NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Once considered worthless, bamboo is in the spotlight in Indonesia. One NGO is using it to improve the environment and local livelihoods. It's also playing a role revitalizing a local village.

The Kogawas take us on a tasty journey with traditional recipes from the mountainous region of Hida. This time, a tea party under the cherry blossoms with bracken-starch cake on handmade lacquerware.

The only supermarket in Nishiwaga, Iwate Prefecture is stocked with a dazzling array of products. We spend three days meeting customers as they trek through heavy snowfall to visit this food hub.

In March 2025, a new shopping complex opened inside Hiroshima Station, and in August, trams began running from the second floor. See how this bustling new city hub is being developed.

Yoshida Katsuji investigates unexplored caves around the world, and won the Uemura Naomi Adventure Award for his achievements in Laos. He talks about the appeal of cave exploration.

Episode 2 of this series on COP30 in Brazil focuses on "Amazon dieback." Deforestation has reached 17%, and scientists warn that exceeding a figure of 20% could disrupt the water cycle.

A young man from Vietnam is using his own struggles finding an apartment in Japan to help other foreigners get settled. If you're new to Japan and faced similar challenges, tell us.

Once considered worthless, bamboo is in the spotlight in Indonesia. One NGO is using it to improve the environment and local livelihoods. It's also playing a role revitalizing a local village.

The Kogawas take us on a tasty journey with traditional recipes from the mountainous region of Hida. This time, a tea party under the cherry blossoms with bracken-starch cake on handmade lacquerware.

Today's theme: Evolved Kawaii Design. An iconic facet of Japanese pop culture, Kawaii design charms people across borders. Explore the people and designs of a new dimension to a Japanese phenomenon.

92-year-old Shiraishi Yuriko teaches women in Cote d'Ivoire to make surimi, a Japanese fish paste, supporting their independence and improving nutrition across the nation.

Once considered worthless, bamboo is in the spotlight in Indonesia. One NGO is using it to improve the environment and local livelihoods. It's also playing a role revitalizing a local village.

Yoshida Katsuji investigates unexplored caves around the world, and won the Uemura Naomi Adventure Award for his achievements in Laos. He talks about the appeal of cave exploration.

Episode 2 of this series on COP30 in Brazil focuses on "Amazon dieback." Deforestation has reached 17%, and scientists warn that exceeding a figure of 20% could disrupt the water cycle.

Caught in an evening shower, Edo townspeople scramble across a bridge in search of shelter. On the river beyond, a lone figure steers his boat, unfazed by the rain. What is his destination?

Ultrasound is emerging as an effective treatment for pancreatic cancer. HIFU uses focused heat to target and destroy cancer cells, and there is minimal harm to the body. We report on its potential.

The Kogawas take us on a tasty journey with traditional recipes from the mountainous region of Hida. This time, a tea party under the cherry blossoms with bracken-starch cake on handmade lacquerware.

Today's theme: Evolved Kawaii Design. An iconic facet of Japanese pop culture, Kawaii design charms people across borders. Explore the people and designs of a new dimension to a Japanese phenomenon.

Once considered worthless, bamboo is in the spotlight in Indonesia. One NGO is using it to improve the environment and local livelihoods. It's also playing a role revitalizing a local village.

A young man from Vietnam is using his own struggles finding an apartment in Japan to help other foreigners get settled. If you're new to Japan and faced similar challenges, tell us.

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: luminescent ceramic tiles.

For around 100 years, Japan's jazz kissa have offered a sanctuary for music lovers to enjoy jazz. We explore the enduring appeal of this unique subculture and how it is being preserved today.