NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Recently popular in China are "otome games" allowing female gamers to experience romance with male characters. Services providing costumed dates have emerged as a related business for fans.

Japanese comedian Tonikaku, also known as Tonikaku Akarui Yasumura in Japan, has garnered big laughs with his "naked" act. We take a look at how he is bringing Japanese comedy to overseas audiences.

Bonsai is a living art form that requires attention to detail and patience. For three days, we asked visitors to a hub of bonsai nurseries near Tokyo about the appeal of bonsai in a fast-paced world.

Railway news from the latter half of 2025. Join us as we look back on new railway vehicles, cutting-edge technologies, commemorative events and more from across Japan.

Inoue Hiroko is the president of an NGO that has been running exchange programs for young people from Israel, Palestine, and Japan for 20 years. She talks about their goals and her hope for peace.

Food waste is a major driver of global warming. One institute warns that greenhouse gas emissions from food waste exceed those of nations like India and Russia. We examine the data behind this issue.

A Chinese woman living in Japan holds gatherings for Chinese children with the goal of boosting their confidence in their international background.

Recently popular in China are "otome games" allowing female gamers to experience romance with male characters. Services providing costumed dates have emerged as a related business for fans.

Japanese comedian Tonikaku, also known as Tonikaku Akarui Yasumura in Japan, has garnered big laughs with his "naked" act. We take a look at how he is bringing Japanese comedy to overseas audiences.

Today's theme: Designing for portability. The spotlight is on portable and mobile designs. From lighting to houses and transport, explore the appeal and potential of designing for portability.

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.

Recently popular in China are "otome games" allowing female gamers to experience romance with male characters. Services providing costumed dates have emerged as a related business for fans.

Inoue Hiroko is the president of an NGO that has been running exchange programs for young people from Israel, Palestine, and Japan for 20 years. She talks about their goals and her hope for peace.

Food waste is a major driver of global warming. One institute warns that greenhouse gas emissions from food waste exceed those of nations like India and Russia. We examine the data behind this issue.

A series of doodles by the famous artist Utagawa Kuniyoshi turn out to be carefully considered depictions of the kabuki actors of the day. What kind of artistic statement was he trying to make?

Japanese comedian Tonikaku, also known as Tonikaku Akarui Yasumura in Japan, has garnered big laughs with his "naked" act. We take a look at how he is bringing Japanese comedy to overseas audiences.

Today's theme: Designing for portability. The spotlight is on portable and mobile designs. From lighting to houses and transport, explore the appeal and potential of designing for portability.

Recently popular in China are "otome games" allowing female gamers to experience romance with male characters. Services providing costumed dates have emerged as a related business for fans.

A Chinese woman living in Japan holds gatherings for Chinese children with the goal of boosting their confidence in their international background.

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: capsule beds.

Japanese confectionery has evolved over centuries, shaped by influences from China and beyond. In Kyoto, artisans honor tradition while advancing the craft with a fresh, modern sensibility.

Forty years ago, Akamatsu Ryoko, a visionary woman advocated for the passage of Japan's Equal Employment Opportunity Act. Now, a new generation continues the fight for gender equality.

Bulgarian-born Kotooshu was the first European to become an Ozeki. He even beat two powerful Yokozuna to win a tournament in 2008. We dive into his career through archival footage and interviews.

Travel northern Kyushu on the JR Kyudai Line that follows the course of the Chikugo River and its tributaries. Discover how residents live with the blessings and trouble the wild rivers bring.

Five-minute shows presenting the limitless, kaleidoscopic appeal of Japanese culture, traditions, and lifestyles in sushi-sized helpings. (Digest versions of "Japanology Plus.").

Today's theme: Designing for portability. The spotlight is on portable and mobile designs. From lighting to houses and transport, explore the appeal and potential of designing for portability.

Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts the tallest, extant main keep in Japan. The elegant main keep and the sub-keeps are connected by corridors, forming a sturdy defense.

Join our explorers as they pursue the cinematic beauty of Japan. Kyle Card hikes the newly designated long trail around majestic Mt. Fuji and discovers its secrets.

We visit the Yoshiwara district, Edo's most prominent pleasure quarters. Among the lavish spenders, courtesans and apprentices, small humanoid creatures scurry about - what could they be up to?

What is causing the frequent torrential rain and floods in Japan? Linear rainbands. Find out why this phenomenon is hard to predict and the latest research on forecasting linear rainbands.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN presents a variety of short programs focusing on Japan and Asia.

Kabuki dance started as a showpiece for a female character, but then dances for male characters appeared - dances daring, comical, and acrobatic!

Forty years ago, Akamatsu Ryoko, a visionary woman advocated for the passage of Japan's Equal Employment Opportunity Act. Now, a new generation continues the fight for gender equality.

Bulgarian-born Kotooshu was the first European to become an Ozeki. He even beat two powerful Yokozuna to win a tournament in 2008. We dive into his career through archival footage and interviews.

Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts the tallest, extant main keep in Japan. The elegant main keep and the sub-keeps are connected by corridors, forming a sturdy defense.

Join our explorers as they pursue the cinematic beauty of Japan. Kyle Card hikes the newly designated long trail around majestic Mt. Fuji and discovers its secrets.

We visit the Yoshiwara district, Edo's most prominent pleasure quarters. Among the lavish spenders, courtesans and apprentices, small humanoid creatures scurry about - what could they be up to?

Today's theme: Designing for portability. The spotlight is on portable and mobile designs. From lighting to houses and transport, explore the appeal and potential of designing for portability.

Travel northern Kyushu on the JR Kyudai Line that follows the course of the Chikugo River and its tributaries. Discover how residents live with the blessings and trouble the wild rivers bring.

Five-minute shows presenting the limitless, kaleidoscopic appeal of Japanese culture, traditions, and lifestyles in sushi-sized helpings. (Digest versions of "Japanology Plus.").

What is causing the frequent torrential rain and floods in Japan? Linear rainbands. Find out why this phenomenon is hard to predict and the latest research on forecasting linear rainbands.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN presents a variety of short programs focusing on Japan and Asia.

Kabuki dance started as a showpiece for a female character, but then dances for male characters appeared - dances daring, comical, and acrobatic!

Forty years ago, Akamatsu Ryoko, a visionary woman advocated for the passage of Japan's Equal Employment Opportunity Act. Now, a new generation continues the fight for gender equality.

Bulgarian-born Kotooshu was the first European to become an Ozeki. He even beat two powerful Yokozuna to win a tournament in 2008. We dive into his career through archival footage and interviews.

Travel northern Kyushu on the JR Kyudai Line that follows the course of the Chikugo River and its tributaries. Discover how residents live with the blessings and trouble the wild rivers bring.

Five-minute shows presenting the limitless, kaleidoscopic appeal of Japanese culture, traditions, and lifestyles in sushi-sized helpings. (Digest versions of "Japanology Plus.").

Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts the tallest, extant main keep in Japan. The elegant main keep and the sub-keeps are connected by corridors, forming a sturdy defense.

Join our explorers as they pursue the cinematic beauty of Japan. Kyle Card hikes the newly designated long trail around majestic Mt. Fuji and discovers its secrets.

We visit the Yoshiwara district, Edo's most prominent pleasure quarters. Among the lavish spenders, courtesans and apprentices, small humanoid creatures scurry about - what could they be up to?

What is causing the frequent torrential rain and floods in Japan? Linear rainbands. Find out why this phenomenon is hard to predict and the latest research on forecasting linear rainbands.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN presents a variety of short programs focusing on Japan and Asia.

Kabuki dance started as a showpiece for a female character, but then dances for male characters appeared - dances daring, comical, and acrobatic!

Forty years ago, Akamatsu Ryoko, a visionary woman advocated for the passage of Japan's Equal Employment Opportunity Act. Now, a new generation continues the fight for gender equality.

Bulgarian-born Kotooshu was the first European to become an Ozeki. He even beat two powerful Yokozuna to win a tournament in 2008. We dive into his career through archival footage and interviews.

Travel northern Kyushu on the JR Kyudai Line that follows the course of the Chikugo River and its tributaries. Discover how residents live with the blessings and trouble the wild rivers bring.

Five-minute shows presenting the limitless, kaleidoscopic appeal of Japanese culture, traditions, and lifestyles in sushi-sized helpings. (Digest versions of "Japanology Plus.").

Himeji Castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, boasts the tallest, extant main keep in Japan. The elegant main keep and the sub-keeps are connected by corridors, forming a sturdy defense.

Join our explorers as they pursue the cinematic beauty of Japan. Kyle Card hikes the newly designated long trail around majestic Mt. Fuji and discovers its secrets.

We visit the Yoshiwara district, Edo's most prominent pleasure quarters. Among the lavish spenders, courtesans and apprentices, small humanoid creatures scurry about - what could they be up to?

What is causing the frequent torrential rain and floods in Japan? Linear rainbands. Find out why this phenomenon is hard to predict and the latest research on forecasting linear rainbands.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN presents a variety of short programs focusing on Japan and Asia.

Kabuki dance started as a showpiece for a female character, but then dances for male characters appeared - dances daring, comical, and acrobatic!