NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the historic tale of Kiuchi Sogo, a village headman who sacrifices his life begging the shogun to save his fellow farmers from starvation.

Direct and in-depth. Interviews exploring the minds and motivations of the leaders, visionaries, artists and entrepreneurs who are changing our world.

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: concentrated laundry detergent.

Hiraoka Kasumi is in the international spotlight after winning an award at the Vertical Movie Festival 2025. She talks about combining social commentary with fantasy-inspired storytelling.

Eggplants nasu take the spotlight. Enjoy juicy mizu-nasu and melt in your mouth Kamo nasu. From traditional shojin ryori to sweets, discover the surprising range of Japanese eggplants.

Workers at a sawmill use the latest tools and their honed skills to prepare the building blocks of Edo life: long, narrow beams, bamboo stems and leftover wood stacked as high as buildings.

Japanese swords are called "metal made art." The once lost techniques used to make them prior to the 16th century are now on the verge of rediscovery.

Health tech entrepreneur Ajima Masumi has developed an app to analyze the condition of children with developmental disorders, aiming to help them reach their potential regardless of their background.

Join us as we explore the Haneda district, best known for its airport. As we trace its history, we learn about its past as a fishing community and tourist destination famous for its ocean views.

Direct and in-depth. Interviews exploring the minds and motivations of the leaders, visionaries, artists and entrepreneurs who are changing our world.

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: concentrated laundry detergent.

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores the historic tale of Kiuchi Sogo, a village headman who sacrifices his life begging the shogun to save his fellow farmers from starvation.

Octopuses are not only eaten in Japan but also depicted in works of art. They may be regarded as objects of worship or even kept as pets. We untangle Japan's long relationship with these creatures.

Octopuses are not only eaten in Japan but also depicted in works of art. They may be regarded as objects of worship or even kept as pets. We untangle Japan's long relationship with these creatures.

Tomita Hiroshi is the founder of a company that specializes in detecting underground cavities. He discusses how his technology is reducing risks and mitigating damage from all sorts of disasters.

Unique Japanese egg dishes like raw egg over rice are a hit with inbound tourists. Visit farms that produce eggs safe to eat raw, and savor a variety of dishes at a long-established Kyoto restaurant.

In the Edo period, childbirth was a community affair, with the mother-to-be attended by a midwife and the women in her life. It was also characterized by unique customs and superstitions.

Octopuses are not only eaten in Japan but also depicted in works of art. They may be regarded as objects of worship or even kept as pets. We untangle Japan's long relationship with these creatures.

Tomita Hiroshi is the founder of a company that specializes in detecting underground cavities. He discusses how his technology is reducing risks and mitigating damage from all sorts of disasters.

Unique Japanese egg dishes like raw egg over rice are a hit with inbound tourists. Visit farms that produce eggs safe to eat raw, and savor a variety of dishes at a long-established Kyoto restaurant.

In the Edo period, childbirth was a community affair, with the mother-to-be attended by a midwife and the women in her life. It was also characterized by unique customs and superstitions.

Octopuses are not only eaten in Japan but also depicted in works of art. They may be regarded as objects of worship or even kept as pets. We untangle Japan's long relationship with these creatures.