NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Japanese fireworks have long enchanted people with their spherical shape and range of colors. We trace the rise of fireworks in Japan and also examine the 400-year-old mystery of the senko hanabi.

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

With its splendid branches and white plum blossoms, this famous painting is known for captivating Van Gogh. Discover why people were able to tell this was a specific tree at Kameido Umeyashiki.

Morinaga Kunihiko (Fashion designer)visits Amami Oshima, Kagoshima. Priestesses on Amami wore patchwork robes with triangular butterfly designs, intended to protect the wearer from unseen spirits.

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores "The Battles of Coxinga" by Chikamatsu Monzaemon. It's an epic tale with a Sino-Japanese hero taking up arms in China for the family his father once served.

A selection of acclaimed programs from NHK's domestic channels dubbed into English.

Oze National Park contains the largest mountain wetland in Japan. See the beauty of Oze as time-lapse photography makes the flowers and the morning dew come alive.

This doctor can change the future of lung cancer, the cancer that causes the most deaths. We follow him as he pursues new cancer treatment at the head of a team of the world's best in Toronto, Canada.

Japanese fireworks have long enchanted people with their spherical shape and range of colors. We trace the rise of fireworks in Japan and also examine the 400-year-old mystery of the senko hanabi.

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

With its splendid branches and white plum blossoms, this famous painting is known for captivating Van Gogh. Discover why people were able to tell this was a specific tree at Kameido Umeyashiki.

Morinaga Kunihiko (Fashion designer)visits Amami Oshima, Kagoshima. Priestesses on Amami wore patchwork robes with triangular butterfly designs, intended to protect the wearer from unseen spirits.

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke explores "The Battles of Coxinga" by Chikamatsu Monzaemon. It's an epic tale with a Sino-Japanese hero taking up arms in China for the family his father once served.

Germany and Japan's fates collide. As war erupts in 1939, wartime fervor lifts Hitler at home, Japan advances into French Indochina, US sanctions tighten, and conflict looms.

First held in 1975, Comiket has long shaped Japan's creative culture from manga and anime to games and cosplay. The committee, exhibitors, volunteers, fans, and cosplayers share their devotion to it.

Only one in seven fathers take parental leave in Japan, mostly only for under two weeks. This episode follows a man who took a full year off to raise two children, revealing a slice of modern Japan.

ASKA, a legendary figure in Japanese music with a career spanning over four decades, brings his unmistakable voice and a powerhouse nine-piece band to deliver an unforgettable live performance.

Little Charo is an animation series about a Japanese dog who got lost in NY. "I want to see my owner again!" Charo starts his adventure back home. Season 1-4.

In Japan, sweet potatoes are often baked or turned into sweets. But they can also be used to generate electricity or protect from heat. We introduce the diverse ways in which they are used and sold.

We meet a cat who fearlessly patrols crocodile enclosures heated by onsen steam. At a shopping arcade, we encounter early-rising cats and a tengu statue. We even meet cats who enjoy billiards!

The spotlight's on That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. Creator Fuse makes his TV debut to discuss the story's origins, and we visit the anime production to learn about the creative process.

This episode features "FUNclusion Day," a day when people with and without disabilities can enjoy playing and chatting together, as well as other fun segments. It energizes kids.

Erfurt, a city in Thuringia near the center of Germany, traces its roots back to the 8th century. By the 11th century, it had developed into a major crossroads uniting trade and culture across Europe.

A fantastic tale of love for local flavor, set in Kurume, birthplace of tonkotsu ramen.

Kyo-kanoko Shibori, untying the beauty bound within. Dive deep into the ancient capital, still innovative 1,200 years after its foundation.

Fish that overconsume seaweed, often called pests. A strong odor also makes them hard to sell. Kanazawa Ryuji uses these to make a distinctive fish sauce, so that no life from the sea goes to waste.

In 2016, Obama became the first sitting US President to visit Hiroshima. Watch and learn how that historic day came to be, including interviews with hibakusha survivors and Obama's speechwriter.

This miniseries presents the masterpieces of Tsutaju, a brilliant ukiyo-e producer of the Edo period. This episode takes a close look at artist Utamaro's iconic "Woman with a Glass Noisemaker.".

First held in 1975, Comiket has long shaped Japan's creative culture from manga and anime to games and cosplay. The committee, exhibitors, volunteers, fans, and cosplayers share their devotion to it.

Only one in seven fathers take parental leave in Japan, mostly only for under two weeks. This episode follows a man who took a full year off to raise two children, revealing a slice of modern Japan.

Erfurt, a city in Thuringia near the center of Germany, traces its roots back to the 8th century. By the 11th century, it had developed into a major crossroads uniting trade and culture across Europe.

The spotlight's on That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. Creator Fuse makes his TV debut to discuss the story's origins, and we visit the anime production to learn about the creative process.

This episode features "FUNclusion Day," a day when people with and without disabilities can enjoy playing and chatting together, as well as other fun segments. It energizes kids.

ASKA, a legendary figure in Japanese music with a career spanning over four decades, brings his unmistakable voice and a powerhouse nine-piece band to deliver an unforgettable live performance.

Little Charo is an animation series about a Japanese dog who got lost in NY. "I want to see my owner again!" Charo starts his adventure back home. Season 1-4.

In Japan, sweet potatoes are often baked or turned into sweets. But they can also be used to generate electricity or protect from heat. We introduce the diverse ways in which they are used and sold.

We meet a cat who fearlessly patrols crocodile enclosures heated by onsen steam. At a shopping arcade, we encounter early-rising cats and a tengu statue. We even meet cats who enjoy billiards!

A fantastic tale of love for local flavor, set in Kurume, birthplace of tonkotsu ramen.

Kyo-kanoko Shibori, untying the beauty bound within. Dive deep into the ancient capital, still innovative 1,200 years after its foundation.

Fish that overconsume seaweed, often called pests. A strong odor also makes them hard to sell. Kanazawa Ryuji uses these to make a distinctive fish sauce, so that no life from the sea goes to waste.

In 2016, Obama became the first sitting US President to visit Hiroshima. Watch and learn how that historic day came to be, including interviews with hibakusha survivors and Obama's speechwriter.

This miniseries presents the masterpieces of Tsutaju, a brilliant ukiyo-e producer of the Edo period. This episode takes a close look at artist Utamaro's iconic "Woman with a Glass Noisemaker.".

First held in 1975, Comiket has long shaped Japan's creative culture from manga and anime to games and cosplay. The committee, exhibitors, volunteers, fans, and cosplayers share their devotion to it.

Only one in seven fathers take parental leave in Japan, mostly only for under two weeks. This episode follows a man who took a full year off to raise two children, revealing a slice of modern Japan.

The spotlight's on That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. Creator Fuse makes his TV debut to discuss the story's origins, and we visit the anime production to learn about the creative process.

This episode features "FUNclusion Day," a day when people with and without disabilities can enjoy playing and chatting together, as well as other fun segments. It energizes kids.

ASKA, a legendary figure in Japanese music with a career spanning over four decades, brings his unmistakable voice and a powerhouse nine-piece band to deliver an unforgettable live performance.

Little Charo is an animation series about a Japanese dog who got lost in NY. "I want to see my owner again!" Charo starts his adventure back home. Season 1-4.

In Japan, sweet potatoes are often baked or turned into sweets. But they can also be used to generate electricity or protect from heat. We introduce the diverse ways in which they are used and sold.

We meet a cat who fearlessly patrols crocodile enclosures heated by onsen steam. At a shopping arcade, we encounter early-rising cats and a tengu statue. We even meet cats who enjoy billiards!

Erfurt, a city in Thuringia near the center of Germany, traces its roots back to the 8th century. By the 11th century, it had developed into a major crossroads uniting trade and culture across Europe.

A fantastic tale of love for local flavor, set in Kurume, birthplace of tonkotsu ramen.

Kyo-kanoko Shibori, untying the beauty bound within. Dive deep into the ancient capital, still innovative 1,200 years after its foundation.

Fish that overconsume seaweed, often called pests. A strong odor also makes them hard to sell. Kanazawa Ryuji uses these to make a distinctive fish sauce, so that no life from the sea goes to waste.

Germany and Japan's fates collide. As war erupts in 1939, wartime fervor lifts Hitler at home, Japan advances into French Indochina, US sanctions tighten, and conflict looms.

First held in 1975, Comiket has long shaped Japan's creative culture from manga and anime to games and cosplay. The committee, exhibitors, volunteers, fans, and cosplayers share their devotion to it.

Only one in seven fathers take parental leave in Japan, mostly only for under two weeks. This episode follows a man who took a full year off to raise two children, revealing a slice of modern Japan.

The spotlight's on That Time I Got Reincarnated as a Slime. Creator Fuse makes his TV debut to discuss the story's origins, and we visit the anime production to learn about the creative process.

This episode features "FUNclusion Day," a day when people with and without disabilities can enjoy playing and chatting together, as well as other fun segments. It energizes kids.

ASKA, a legendary figure in Japanese music with a career spanning over four decades, brings his unmistakable voice and a powerhouse nine-piece band to deliver an unforgettable live performance.

Little Charo is an animation series about a Japanese dog who got lost in NY. "I want to see my owner again!" Charo starts his adventure back home. Season 1-4.

In Japan, sweet potatoes are often baked or turned into sweets. But they can also be used to generate electricity or protect from heat. We introduce the diverse ways in which they are used and sold.

We meet a cat who fearlessly patrols crocodile enclosures heated by onsen steam. At a shopping arcade, we encounter early-rising cats and a tengu statue. We even meet cats who enjoy billiards!

A fantastic tale of love for local flavor, set in Kurume, birthplace of tonkotsu ramen.

Kyo-kanoko Shibori, untying the beauty bound within. Dive deep into the ancient capital, still innovative 1,200 years after its foundation.

Fish that overconsume seaweed, often called pests. A strong odor also makes them hard to sell. Kanazawa Ryuji uses these to make a distinctive fish sauce, so that no life from the sea goes to waste.

Erfurt, a city in Thuringia near the center of Germany, traces its roots back to the 8th century. By the 11th century, it had developed into a major crossroads uniting trade and culture across Europe.

A Nepalese nursing home manager in Fukuoka Prefecture harnesses his background in IT and his diverse staff to give elderly residents and their families peace of mind.

Water researchers have established the term "water bankruptcy," an irreversible condition approached by many regions in which social and environmental factors exhaust the water supply.

Morinaga Kunihiko (Fashion designer)visits Amami Oshima, Kagoshima. Priestesses on Amami wore patchwork robes with triangular butterfly designs, intended to protect the wearer from unseen spirits.

Our team visits the National Printing Bureau in Tokyo where Japan's banknotes are made, and gets a rare look at their state-of-the-art printing technology and meet their top-secret banknote artists.

Tanaka Isson had a unique gift for portraying Amami Oshima's nature in art. A child prodigy, his career faltered until he moved to the island. Time-lapse footage hints at scenes that inspired him.

A major Tokyo quake could leave many stranded in Marunouchi, one of Japan's leading business districts. We'll examine its vast energy network protecting people from disasters and power outages.

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

#18 It was really fun. / To express impressions of what you've experienced, drop the final "i" of an adjective that ends with "i," and add "katta desu." "Tanoshii" becomes "tanoshikatta desu.".

Faced with eviction by a redevelopment project, the inhabitants of a Bangkok slum get help from Thai-born Prateep and her Japanese husband Tatsuya who've made supporting the residents their lifework.

At one of Japan's largest anime events, Anime Japan 2026, NHK WORLD-JAPAN introduced the anime and related programs broadcast in March, and promoted its many services-including catch-up viewing.

Oze National Park contains the largest mountain wetland in Japan. See the beauty of Oze as time-lapse photography makes the flowers and the morning dew come alive.

Our team visits the National Printing Bureau in Tokyo where Japan's banknotes are made, and gets a rare look at their state-of-the-art printing technology and meet their top-secret banknote artists.

Tanaka Isson had a unique gift for portraying Amami Oshima's nature in art. A child prodigy, his career faltered until he moved to the island. Time-lapse footage hints at scenes that inspired him.

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

#18 It was really fun. / To express impressions of what you've experienced, drop the final "i" of an adjective that ends with "i," and add "katta desu." "Tanoshii" becomes "tanoshikatta desu.".

Faced with eviction by a redevelopment project, the inhabitants of a Bangkok slum get help from Thai-born Prateep and her Japanese husband Tatsuya who've made supporting the residents their lifework.

At one of Japan's largest anime events, Anime Japan 2026, NHK WORLD-JAPAN introduced the anime and related programs broadcast in March, and promoted its many services-including catch-up viewing.

In Hokkaido, Steven Lefever visits the ski resort town of Niseko to discover its many summertime attractions.

Our team visits the National Printing Bureau in Tokyo where Japan's banknotes are made, and gets a rare look at their state-of-the-art printing technology and meet their top-secret banknote artists.

Tanaka Isson had a unique gift for portraying Amami Oshima's nature in art. A child prodigy, his career faltered until he moved to the island. Time-lapse footage hints at scenes that inspired him.

Atsuko Okatsuka is a US-based stand-up comedian with fans all over the world. She tells us why she pursues comedy, and talks about finding humor within the hardships of life in a minority group.

Faced with eviction by a redevelopment project, the inhabitants of a Bangkok slum get help from Thai-born Prateep and her Japanese husband Tatsuya who've made supporting the residents their lifework.

At one of Japan's largest anime events, Anime Japan 2026, NHK WORLD-JAPAN introduced the anime and related programs broadcast in March, and promoted its many services-including catch-up viewing.

Join us as we explore Sendagaya, an area nestled between Shinjuku and Harajuku. It's home to sports facilities, venues for Noh theater and the board game shogi, and hundreds of apparel makers.

Two drugs have been approved for their potential to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. We look at how they work and report on new findings suggesting a food-derived component may also help.

Our team visits the National Printing Bureau in Tokyo where Japan's banknotes are made, and gets a rare look at their state-of-the-art printing technology and meet their top-secret banknote artists.

Tanaka Isson had a unique gift for portraying Amami Oshima's nature in art. A child prodigy, his career faltered until he moved to the island. Time-lapse footage hints at scenes that inspired him.

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

#18 It was really fun. / To express impressions of what you've experienced, drop the final "i" of an adjective that ends with "i," and add "katta desu." "Tanoshii" becomes "tanoshikatta desu.".

Faced with eviction by a redevelopment project, the inhabitants of a Bangkok slum get help from Thai-born Prateep and her Japanese husband Tatsuya who've made supporting the residents their lifework.

At one of Japan's largest anime events, Anime Japan 2026, NHK WORLD-JAPAN introduced the anime and related programs broadcast in March, and promoted its many services-including catch-up viewing.

Atsuko Okatsuka is a US-based stand-up comedian with fans all over the world. She tells us why she pursues comedy, and talks about finding humor within the hardships of life in a minority group.

A gourmet tour of ramen all around Japan. This time: the birthplace of tonkotsu, Fukuoka. Looking at the Hakata and Nagahama styles, we'll learn these ramens' secrets, and the story of its creation.

Join us on a night flight to admire Japan's stunning views on a journey from Tokyo to Fukuoka. Behold the sublime beauty of Mt. Fuji at sunset and the sparkling night views of major cities.

Edo was a city of waterways. The Yoroi Ferry transported people across the Nihonbashi River, one of its main commercial arteries. For the captain, it was a high-pressure job requiring skill and guts.

Rising temperatures are changing marine life. Sushi chains introduce unfamiliar fish, and researchers seek to breed species that can endure higher temperatures. This time, living with a warming sea.

Two drugs have been approved for their potential to slow the progression of Alzheimer's disease. We look at how they work and report on new findings suggesting a food-derived component may also help.

A major Tokyo quake could leave many stranded in Marunouchi, one of Japan's leading business districts. We'll examine its vast energy network protecting people from disasters and power outages.

Water researchers have established the term "water bankruptcy," an irreversible condition approached by many regions in which social and environmental factors exhaust the water supply.

A 140-year-old store sells delicate, hand-crafted Japanese confectionery. Traditional techniques present floral beauty in sweets, and the seasonal colors of Izumo are shown in time-lapse images.

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

#18 It was really fun. / To express impressions of what you've experienced, drop the final "i" of an adjective that ends with "i," and add "katta desu." "Tanoshii" becomes "tanoshikatta desu.".

Faced with eviction by a redevelopment project, the inhabitants of a Bangkok slum get help from Thai-born Prateep and her Japanese husband Tatsuya who've made supporting the residents their lifework.

At one of Japan's largest anime events, Anime Japan 2026, NHK WORLD-JAPAN introduced the anime and related programs broadcast in March, and promoted its many services-including catch-up viewing.