NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Inami Shishimai is a type of lion dance performed in Toyama Prefecture. Adults play the role of the shishi while a child is the shishi-tori, whose job is to pacify the shishi with sacred objects.

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

#33 How long does it take to get in? / To ask how long something takes, say "donokurai" (how long and how much), then a verb like "machimasu" (to wait), and finally add "ka.".

A small bookstore in Tokyo specializes in Vietnamese books. From the reactions of customers living in a foreign land, we can feel how books in their native language serve as spiritual nourishment.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN ran a booth at an event held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of "JICA Global Plaza." We see how JICA and NHK work together to promote kids' interest in international cooperation.

Giving a Spark to the Power Grid: This episode features strategies to maintain Japan's power grid. One company is recruiting climbers, and another created a mobile game for checking power poles.

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.

In Japan, one in 25 men now wear makeup daily. This episode follows a web designer in his 30s whose makeup journey began from wanting to hide skin damage, but led to deeper personal changes.

We break down a print that warps space to allow the viewer to be in two places at once: Shinobazu Pond, known for its lotus flowers, and the Sumida River, one of Edo's busiest waterways.

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

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.

In this episode, we learn about the fall chrysanthemum festival and the autumnal equinox, or shubun. The nuns enjoy sushi, salad, and dumplings made specially for the occasion.

Japanese researchers have uncovered part of the mechanism by which zinc deficiency triggers inflammation linked to a wide range of diseases. We look at why this mineral is so vital to our health.

Giving a Spark to the Power Grid: This episode features strategies to maintain Japan's power grid. One company is recruiting climbers, and another created a mobile game for checking power poles.

1 in 30 Japanese suffer from mental illness. We follow a woman who finds it hard to do simple tasks due to her illness, as she goes to rehabilitation for returning to work.

After an earthquake strikes, there's a high risk of fire spreading. In this episode, we'll look at the latest research on how to escape from these fires, and what you can do to stay safe.

The IUCN lists 48,646 species facing extinction, a figure that has more than quadrupled in 25 years, accelerated by climate change. Has the "Sixth Mass Extinction" begun?

A 700-year-old hot spring, Shirabu Onsen, is maintained via daily trips up the slopes of the 2,000-meter mountain where it sits. See the hot spring's guardian at work, in gorgeous time-lapse footage.

Shibuya is one of Tokyo's largest cities. A piano is placed near a ticket gate at the station, and people stop to play from their heart.

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

#33 How long does it take to get in? / To ask how long something takes, say "donokurai" (how long and how much), then a verb like "machimasu" (to wait), and finally add "ka.".

A small bookstore in Tokyo specializes in Vietnamese books. From the reactions of customers living in a foreign land, we can feel how books in their native language serve as spiritual nourishment.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN ran a booth at an event held to celebrate the 20th anniversary of "JICA Global Plaza." We see how JICA and NHK work together to promote kids' interest in international cooperation.

Daniel Moore takes a cinematic journey through Nagano. In springtime he hits the south, experiencing the breathtaking cherry blossoms, and in winter gets lost in magical winter landscapes up north.

Niigata is one of Japan's foremost ramen hotspots. Let's explore the diversity of the city's beloved ramen dishes.

Giving a Spark to the Power Grid: This episode features strategies to maintain Japan's power grid. One company is recruiting climbers, and another created a mobile game for checking power poles.

In Kyushu, BT finds masters of horseback archery and swordsmanship keeping alive the samurai spirit.

Shibuya is one of Tokyo's largest cities. A piano is placed near a ticket gate at the station, and people stop to play from their heart.

Join Harry Sugiyama and Chef Hayashi to learn about a unique, time-honored sushi style featuring yam and eggs instead of rice. They introduce the traditional method, and a simplified version.

Giving a Spark to the Power Grid: This episode features strategies to maintain Japan's power grid. One company is recruiting climbers, and another created a mobile game for checking power poles.

1 in 10 Japanese got married through online spouse-hunting services in 2020. We interview women who use matchmaking apps, including Manami, who uses multiple apps to find a perfect partner.

"Mizoca," a 48-seat propeller plane featuring a dolphin design, is a key mode of transport based in Kyushu's Amakusa region. For three days we took to the skies to ask passengers about their journeys.

On New Year's Eve, performers dress as monsters called namahage. It's a good-natured tradition that strengthens family and community bonds. And in the village of Tayazawa, it was recently revived.

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.

Japanese researchers have uncovered part of the mechanism by which zinc deficiency triggers inflammation linked to a wide range of diseases. We look at why this mineral is so vital to our health.

Giving a Spark to the Power Grid: This episode features strategies to maintain Japan's power grid. One company is recruiting climbers, and another created a mobile game for checking power poles.

Eighty-one years after World War II ended, people across Japan are still sowing seeds of peace. Dig a little deeper, meeting people committed to peace.

Featured recipe: Ginger Chicken Wings/ Learn about easy, delicious, and healthy cooking with Chef Rika in five minutes!

Daniel Moore takes a cinematic journey through Nagano. In springtime he hits the south, experiencing the breathtaking cherry blossoms, and in winter gets lost in magical winter landscapes up north.

Niigata's Sanjo City is considered the birthplace of curry ramen. A metalworking city, it also produces ramen utensils!

In Kyushu, BT finds masters of horseback archery and swordsmanship keeping alive the samurai spirit.

Sweltering Summers Inspire New Products: This episode features new products that were developed in response to Japan's intense summer heat.

1 in 10 Japanese got married through online spouse-hunting services in 2020. We interview women who use matchmaking apps, including Manami, who uses multiple apps to find a perfect partner.

Join Harry Sugiyama and Chef Hayashi to learn about a unique, time-honored sushi style featuring yam and eggs instead of rice. They introduce the traditional method, and a simplified version.

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

In this episode, we learn about the autumn dates of kanro and soko. The nuns show us how to make the seasonal specialties gammodoki and gohei-mochi rice cakes.

"Mizoca," a 48-seat propeller plane featuring a dolphin design, is a key mode of transport based in Kyushu's Amakusa region. For three days we took to the skies to ask passengers about their journeys.

Kumamoto is recovering from the 2016 earthquake. A piano is placed in a shopping arcade for a limited period, and people stop to play from their heart.

After an earthquake strikes, there's a high risk of fire spreading. In this episode, we'll look at the latest research on how to escape from these fires, and what you can do to stay safe.

On New Year's Eve, performers dress as monsters called namahage. It's a good-natured tradition that strengthens family and community bonds. And in the village of Tayazawa, it was recently revived.

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.

Japanese researchers have uncovered part of the mechanism by which zinc deficiency triggers inflammation linked to a wide range of diseases. We look at why this mineral is so vital to our health.

Daniel Moore takes a cinematic journey through Nagano. In springtime he hits the south, experiencing the breathtaking cherry blossoms, and in winter gets lost in magical winter landscapes up north.

Art on Demand: This episode features companies using creative ways to get fine art by undiscovered artists into people's homes and public spaces.

Sweltering Summers Inspire New Products: This episode features new products that were developed in response to Japan's intense summer heat.

Amblyopia is a condition where vision in one eye doesn't properly develop. Ishigaki Yo has created a device that improves vision through gaming. He talks about designing products that benefit society.

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

#33 How long does it take to get in? / To ask how long something takes, say "donokurai" (how long and how much), then a verb like "machimasu" (to wait), and finally add "ka.".

Shirakawa-go is one of Japan's snowiest regions, famous for its traditional thatched-roof Gassho-style homes. Every detail of life here is reflected in the cooperative bond shared by residents.

Join Harry Sugiyama and Chef Hayashi to learn about a unique, time-honored sushi style featuring yam and eggs instead of rice. They introduce the traditional method, and a simplified version.

On New Year's Eve, performers dress as monsters called namahage. It's a good-natured tradition that strengthens family and community bonds. And in the village of Tayazawa, it was recently revived.

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.

"Mizoca," a 48-seat propeller plane featuring a dolphin design, is a key mode of transport based in Kyushu's Amakusa region. For three days we took to the skies to ask passengers about their journeys.

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

In this episode, we learn about the autumn dates of kanro and soko. The nuns show us how to make the seasonal specialties gammodoki and gohei-mochi rice cakes.

A survey expedition field tests new equipment to automate the mapping of marine plastics. Plus, using robots, AI, and VR to study how humans learn to think.

Daniel Moore takes a cinematic journey through Nagano. In springtime he hits the south, experiencing the breathtaking cherry blossoms, and in winter gets lost in magical winter landscapes up north.

Niigata's Sanjo City is considered the birthplace of curry ramen. A metalworking city, it also produces ramen utensils!

In Kyushu, BT finds masters of horseback archery and swordsmanship keeping alive the samurai spirit.

Kumamoto is recovering from the 2016 earthquake. A piano is placed in a shopping arcade for a limited period, and people stop to play from their heart.

Eighty-one years after World War II ended, people across Japan are still sowing seeds of peace. Dig a little deeper, meeting people committed to peace.

Featured recipe: Ginger Chicken Wings/ Learn about easy, delicious, and healthy cooking with Chef Rika in five minutes!

On New Year's Eve, performers dress as monsters called namahage. It's a good-natured tradition that strengthens family and community bonds. And in the village of Tayazawa, it was recently revived.

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.

Join Harry Sugiyama and Chef Hayashi to learn about a unique, time-honored sushi style featuring yam and eggs instead of rice. They introduce the traditional method, and a simplified version.

Sweltering Summers Inspire New Products: This episode features new products that were developed in response to Japan's intense summer heat.

Amblyopia is a condition where vision in one eye doesn't properly develop. Ishigaki Yo has created a device that improves vision through gaming. He talks about designing products that benefit society.

Delayed Sleep-Wake Phase Disorder is common among youth, causes extremely late sleep and wake times disrupting work or school life. We meet young sufferers who seek more flexible lifestyles.

Japan is a seismically active land; the Edo period was no exception. In the aftermath of a major 1855 earthquake, an angry guardian deity set off on a quest to capture those considered responsible.

What if this was the final lesson you would ever teach? Atomic bomb survivor and former teacher Kajiya Fumiaki, age 85, prepares one last lesson for the children of an Osaka elementary school.

1 in 30 Japanese suffer from mental illness. We follow a woman who finds it hard to do simple tasks due to her illness, as she goes to rehabilitation for returning to work.

"Mizoca," a 48-seat propeller plane featuring a dolphin design, is a key mode of transport based in Kyushu's Amakusa region. For three days we took to the skies to ask passengers about their journeys.

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

In this episode, we learn about the autumn dates of kanro and soko. The nuns show us how to make the seasonal specialties gammodoki and gohei-mochi rice cakes.

A survey expedition field tests new equipment to automate the mapping of marine plastics. Plus, using robots, AI, and VR to study how humans learn to think.

Sweltering Summers Inspire New Products: This episode features new products that were developed in response to Japan's intense summer heat.

1 in 10 Japanese got married through online spouse-hunting services in 2020. We interview women who use matchmaking apps, including Manami, who uses multiple apps to find a perfect partner.

In Kyushu, BT finds masters of horseback archery and swordsmanship keeping alive the samurai spirit.

Kumamoto is recovering from the 2016 earthquake. A piano is placed in a shopping arcade for a limited period, and people stop to play from their heart.

Join Harry Sugiyama and Chef Hayashi to learn about a unique, time-honored sushi style featuring yam and eggs instead of rice. They introduce the traditional method, and a simplified version.

Daniel Moore takes a cinematic journey through Nagano. In springtime he hits the south, experiencing the breathtaking cherry blossoms, and in winter gets lost in magical winter landscapes up north.

Niigata's Sanjo City is considered the birthplace of curry ramen. A metalworking city, it also produces ramen utensils!

Eighty-one years after World War II ended, people across Japan are still sowing seeds of peace. Dig a little deeper, meeting people committed to peace.

Featured recipe: Ginger Chicken Wings/ Learn about easy, delicious, and healthy cooking with Chef Rika in five minutes!

Sweltering Summers Inspire New Products: This episode features new products that were developed in response to Japan's intense summer heat.

Ryogoku is known as the home of sumo. As we explore, we learn how the sport took root after a devastating fire in the 17th century. It turns out that the neighborhood has a history of bouncing back!

Kumamoto is recovering from the 2016 earthquake. A piano is placed in a shopping arcade for a limited period, and people stop to play from their heart.

Matsufuji Yasushi has been promoting the Fukuoka Method of waste disposal in developing countries dealing with population growth and urbanization. He talks about the low-cost, eco-friendly approach.

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: concentrated laundry detergent.

Sweltering Summers Inspire New Products: This episode features new products that were developed in response to Japan's intense summer heat.

1 in 1000 Japanese have experience as a lay judge in court cases. We witness a networking event for former lay judges, where they discuss unique experiences. What does it feel like to judge others?

Dr. Oshiro Kazue is a skilled mountain medic, dedicated to promoting awareness of alpine safety, and even spending her summers treating climbers from a cabin near the peak of the iconic Mt. Fuji.

A week into the new year, giant torches are lit in a shrine precinct. The shadows they create enable a demon-oni-to go to a river and cleanse people of troubles. This is Oniyo: the night of the oni.

A survey expedition field tests new equipment to automate the mapping of marine plastics. Plus, using robots, AI, and VR to study how humans learn to think.

Sweltering Summers Inspire New Products: This episode features new products that were developed in response to Japan's intense summer heat.

During WWII, countless psychiatric patients in Japan starved to death. Tracing the footsteps of her beloved cousin, a writer sheds light on the hidden wartime struggles behind the hospital walls.

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.

Two local takes on ramen that kept Hiroshima fed during postwar reconstruction; flavors passed down for generations.

Ryogoku is known as the home of sumo. As we explore, we learn how the sport took root after a devastating fire in the 17th century. It turns out that the neighborhood has a history of bouncing back!

Inspecting the World Within: This episode features remotely operated vehicles with unique designs that were engineered to inspect difficult to access spaces.

1 in 1000 Japanese have experience as a lay judge in court cases. We witness a networking event for former lay judges, where they discuss unique experiences. What does it feel like to judge others?

Matsufuji Yasushi has been promoting the Fukuoka Method of waste disposal in developing countries dealing with population growth and urbanization. He talks about the low-cost, eco-friendly approach.

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: concentrated laundry detergent.

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.

In this episode, we learn about ritto and shosetsu, two dates of early winter. The nuns teach us how to make seasonal pickles and dumplings.

Dr. Oshiro Kazue is a skilled mountain medic, dedicated to promoting awareness of alpine safety, and even spending her summers treating climbers from a cabin near the peak of the iconic Mt. Fuji.

Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture is known for its Western architecture. A piano is placed inside the station, and people stop to play from their heart.

During WWII, countless psychiatric patients in Japan starved to death. Tracing the footsteps of her beloved cousin, a writer sheds light on the hidden wartime struggles behind the hospital walls.

A week into the new year, giant torches are lit in a shrine precinct. The shadows they create enable a demon-oni-to go to a river and cleanse people of troubles. This is Oniyo: the night of the oni.

A survey expedition field tests new equipment to automate the mapping of marine plastics. Plus, using robots, AI, and VR to study how humans learn to think.

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.

After an earthquake strikes, there's a high risk of fire spreading. In this episode, we'll look at the latest research on how to escape from these fires, and what you can do to stay safe.

The IUCN lists 48,646 species facing extinction, a figure that has more than quadrupled in 25 years, accelerated by climate change. Has the "Sixth Mass Extinction" begun?

A 700-year-old hot spring, Shirabu Onsen, is maintained via daily trips up the slopes of the 2,000-meter mountain where it sits. See the hot spring's guardian at work, in gorgeous time-lapse footage.

Inspecting the World Within: This episode features remotely operated vehicles with unique designs that were engineered to inspect difficult to access spaces.

Ito Satomi has designed costumes for many top-tier figure skaters from Japan and overseas. She shares her passion and inspiration for her craft.

In Japan, one in 25 men now wear makeup daily. This episode follows a web designer in his 30s whose makeup journey began from wanting to hide skin damage, but led to deeper personal changes.

Japan is a seismically active land; the Edo period was no exception. In the aftermath of a major 1855 earthquake, an angry guardian deity set off on a quest to capture those considered responsible.

The heavily forested Shiretoko Peninsula in eastern Hokkaido is lined with 1,500-meter peaks. Its extraordinary, intertwined ecosystem extends over both land and sea and is home to diverse species.

Matsufuji Yasushi has been promoting the Fukuoka Method of waste disposal in developing countries dealing with population growth and urbanization. He talks about the low-cost, eco-friendly approach.

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: concentrated laundry detergent.

A week into the new year, giant torches are lit in a shrine precinct. The shadows they create enable a demon-oni-to go to a river and cleanse people of troubles. This is Oniyo: the night of the oni.

Dr. Oshiro Kazue is a skilled mountain medic, dedicated to promoting awareness of alpine safety, and even spending her summers treating climbers from a cabin near the peak of the iconic Mt. Fuji.

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.

In this episode, we learn about ritto and shosetsu, two dates of early winter. The nuns teach us how to make seasonal pickles and dumplings.

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.

Two local takes on ramen that kept Hiroshima fed during postwar reconstruction; flavors passed down for generations.

Ryogoku is known as the home of sumo. As we explore, we learn how the sport took root after a devastating fire in the 17th century. It turns out that the neighborhood has a history of bouncing back!

Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture is known for its Western architecture. A piano is placed inside the station, and people stop to play from their heart.

During WWII, countless psychiatric patients in Japan starved to death. Tracing the footsteps of her beloved cousin, a writer sheds light on the hidden wartime struggles behind the hospital walls.

A week into the new year, giant torches are lit in a shrine precinct. The shadows they create enable a demon-oni-to go to a river and cleanse people of troubles. This is Oniyo: the night of the oni.

Matsufuji Yasushi has been promoting the Fukuoka Method of waste disposal in developing countries dealing with population growth and urbanization. He talks about the low-cost, eco-friendly approach.

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: concentrated laundry detergent.

Inspecting the World Within: This episode features remotely operated vehicles with unique designs that were engineered to inspect difficult to access spaces.

Ito Satomi has designed costumes for many top-tier figure skaters from Japan and overseas. She shares her passion and inspiration for her craft.

One in 23 people in Japan practice multi-location living. We follow a woman who works as a graphic designer in Tokyo and runs a cafe in Yamanashi. What joys has she found through this lifestyle?

When a little boy's nap is disturbed by a bad dream, his mother comes to his rescue. What was terrorizing him? We examine a print that shows how much the Edo townspeople cherished their kids.

Art on Demand: This episode features companies using creative ways to get fine art by undiscovered artists into people's homes and public spaces.

Dr. Oshiro Kazue is a skilled mountain medic, dedicated to promoting awareness of alpine safety, and even spending her summers treating climbers from a cabin near the peak of the iconic Mt. Fuji.

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.

In this episode, we learn about ritto and shosetsu, two dates of early winter. The nuns teach us how to make seasonal pickles and dumplings.

Inspecting the World Within: This episode features remotely operated vehicles with unique designs that were engineered to inspect difficult to access spaces.

1 in 1000 Japanese have experience as a lay judge in court cases. We witness a networking event for former lay judges, where they discuss unique experiences. What does it feel like to judge others?

Ryogoku is known as the home of sumo. As we explore, we learn how the sport took root after a devastating fire in the 17th century. It turns out that the neighborhood has a history of bouncing back!

Hirosaki City in Aomori Prefecture is known for its Western architecture. A piano is placed inside the station, and people stop to play from their heart.

Matsufuji Yasushi has been promoting the Fukuoka Method of waste disposal in developing countries dealing with population growth and urbanization. He talks about the low-cost, eco-friendly approach.

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: concentrated laundry detergent.

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.

Two local takes on ramen that kept Hiroshima fed during postwar reconstruction; flavors passed down for generations.

During WWII, countless psychiatric patients in Japan starved to death. Tracing the footsteps of her beloved cousin, a writer sheds light on the hidden wartime struggles behind the hospital walls.