NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Actor Kyle Card hikes the San'in Kaigan Geopark trail. He traces the Earth's memory through Uradome's jagged coast, Tottori's dunes and Genbudo's hexagonal columns.

Johan Leutwiler, from Switzerland, is currently Japan's only foreign swordsmith. In a Japanophiles interview, he tells us about being drawn to the world of Japanese swords and sword making.

Onomichi Betcha is a three-day festival in Hiroshima Prefecture. Masked ogres carry sticks with which to "torment" spectators. But being hit or poked with a stick is said to bring good luck.

Japan's longest-loved noodle dish, udon. Savor its undeniable appeal through local favorites and cutting-edge creations!

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.

In Uda, discover Japan's oldest private medicinal herb garden, where the natural landscape from 300 years ago is preserved in a botanical time capsule, a sanctuary of the local culture and history.

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

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

Hop on a plane and view Japan from the sky! It's nearly the apex of summer, and we're heading to the nature rich Amami Oshima Island, which recently became a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

We attend a New Year's concert at a samurai residence, where a master koto player delights a crowd of gorgeously dressed celebrity-types. Lounging in the best seat in the house is no ordinary V.I.P.

Higashinada Danjiri involves a parade of decorated floats, pulled by teams of veterans and ridden by young performers that lean out over the crowd. 32 districts take part with their own float.

After preparing fresh bamboo shoots, the chefs add seasoning and potato starch, then deep fry until the color is a golden brown. This crispy dish is the perfect springtime treat.

A 15-minute spin-off of the "Somewhere Street" series, "A Short Stroll" explores cities through a traveler's eyes.Today we visit Auckland, New Zealand's largest city.

Johan Leutwiler, from Switzerland, is currently Japan's only foreign swordsmith. In a Japanophiles interview, he tells us about being drawn to the world of Japanese swords and sword making.

Hojo Railway in Hyogo Prefecture managed to boost ridership with the introduction of volunteer stationmasters and an old, beloved diesel car. See how this regional railway is working to stay on top.

The brilliant white Himeji Castle is a rare example of a wood castle built without a single nail. With solid battle defenses and beauty preserved by craftsmen, it's a masterpiece of function and form.

Onomichi Betcha is a three-day festival in Hiroshima Prefecture. Masked ogres carry sticks with which to "torment" spectators. But being hit or poked with a stick is said to bring good luck.

Japan's longest-loved noodle dish, udon. Savor its undeniable appeal through local favorites and cutting-edge creations!

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.

A 15-minute spin-off of the "Somewhere Street" series, "A Short Stroll" explores cities through a traveler's eyes.Today we visit Vancouver, a seaport Canadian city.

In Uda, discover Japan's oldest private medicinal herb garden, where the natural landscape from 300 years ago is preserved in a botanical time capsule, a sanctuary of the local culture and history.

Seto Inland Sea is the largest body of water of its kind in Japan. See the sights of the Great Seto Bridge and the shallow coastal waters through time-lapse photography.

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

In Hakodate, ramen is salt or shio-style! Enjoy a delicious bowl of ramen that carries on the tradition.

Hop on from Narita, the air gateway to Japan. Flying above the active volcanoes, breathtaking window views await!

Summer is winding down, and tonight down by Edo Bay the streets are filled with professional entertainers, food sellers, and revelers. It's getting late, but this party is just getting started.

Johan Leutwiler, from Switzerland, is currently Japan's only foreign swordsmith. In a Japanophiles interview, he tells us about being drawn to the world of Japanese swords and sword making.

The brilliant white Himeji Castle is a rare example of a wood castle built without a single nail. With solid battle defenses and beauty preserved by craftsmen, it's a masterpiece of function and form.

Hojo Railway in Hyogo Prefecture managed to boost ridership with the introduction of volunteer stationmasters and an old, beloved diesel car. See how this regional railway is working to stay on top.

A 15-minute spin-off of the "Somewhere Street" series, "A Short Stroll" explores cities through a traveler's eyes.Today we visit Vancouver, a seaport Canadian city.

Higashinada Danjiri involves a parade of decorated floats, pulled by teams of veterans and ridden by young performers that lean out over the crowd. 32 districts take part with their own float.

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.

In Uda, discover Japan's oldest private medicinal herb garden, where the natural landscape from 300 years ago is preserved in a botanical time capsule, a sanctuary of the local culture and history.

In recent years, night high schools in Japan are admitting more students with international roots. We look at a school in Tokyo and a teacher dedicated to guiding his students toward a better future.

Kyle Card explores the San'in Kaigan Geopark, discovering Yumura's hot springs, Ojiro's hillside rice terraces and heritage Tajima beef, as well as the Oriental White Stork wetlands of Toyooka.

A new high-speed rail line has sparked a massive rise in tourism to Laos's historic capital Luang Prabang. It's had a major effect on traditional local life in this World Heritage town.

Tiara designer Kamitani Taro specializes in custom pieces. He's now working with a newly developed material, and we follow his creative process to see how he puts the sparkle into his designs.

A 15-minute spin-off of the "Somewhere Street" series, "A Short Stroll" explores cities around the world. This time we visit Faro, the southernmost city in Portugal.

Hojo Railway in Hyogo Prefecture managed to boost ridership with the introduction of volunteer stationmasters and an old, beloved diesel car. See how this regional railway is working to stay on top.

Kyle Card explores the San'in Kaigan Geopark, discovering Yumura's hot springs, Ojiro's hillside rice terraces and heritage Tajima beef, as well as the Oriental White Stork wetlands of Toyooka.

A close-up look at cities worldwide,as seen by a walking tourist.You visit places off the beaten path and meet people. Today: Adelaide, Australia.

In recent years, night high schools in Japan are admitting more students with international roots. We look at a school in Tokyo and a teacher dedicated to guiding his students toward a better future.

Appearing to float on the sea, Itsukushima Shrine is built in harmony with nature, changing appearance with the tide. A symbol of beauty and beliefs, its clever construction protects it from the sea.

A new high-speed rail line has sparked a massive rise in tourism to Laos's historic capital Luang Prabang. It's had a major effect on traditional local life in this World Heritage town.

Kyle Card explores the San'in Kaigan Geopark, discovering Yumura's hot springs, Ojiro's hillside rice terraces and heritage Tajima beef, as well as the Oriental White Stork wetlands of Toyooka.

Tiara designer Kamitani Taro specializes in custom pieces. He's now working with a newly developed material, and we follow his creative process to see how he puts the sparkle into his designs.

At the Niihama Taiko Matsuri, teams of around 150 people carry taikodai: three-tonne parade floats housing a huge taiko drum. They compete to give the most powerful synchronized performance.

"Curry rice," one of Japan's most iconic national dishes. Why is this dish born in India so beloved by the Japanese?

People from far and wide flock to a spring deep in the Nagano Prefecture mountains that offers free water. For three days in early winter, we asked them why this water is worth coming for.

Hojo Railway in Hyogo Prefecture managed to boost ridership with the introduction of volunteer stationmasters and an old, beloved diesel car. See how this regional railway is working to stay on top.

In recent years, night high schools in Japan are admitting more students with international roots. We look at a school in Tokyo and a teacher dedicated to guiding his students toward a better future.

Hosono Hitomi's botanically themed ceramics are highly acclaimed and held in museum collections across the world. She talks about her intricate designs and unmatched technique.

Global warming leads to widespread famine. By the end of the century, it is predicted that yields of maize, soybeans, and wheat may fall by 30-40%. We examine the scientific data on this global issue.

All moms need some "me time." That's why one forward-thinking woman in Kyoto established Mamo Heart, a space for mothers to not only relax, but also get their own business ideas off the ground.

Kagura is a traditional performance of music and dance. Buzen Kagura features 24 well-known pieces including an acrobatic feat and a tale from Japanese myth. Children present the same pieces.

The temple chefs transform the bounty of the mountain into tasty tempura!

A new high-speed rail line has sparked a massive rise in tourism to Laos's historic capital Luang Prabang. It's had a major effect on traditional local life in this World Heritage town.

A close-up look at cities worldwide,as seen by a walking tourist.You visit places off the beaten path and meet people. Today: Adelaide, Australia.

Tiara designer Kamitani Taro specializes in custom pieces. He's now working with a newly developed material, and we follow his creative process to see how he puts the sparkle into his designs.

Today's theme: Vanishing Tools. As the rising age of artisans puts the survival of certain crafts at risk, we shine a light on the vanishing tools used to keep them alive, and their anonymous designs.

Appearing to float on the sea, Itsukushima Shrine is built in harmony with nature, changing appearance with the tide. A symbol of beauty and beliefs, its clever construction protects it from the sea.

In recent years, night high schools in Japan are admitting more students with international roots. We look at a school in Tokyo and a teacher dedicated to guiding his students toward a better future.

At the Niihama Taiko Matsuri, teams of around 150 people carry taikodai: three-tonne parade floats housing a huge taiko drum. They compete to give the most powerful synchronized performance.

"Curry rice," one of Japan's most iconic national dishes. Why is this dish born in India so beloved by the Japanese?

Matsumoto Myokei, a "once-in-a-century" sculptor of Buddhist statues, is passing his skills onto his grandson, Shukan. 80 years on from the atomic bomb attacks, Shukan sculpts a message of peace.

A 15-minute spin-off of the "Somewhere Street" series, "A Short Stroll" explores cities around the world. This time we visit Faro, the southernmost city in Portugal.

A new high-speed rail line has sparked a massive rise in tourism to Laos's historic capital Luang Prabang. It's had a major effect on traditional local life in this World Heritage town.

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

Hosono Hitomi's botanically themed ceramics are highly acclaimed and held in museum collections across the world. She talks about her intricate designs and unmatched technique.

Global warming leads to widespread famine. By the end of the century, it is predicted that yields of maize, soybeans, and wheat may fall by 30-40%. We examine the scientific data on this global issue.

A dapper young man sits in a teahouse with his older companion when a young woman catches his eye. From the way they're looking at each other, it's clear that there's something going on between them.

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.

Tiara designer Kamitani Taro specializes in custom pieces. He's now working with a newly developed material, and we follow his creative process to see how he puts the sparkle into his designs.

Appearing to float on the sea, Itsukushima Shrine is built in harmony with nature, changing appearance with the tide. A symbol of beauty and beliefs, its clever construction protects it from the sea.

Today's theme: Vanishing Tools. As the rising age of artisans puts the survival of certain crafts at risk, we shine a light on the vanishing tools used to keep them alive, and their anonymous designs.

A 15-minute spin-off of the "Somewhere Street" series, "A Short Stroll" explores cities around the world. This time we visit Faro, the southernmost city in Portugal.

In recent years, night high schools in Japan are admitting more students with international roots. We look at a school in Tokyo and a teacher dedicated to guiding his students toward a better future.

Kagura is a traditional performance of music and dance. Buzen Kagura features 24 well-known pieces including an acrobatic feat and a tale from Japanese myth. Children present the same pieces.

A new high-speed rail line has sparked a massive rise in tourism to Laos's historic capital Luang Prabang. It's had a major effect on traditional local life in this World Heritage town.

All moms need some "me time." That's why one forward-thinking woman in Kyoto established Mamo Heart, a space for mothers to not only relax, but also get their own business ideas off the ground.

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: automatic floodgates.

Johan Leutwiler, from Switzerland, is currently Japan's only foreign swordsmith. In a Japanophiles interview, he tells us about being drawn to the world of Japanese swords and sword making.