NHK WORLD-JAPAN

The Japanese language is rich in words and expressions influenced by nature, history, and culture. This episode looks at words related to blue. Explore the unique culture behind them.

#15 To the monkey hot spring, please. / To tell a taxi driver where you want to go, just say the destination and "made onegai-shimasu.".

Bara Kyoushitsu in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture, is a preschool designed to eliminate the number of foreign children who stop attending school because they don't understand Japanese.

We intorduce the contents and activities of NHK WORLD-JAPAN to make the station and programs known to more people all over the world. This is the window of the station to the world.

We visit Sugashima Island in Mie Prefecture, home to the legendary Ama, the women who free dive for the fruits of the sea, and discover a way of life tied to the sea.

Chef Saito introduces a dish often served on special occasions: fukusa-sushi. It's a visually appealing sushi, made by wrapping colorful ingredients and vinegared rice in a thin omelet.

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.

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.

Beyond entertainment, video games can help maintain infrastructure and even change the ways we work. Let's get gaming, and dig a little deeper!

Featured recipe: Yaki-udon with Yuzukosho/ Learn about easy, delicious, and healthy cooking with Chef Rika in five minutes!

We visit Sugashima Island in Mie Prefecture, home to the legendary Ama, the women who free dive for the fruits of the sea, and discover a way of life tied to the sea.

Chef Saito introduces a dish often served on special occasions: fukusa-sushi. It's a visually appealing sushi, made by wrapping colorful ingredients and vinegared rice in a thin omelet.

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.

Shibuya is one of Japan's most famous tourist spots, but the low-lying city is also at risk of flooding and earthquakes. We'll look at Shibuya's advanced efforts to prepare for such disasters.

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.

Mt. Fuji, the tallest mountain in Japan, has many faces. See the beauty of these different Fujis through time-lapse photography.

In 2020, Kitajima Masaaki published the world's first paper on how the spread of COVID-19 could be tracked by monitoring wastewater. He talks about making an impact on infectious disease control.

The Japanese language is rich in words and expressions influenced by nature, history, and culture. This episode looks at words related to blue. Explore the unique culture behind them.

#15 To the monkey hot spring, please. / To tell a taxi driver where you want to go, just say the destination and "made onegai-shimasu.".

Chef Saito introduces a dish often served on special occasions: fukusa-sushi. It's a visually appealing sushi, made by wrapping colorful ingredients and vinegared rice in a thin omelet.

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.

All animals need sleep. Explore why and how it evolved. Also meet the developer of the AI Suitcase that helps the visually impaired walk more freely.

We visit Sugashima Island in Mie Prefecture, home to the legendary Ama, the women who free dive for the fruits of the sea, and discover a way of life tied to the sea.

Beyond entertainment, video games can help maintain infrastructure and even change the ways we work. Let's get gaming, and dig a little deeper!

Featured recipe: Yaki-udon with Yuzukosho/ Learn about easy, delicious, and healthy cooking with Chef Rika in five minutes!

Chef Saito introduces a dish often served on special occasions: fukusa-sushi. It's a visually appealing sushi, made by wrapping colorful ingredients and vinegared rice in a thin omelet.

In 2020, Kitajima Masaaki published the world's first paper on how the spread of COVID-19 could be tracked by monitoring wastewater. He talks about making an impact on infectious disease control.

Using traditional wooden barrels, a soy sauce brewer developed its own original flavor, breathing new life into the world of Japanese soy sauce.

A man strikes a pose in an iconic woodblock print by the artist Sharaku. Who is the mysterious figure... and what is he doing? And why did the artist want to commemorate the moment?

A scramble for rare earth elements is reshaping global power, as the US, China and Japan race to secure the minerals vital to advanced industry, economic security and future technologies.

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.

All animals need sleep. Explore why and how it evolved. Also meet the developer of the AI Suitcase that helps the visually impaired walk more freely.

We visit Sugashima Island in Mie Prefecture, home to the legendary Ama, the women who free dive for the fruits of the sea, and discover a way of life tied to the sea.

Chef Saito introduces a dish often served on special occasions: fukusa-sushi. It's a visually appealing sushi, made by wrapping colorful ingredients and vinegared rice in a thin omelet.

Beyond entertainment, video games can help maintain infrastructure and even change the ways we work. Let's get gaming, and dig a little deeper!

Featured recipe: Yaki-udon with Yuzukosho/ Learn about easy, delicious, and healthy cooking with Chef Rika in five minutes!

The Kinshicho and Kameido area is an urban subcenter in eastern Tokyo. We go in search of celebrated scenic views, savor local flavors, and learn how a network of canals evolved into a logistics hub.

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: luminescent ceramic tiles.

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.

All animals need sleep. Explore why and how it evolved. Also meet the developer of the AI Suitcase that helps the visually impaired walk more freely.

The Kinshicho and Kameido area is an urban subcenter in eastern Tokyo. We go in search of celebrated scenic views, savor local flavors, and learn how a network of canals evolved into a logistics hub.

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: luminescent ceramic tiles.

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.

All animals need sleep. Explore why and how it evolved. Also meet the developer of the AI Suitcase that helps the visually impaired walk more freely.

Shibuya is one of Japan's most famous tourist spots, but the low-lying city is also at risk of flooding and earthquakes. We'll look at Shibuya's advanced efforts to prepare for such disasters.

The world is too divided to unite and tackle the issue of the Earth getting hotter every year. Alongside the COP30 discussions, we will explore possible ways to overcome this harsh reality.

Izumo, known as the "home of the gods," fascinated Lafcadio Hearn, a writer from Ireland. With beautiful time-lapse footage, we introduce his life in Japan and the region that captured his heart.

The majority of Niger, in Africa, is occupied by the Sahara, and desertification is a major problem. Oyama Shuichi introduces his method of increasing vegetation using household waste.

Tokyo's oldest izakaya, with its traditional fare and lucky cats, surviving war and pandemic, has been a place to feel at ease for over 100 years.

A man strikes a pose in an iconic woodblock print by the artist Sharaku. Who is the mysterious figure... and what is he doing? And why did the artist want to commemorate the moment?

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: luminescent ceramic tiles.

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.

The Kinshicho and Kameido area is an urban subcenter in eastern Tokyo. We go in search of celebrated scenic views, savor local flavors, and learn how a network of canals evolved into a logistics hub.

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: luminescent ceramic tiles.

The majority of Niger, in Africa, is occupied by the Sahara, and desertification is a major problem. Oyama Shuichi introduces his method of increasing vegetation using household waste.

Nori tsukudani, a popular topping in rice-loving Japan. Made with local nori from Tokyo Bay, it's a taste and tradition preserved for over 100 years.

We observe "Red Fuji" and "Black Fuji," 2 dramatically different views of Japan's most famous mountain, captured by the artist Hokusai. What did Mount Fuji mean to the people of Edo?

All animals need sleep. Explore why and how it evolved. Also meet the developer of the AI Suitcase that helps the visually impaired walk more freely.

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.

The Kinshicho and Kameido area is an urban subcenter in eastern Tokyo. We go in search of celebrated scenic views, savor local flavors, and learn how a network of canals evolved into a logistics hub.

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: 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.

Plunge into the depths of one of the world's largest aquariums and meet the amazing creatures that live there, as well as the people working to ensure their long-term survival.

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.

Plunge into the depths of one of the world's largest aquariums and meet the amazing creatures that live there, as well as the people working to ensure their long-term survival.

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

Using traditional wooden barrels, a soy sauce brewer developed its own original flavor, breathing new life into the world of Japanese soy sauce.

We observe "Red Fuji" and "Black Fuji," 2 dramatically different views of Japan's most famous mountain, captured by the artist Hokusai. What did Mount Fuji mean to the people of Edo?

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.

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.

Plunge into the depths of one of the world's largest aquariums and meet the amazing creatures that live there, as well as the people working to ensure their long-term survival.

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

Edo Kiriko cut glass techniques, passed from artisan to artisan for over 100 years. More women who now pursue the craft create popular new designs.

We come across a tranquil, snow-covered Edo cityscape. But there's something in the air: the aroma of foods both sweet and savory that helped the townspeople keep warm in the winter.

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.

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.

Plunge into the depths of one of the world's largest aquariums and meet the amazing creatures that live there, as well as the people working to ensure their long-term survival.

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.

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.

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.

A Japanese entrepreneur is on a mission: reviving Japan's semiconductor industry. With over ten billion dollars of tax money at stake, he races for rapid innovation.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN presents a wide range of programs from news, current affairs, documentaries, etc. focusing on Japan and Asia.

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.

The kimono is admired worldwide yet remains a mystery to many. In this episode, we unravel truths about the traditional garment and its styles.

Kyle Card hikes along the 1000km trail following the Pacific Coast in northern Japan where he discovers local lifestyles, stunning nature, traces of the area's 2011 disaster, and resilient people.

The top 3 geisha idol celebrities in Edo: Tomimoto Toyohina, Takashima Ohisa, and Naniwaya Kita. See how Kitagawa Utamaro, the master of female beauty has illustrated them so differently.

Phase Free is a disaster preparedness concept that does not distinguish between everyday life and emergency situations. We'll see how everyday items can be used in times of disaster as well.

Okayama / Hara Kenya (graphic designer) Hara visits a Japanese propeller maker with a 30% global market share, to discover the merit of finding an object's perfect shape, without compromise.

Explore the fascinating conventions and traditions of kabuki. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains the origins and meanings of kabuki's unique make-up, its onnagata techniques, and stage machinery.

A Japanese entrepreneur is on a mission: reviving Japan's semiconductor industry. With over ten billion dollars of tax money at stake, he races for rapid innovation.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN presents a wide range of programs from news, current affairs, documentaries, etc. focusing on Japan and Asia.

The kimono is admired worldwide yet remains a mystery to many. In this episode, we unravel truths about the traditional garment and its styles.

Kyle Card hikes along the 1000km trail following the Pacific Coast in northern Japan where he discovers local lifestyles, stunning nature, traces of the area's 2011 disaster, and resilient people.

The top 3 geisha idol celebrities in Edo: Tomimoto Toyohina, Takashima Ohisa, and Naniwaya Kita. See how Kitagawa Utamaro, the master of female beauty has illustrated them so differently.

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.

Phase Free is a disaster preparedness concept that does not distinguish between everyday life and emergency situations. We'll see how everyday items can be used in times of disaster as well.

Okayama / Hara Kenya (graphic designer) Hara visits a Japanese propeller maker with a 30% global market share, to discover the merit of finding an object's perfect shape, without compromise.

Explore the fascinating conventions and traditions of kabuki. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains the origins and meanings of kabuki's unique make-up, its onnagata techniques, and stage machinery.

A Japanese entrepreneur is on a mission: reviving Japan's semiconductor industry. With over ten billion dollars of tax money at stake, he races for rapid innovation.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN presents a wide range of programs from news, current affairs, documentaries, etc. focusing on Japan and Asia.

The kimono is admired worldwide yet remains a mystery to many. In this episode, we unravel truths about the traditional garment and its styles.

Kyle Card hikes along the 1000km trail following the Pacific Coast in northern Japan where he discovers local lifestyles, stunning nature, traces of the area's 2011 disaster, and resilient people.

The top 3 geisha idol celebrities in Edo: Tomimoto Toyohina, Takashima Ohisa, and Naniwaya Kita. See how Kitagawa Utamaro, the master of female beauty has illustrated them so differently.

Phase Free is a disaster preparedness concept that does not distinguish between everyday life and emergency situations. We'll see how everyday items can be used in times of disaster as well.

Okayama / Hara Kenya (graphic designer) Hara visits a Japanese propeller maker with a 30% global market share, to discover the merit of finding an object's perfect shape, without compromise.

Explore the fascinating conventions and traditions of kabuki. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains the origins and meanings of kabuki's unique make-up, its onnagata techniques, and stage machinery.

A Japanese entrepreneur is on a mission: reviving Japan's semiconductor industry. With over ten billion dollars of tax money at stake, he races for rapid innovation.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN presents a wide range of programs from news, current affairs, documentaries, etc. focusing on Japan and Asia.

The kimono is admired worldwide yet remains a mystery to many. In this episode, we unravel truths about the traditional garment and its styles.

Kyle Card hikes along the 1000km trail following the Pacific Coast in northern Japan where he discovers local lifestyles, stunning nature, traces of the area's 2011 disaster, and resilient people.

The top 3 geisha idol celebrities in Edo: Tomimoto Toyohina, Takashima Ohisa, and Naniwaya Kita. See how Kitagawa Utamaro, the master of female beauty has illustrated them so differently.

Phase Free is a disaster preparedness concept that does not distinguish between everyday life and emergency situations. We'll see how everyday items can be used in times of disaster as well.

Okayama / Hara Kenya (graphic designer) Hara visits a Japanese propeller maker with a 30% global market share, to discover the merit of finding an object's perfect shape, without compromise.

Explore the fascinating conventions and traditions of kabuki. Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains the origins and meanings of kabuki's unique make-up, its onnagata techniques, and stage machinery.