NHK WORLD-JAPAN

QR codes are now part of everyday life. This breakthrough began in a corner of an auto parts company. Driven by a dream and a father's words, a determined team set out to create a global standard.

We spotlight Sound! Euphonium, a coming-of-age band drama. Novelist Takeda Ayano recalls her real high-school band days and Kyoto Animation showcases Uji's scenery and hand-drawn performance scenes.

Design is fun! Design feels good! Cutting-edge images and music guide children to enjoy exploring the ideas and tweaks in the designs all around us. An episode on Ears.

Japanese city pop is being rediscovered around the world, and EPO, one of the genre's most celebrated singers, captures everything that makes this music so loved across borders and generations.

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 1-9.

Most commercial honey in Japan comes from Western honeybees, whose honey can be harvested several times a year. Japanese honeybees are much less productive but keeping them can be a real education.

A local cat guides us to a fairy tale palace-or rather, a shrine that looks like the palace! Together with Iwago, we visit scenic spots, including a tea farm that's patrolled by an early-rising cat.

Slip on banana peel, take a tumble: the classic comedy gag! Mabuchi Kiyoshi's serious search for scientific proof of that slipperiness revealed that peels have properties similar to human body parts!

The changing leaves, the transient beauty of the ancient capital in fall. Dive deep into Kyoto, still innovative 1,200 years after its foundation.

Asking a shop manager to follow orders from head office. Accelerate your Japanese language skills! Learn practical, effective workplace expressions and understand business culture.

Kojima Sachiyo runs a different sort of bar. Customers make small items out of scrap material. Finding new appreciation for things once seen as disposable, all while enjoying a drink with friends.

The British city of Oxford is home to the renowned University of Oxford. The city's 900-year academic history shapes its streets with rich traditions, historic colleges, and a unique scholarly spirit.

Passang Lama Bhotia fell in love with Mt. Fuji as a child in Nepal. After becoming a Himalayan mountain guide, he came to Japan and now works on the mountain he dreamed of, guiding foreign tourists.

Due to global warming, the bamboo habitat range in Japan is expanding and abandoned bamboo groves are encroaching on forests and farmland nationwide. How should we associate with this iconic plant?

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

We explore a factory in Sagamihara where they make machines that skewer ingredients for famous Japanese foods like yakitori and oden. How do they ensure each piece is cooked to soft, juicy perfection?

Cape Ashizuri is marked by rugged cliffs and peculiar rocks. A strong current off its coast has been the cause of many accidents. Enjoy the scenery at the cape, a place of worship, in time-lapse.

100 years ago, on September 1, 1923, a major earthquake struck Japan. The Great Kanto Earthquake left an estimated 105,000 people dead or missing, yet most of the victims perished in fires. Why?

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

#23 I like this cat. / To express what you like, say the name of a person, place, or thing and "ga suki desu.".

In response to a serious labor shortage, Japan's taxi industry is hiring more and more foreign drivers. The program introduces the efforts by both the government and taxi companies to facilitate this.

We introduce the English-language versions of two "edutainment" programs for kids: The Wakey Show, with DJ Wakey and a cast of puppets, and I Love 'Mee', an animation exploring everyday questions.

Kyoto in the autumn: the old capital is even more beautiful when dressed in fall colors. Witness the contemplative and quiet beauty of Kyoto through time-lapse photography.

We explore a factory in Sagamihara where they make machines that skewer ingredients for famous Japanese foods like yakitori and oden. How do they ensure each piece is cooked to soft, juicy perfection?

Cape Ashizuri is marked by rugged cliffs and peculiar rocks. A strong current off its coast has been the cause of many accidents. Enjoy the scenery at the cape, a place of worship, in time-lapse.

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

#23 I like this cat. / To express what you like, say the name of a person, place, or thing and "ga suki desu.".

In response to a serious labor shortage, Japan's taxi industry is hiring more and more foreign drivers. The program introduces the efforts by both the government and taxi companies to facilitate this.

We introduce the English-language versions of two "edutainment" programs for kids: The Wakey Show, with DJ Wakey and a cast of puppets, and I Love 'Mee', an animation exploring everyday questions.

In Tsuruoka, a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy, David Wells explores the past and present of its traditional food culture.

We explore a factory in Sagamihara where they make machines that skewer ingredients for famous Japanese foods like yakitori and oden. How do they ensure each piece is cooked to soft, juicy perfection?

Cape Ashizuri is marked by rugged cliffs and peculiar rocks. A strong current off its coast has been the cause of many accidents. Enjoy the scenery at the cape, a place of worship, in time-lapse.

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

In response to a serious labor shortage, Japan's taxi industry is hiring more and more foreign drivers. The program introduces the efforts by both the government and taxi companies to facilitate this.

We introduce the English-language versions of two "edutainment" programs for kids: The Wakey Show, with DJ Wakey and a cast of puppets, and I Love 'Mee', an animation exploring everyday questions.

Home to musicians, comedians, writers, and more, Koenji is known as a subculture hub. Join us as we explore its shopping streets and countless alleys and learn the origins of its maze-like layout.

We explore a factory in Sagamihara where they make machines that skewer ingredients for famous Japanese foods like yakitori and oden. How do they ensure each piece is cooked to soft, juicy perfection?

Cape Ashizuri is marked by rugged cliffs and peculiar rocks. A strong current off its coast has been the cause of many accidents. Enjoy the scenery at the cape, a place of worship, in time-lapse.

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

#23 I like this cat. / To express what you like, say the name of a person, place, or thing and "ga suki desu.".

In response to a serious labor shortage, Japan's taxi industry is hiring more and more foreign drivers. The program introduces the efforts by both the government and taxi companies to facilitate this.

We introduce the English-language versions of two "edutainment" programs for kids: The Wakey Show, with DJ Wakey and a cast of puppets, and I Love 'Mee', an animation exploring everyday questions.

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

In this episode, we learn about boshu and geshi, two dates from early summer. The chefs prepare ume plums and tea leaves and teach us how to make a pair of refreshing summer dishes.

On those hot, humid summer nights, nothing can get in the way of sleep like mosquitoes on the hunt. We learn about the tools the Edo townspeople had at their disposal to fight the pesky insects.

Peek through the Business Keyhole for a behind-the-scenes look at various industries. This time, we take a deep dive into the world of sushi-go-round!

A billion cats are on the loose!? An online post throws the father into a panic. How should we interact with online information when fake images are on the rise, especially during disasters?

100 years ago, on September 1, 1923, a major earthquake struck Japan. The Great Kanto Earthquake left an estimated 105,000 people dead or missing, yet most of the victims perished in fires. Why?

Due to global warming, the bamboo habitat range in Japan is expanding and abandoned bamboo groves are encroaching on forests and farmland nationwide. How should we associate with this iconic plant?

Amami Oshima is a World Natural Heritage Site, with rare flora and fauna including many endemic species. Explore the biodiversity of its lush, subtropical forests in stunning time-lapse footage.

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

#23 I like this cat. / To express what you like, say the name of a person, place, or thing and "ga suki desu.".

In response to a serious labor shortage, Japan's taxi industry is hiring more and more foreign drivers. The program introduces the efforts by both the government and taxi companies to facilitate this.

We introduce the English-language versions of two "edutainment" programs for kids: The Wakey Show, with DJ Wakey and a cast of puppets, and I Love 'Mee', an animation exploring everyday questions.

Food writer David Conklin gets up close to the Buddhas and gods of the mystical Kunisaki Peninsula, visits with locals, and experiences a scintillating fire festival.

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.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN broadcasts a variety of programs with over 50 titles. This program "Dig More Japan" will extract the essence of these programs and further deepen the charm of Japanese culture.

Featured recipe: Dashimaki Omelet. Learn about Japanese home cooking with Master Chef Saito, based on traditional Japanese cooking techniques in five minutes!

Food writer David Conklin gets up close to the Buddhas and gods of the mystical Kunisaki Peninsula, visits with locals, and experiences a scintillating fire festival.

Traditional techniques and resourceful recipes! Chefs Saito, Rika, and a lineup of master chefs share their unique approaches to Japanese cooking.

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.

100 years ago, on September 1, 1923, a major earthquake struck Japan. The Great Kanto Earthquake left an estimated 105,000 people dead or missing, yet most of the victims perished in fires. Why?

Kyoto in the autumn: the old capital is even more beautiful when dressed in fall colors. Witness the contemplative and quiet beauty of Kyoto 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.

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

#23 I like this cat. / To express what you like, say the name of a person, place, or thing and "ga suki desu.".

Traditional techniques and resourceful recipes! Chefs Saito, Rika, and a lineup of master chefs share their unique approaches to Japanese cooking.

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.

Discover the science behind nature's favorite shape, the hexagon. Plus, a cutting-edge drone uses insect antennae to sniff out scents.

Food writer David Conklin gets up close to the Buddhas and gods of the mystical Kunisaki Peninsula, visits with locals, and experiences a scintillating fire festival.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN broadcasts a variety of programs with over 50 titles. This program "Dig More Japan" will extract the essence of these programs and further deepen the charm of Japanese culture.

Featured recipe: Dashimaki Omelet. Learn about Japanese home cooking with Master Chef Saito, based on traditional Japanese cooking techniques in five minutes!

Traditional techniques and resourceful recipes! Chefs Saito, Rika, and a lineup of master chefs share their unique approaches to Japanese cooking.

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

1 in 50 families have lost a child during pregnancy or soon after birth. A couple who lost their second son when two hours old talks about their grief and sorrow, a topic often not discussed in Japan.

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?

A construction firm in Hokkaido pours efforts into restoring old Japanese-style houses. They're also dedicated to preserving the traditional methods used to build those homes that can last centuries.

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.

Discover the science behind nature's favorite shape, the hexagon. Plus, a cutting-edge drone uses insect antennae to sniff out scents.

Food writer David Conklin gets up close to the Buddhas and gods of the mystical Kunisaki Peninsula, visits with locals, and experiences a scintillating fire festival.

Traditional techniques and resourceful recipes! Chefs Saito, Rika, and a lineup of master chefs share their unique approaches to Japanese cooking.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN broadcasts a variety of programs with over 50 titles. This program "Dig More Japan" will extract the essence of these programs and further deepen the charm of Japanese culture.

Featured recipe: Dashimaki Omelet. Learn about Japanese home cooking with Master Chef Saito, based on traditional Japanese cooking techniques in five minutes!

The popular Ebisu district developed alongside a brewery and even derives its name from beer. We trace the area's evolution, soak up its old-fashioned charm, and see what makes the community tick.

Sato Yasuhiro coaches top snowboarders of many nationalities. Some of them took gold at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The coach explains how snowboarding can make the world a better place.

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

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.

Discover the science behind nature's favorite shape, the hexagon. Plus, a cutting-edge drone uses insect antennae to sniff out scents.

The popular Ebisu district developed alongside a brewery and even derives its name from beer. We trace the area's evolution, soak up its old-fashioned charm, and see what makes the community tick.

Sato Yasuhiro coaches top snowboarders of many nationalities. Some of them took gold at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The coach explains how snowboarding can make the world a better place.

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

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.

Discover the science behind nature's favorite shape, the hexagon. Plus, a cutting-edge drone uses insect antennae to sniff out scents.

100 years ago, on September 1, 1923, a major earthquake struck Japan. The Great Kanto Earthquake left an estimated 105,000 people dead or missing, yet most of the victims perished in fires. Why?

Due to global warming, the bamboo habitat range in Japan is expanding and abandoned bamboo groves are encroaching on forests and farmland nationwide. How should we associate with this iconic plant?

Amami Oshima is a World Natural Heritage Site, with rare flora and fauna including many endemic species. Explore the biodiversity of its lush, subtropical forests in stunning time-lapse footage.

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

In this episode, we learn about boshu and geshi, two dates from early summer. The chefs prepare ume plums and tea leaves and teach us how to make a pair of refreshing summer dishes.

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?

Sato Yasuhiro coaches top snowboarders of many nationalities. Some of them took gold at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The coach explains how snowboarding can make the world a better place.

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

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.

The popular Ebisu district developed alongside a brewery and even derives its name from beer. We trace the area's evolution, soak up its old-fashioned charm, and see what makes the community tick.

Sato Yasuhiro coaches top snowboarders of many nationalities. Some of them took gold at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The coach explains how snowboarding can make the world a better place.

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

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

1 in 156 Japanese are transgenders. In a society still lacking in understanding, we talk to transgender people about work, marriage, leisure, as they try to live their normal daily lives.

It's late at night, when all are fast asleep. A young man and woman huddle together along the veranda outside of a house, attending to a ... rooster. What could the pair be up to?

Discover the science behind nature's favorite shape, the hexagon. Plus, a cutting-edge drone uses insect antennae to sniff out scents.

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.

The popular Ebisu district developed alongside a brewery and even derives its name from beer. We trace the area's evolution, soak up its old-fashioned charm, and see what makes the community tick.

Sato Yasuhiro coaches top snowboarders of many nationalities. Some of them took gold at the 2026 Milan-Cortina Winter Olympics. The coach explains how snowboarding can make the world a better place.

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.

Visit one of Japan's engineering marvels, an auto and train bridge spanning six islands, and meet the dedicated crew working to keep it as good as new for the next 200 years.

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.

Visit one of Japan's engineering marvels, an auto and train bridge spanning six islands, and meet the dedicated crew working to keep it as good as new for the next 200 years.

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

1 in 50 families have lost a child during pregnancy or soon after birth. A couple who lost their second son when two hours old talks about their grief and sorrow, a topic often not discussed in Japan.

It's late at night, when all are fast asleep. A young man and woman huddle together along the veranda outside of a house, attending to a ... rooster. What could the pair be up to?

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.

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.

Visit one of Japan's engineering marvels, an auto and train bridge spanning six islands, and meet the dedicated crew working to keep it as good as new for the next 200 years.

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

1 in 45 Japanese are suspected of a gambling addiction. We follow a man who made a clean break from gambling, overcoming the crisis of a broken family, and is in the recovery process from addiction.

We visit one of the most famous cherry blossom spots in Edo. Flower viewing parties were for eating, drinking and making merry. It was also an opportunity for young men and women to mingle.

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.

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.

Visit one of Japan's engineering marvels, an auto and train bridge spanning six islands, and meet the dedicated crew working to keep it as good as new for the next 200 years.

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.

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.

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.