time. But the episode was largely forgotten until a Japanese American journalist investigates Wakasa's life and death. Her findings lead to a surprising discovery of a stone believed to have been demolished forever.
Keeping track of CO2 emissions can give travelers a new perspective. Can a 1,250km journey from Kyoto Prefecture to Shiretoko in Hokkaido Prefecture be done in just two days, with emissions limited to just 100kg? If our travelers make their goal, they'll be rewarded with a nature experience in a Natural World Heritage site. But if they exceed the set CO2 limit at any point during their journey, they'll be sent home immediately. Two students with very different views on the environment use various means of transport to make their way to their goal, facing unexpected obstacles and problems along the way. A 21st-century travel show that grapples with the global problem of CO2!
"What did you bring from Ukraine?" Amidst uncertainty over when they can return, hastily packed suitcases contain fragments of these refugees' lives. We focus on the personal stories of some Ukrainians seeking refuge in Japan, whose treasured keepsakes remind them of a better time, connecting them to cherished memories, as their former lives threaten to fade in the shadows of war.
There are now 1.8 million foreigners working in Japan, including real estate agents, taxi drivers and garbage collectors. NHK WORLD-JAPAN has introduced over 100 such hardworking foreigners, and this program compiles some of the best stories. We look at how they struggle in the face of cultural differences, but bring about change in Japanese companies and society. The host is Sanyutei Kouseinen, a rakugo performer from Sweden.
In the town of Uda, in Nara Prefecture, visit Japan's oldest private garden dedicated to medicinal herbs. Meet the elderly couple who tend the 300-year-old plants that have taken root in this botanic time capsule, and discover a flourishing sanctuary of the local culture and history.
The Himalayan mountains, with an elevation of some 5,000m, conceal a valuable "elixir." Caterpillar fungus is a parasitic fungus growing on insects that is especially valued in China for nutritional and anti-aging properties. High-quality specimens sell to wealthy buyers for as much as $70,000 per kg. In order to seek out this buried treasure, impoverished residents of Nepal's villages climb the snowy mountains to seek out the fungus from May through July, when it briefly becomes visible. In this program, a young man accompanies his father on this journey, joining the "Himalayan gold rush" to hopefully provide a better life for their family.
Soccer player Andrés Iniesta has had a stellar career as part of FC Barcelona and later as captain of Japanese squad Vissel Kobe, where he guided the team to great success. During his five years in Kobe, he developed a deep affection for the city and its tenacious inhabitants, a feeling that was returned by droves of supporters who see the team as a symbol of the city's rebirth after the major earthquake there in 1995.
World War II tore apart families of Japanese immigrants in the Philippines. For eight decades, they have been dreaming of being reunited. But time is fast running out.
Visit hot springs hidden away in Aomori, Akita and Fukushima Prefectures to experience a variety of healing waters, taste the local cuisine and meet with the locals.
China's Highway of Beauty, running through the Tianshan Mountains, reveals some of the country's most incredible natural scenery, among which diverse ethnicities of people enjoy traditional lives.
A music festival held in Seoul, South Korea, where singers representing Asian countries and regions gathered. Performers: Hirahara Ayaka (Japan), MAMAMOO+ (South Korea), Tia Ray (China), etc.
In the 19th century, writer Lafcadio Hearn (Koizumi Yakumo) helped introduce Japan to the wider world. Peter Barakan visits Izumo to learn about the natural and unseen realms that Hearn treasured.
Join experts such as Wim Wenders to explore the masterful film-making of renowned Tokyo Story director Ozu Yasujiro, the 120th anniversary of whose birth fell in December 2023.
A quiet little shop in downtown Tokyo serves as a haven for Japan's lost young souls. They share their innermost feelings with their future selves in letters they'll receive exactly one year later.
14 years ago, Hasegawa Kazuo was diagnosed with lung cancer. He recounts his battle with stage four cancer, and his mission to change how patients receive care.
Receiving worldwide submissions, Japan's prestigious Good Design Award. Take a first-time look behind the scenes at what society needs from design, and how it can help all of us have better lives.
76-year-old Tatsuyo, a.k.a. Grandma, is a budding stand-up comedian who captures hearts across generations. Join us and discover her passion for life.
Deaf and hearing actors performed together in a production of Shakespeare's classic comedy using Japanese sign language and verbal Japanese, which was broadcasted in January 2024. In this special program we look at the behind-the-scenes of how this performance was created. Most of the hearing actors had never worked with Deaf actors before, so it brought about a new challenge. During rehearsals, the cast underwent a process of trial and error as they examined each other's lines in sign language and verbal Japanese trying to coordinate their timing, with mixed results. Deaf actors and directors dug deep until the very last minute of filming to determine what sign language expressions were best suited for Shakespeare's eloquence. In the process, the entire crew discovered what it means for the two groups of actors to work together in this unprecedented artistic experiment.
Amidst an economic slowdown, China's freelance truck drivers risk their very lives to earn money traversing the road to Tibet, feared as the most dangerous in the country.
DRUM TAO, a taiko drumming group that brings its sublime sound and dynamic performances to audiences around the world, delivers a performance from the stage of a national park in Aso.
This year saw the end of Sominsai, a unique festival in which loinclothed men plunge into freezing water, are enveloped in smoke, and jostle through the night to grasp a lucky sack as a form of prayer.
From a whistleblower, NHK obtained exclusive video and sound recordings of a psychiatric hospital, along with records of nearly 1,500 patients. These materials revealed rampant patient abuse, illegal physical constraints and the fact that 78% of patients were discharged by death. This investigative report amassed extensive documentation and interviews with key actors to address the persistent problems of psychiatric hospitals.
K-POP has taken the world by storm thanks to its unique performances and business strategy. This documentary follows its growth and the ways in which J-POP artists are rising to the challenge.
As growth in the game industry accelerates, game makers pursue increased global attention through new strategies. Japanese game companies, once undisputed champions, now face competition to survive.
Under intense fire from the Russian forces, Ukrainian civilians-turned-soldiers document their first experiences on the battlefield using smartphones and cameras to show the do-or-die reality of war.
Anthropocene is when human activity started profoundly impacting our planet. Inconvenient truths pile up in some of Indonesia's poorest communities, where "plastic farmers" can barely make ends meet.
Explore Japanese TV with this "traditional" travel documentary about a majestic mountain village. Watch until the end to discover the program's true message.
How do you cover a war in your own country? We spent two years with journalists from Ukraine's public broadcaster and saw how Russia's invasion transformed their profession and changed their beliefs.
In 2011, a devastating tsunami and nuclear accident ground Fukushima Prefecture's fishing industry to a halt. NHK followed local fishers for the next 13 years as they struggled to reclaim their sea.
In the Chinese city of Changsha, the possibilities of live streaming are huge: the most charismatic streamers can earn thousands of dollars a night in online payments. But they expose almost every moment they are awake. It is not an easy job, but why do they have to choose? We followed two young live streamers for more than six months.
Leaving a popular Tokyo restaurant, Otsuka Kenichi and his wife Keiko relocated to Hokkaido Prefecture six years ago. There, they offer enticing, unique dishes with local flavors found nowhere else.
Chef Otsuka Kenichi and his wife Keiko relocated from Tokyo to Hokkaido Prefecture six years ago. They now work with locals to source delicious ingredients even in the harshness of the northern winter.
