NHK WORLD-JAPAN

While food stalls are vanishing from cities across Japan, Hakata in Fukuoka City is one place where they remain popular. We explore a unique food culture that satisfies both the body and the soul.

Hyper Rescue Nagoya, a special unit of highly trained experts, is ready to respond when disaster strikes. We follow them as they prepare for whatever might come their way.

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

In 2025, Otani Akira's book "The Night of Baba Yaga" won the UKs prestigious Dagger prize for crime fiction in translation-a first for a Japanese author. She shares the inspiration behind her work.

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.

Daisen-Oki National Park comprises the Oki Islands, which boast spectacular geological formations, and a mainland area with shrines and sacred mountains that gave rise to myths and legends.

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.

While food stalls are vanishing from cities across Japan, Hakata in Fukuoka City is one place where they remain popular. We explore a unique food culture that satisfies both the body and the soul.

Choshi Electric Railway in Chiba Prefecture posted its first loss in four years, as reported in June 2025. See the company's plans to survive this time, following its previous triumphs over crises.

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

Hyper Rescue Nagoya, a special unit of highly trained experts, is ready to respond when disaster strikes. We follow them as they prepare for whatever might come their way.

In 2025, Otani Akira's book "The Night of Baba Yaga" won the UKs prestigious Dagger prize for crime fiction in translation-a first for a Japanese author. She shares the inspiration behind her work.

Fly high from Shizuoka Airport, the nearest to Mt. Fuji! Breathtaking window views and special cockpit footage await!

Towada-Hachimantai National Park comprises the nature-rich Oirase-Keiryu, the crystal-clear Lake Towada, and the lush marshlands of Mt. Hachimantai. It presents nature in its many forms.

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.

While food stalls are vanishing from cities across Japan, Hakata in Fukuoka City is one place where they remain popular. We explore a unique food culture that satisfies both the body and the soul.

Choshi Electric Railway in Chiba Prefecture posted its first loss in four years, as reported in June 2025. See the company's plans to survive this time, following its previous triumphs over crises.

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

Hyper Rescue Nagoya, a special unit of highly trained experts, is ready to respond when disaster strikes. We follow them as they prepare for whatever might come their way.

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.

Hatoba Shoryu and his son, Yoho, are artisans who hand-paint kamon or family crests onto kimono. Combining classic designs with digital technology, they are creating new artistic expressions.

Choshi Electric Railway in Chiba Prefecture posted its first loss in four years, as reported in June 2025. See the company's plans to survive this time, following its previous triumphs over crises.

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.

Hatoba Shoryu and his son, Yoho, are artisans who hand-paint kamon or family crests onto kimono. Combining classic designs with digital technology, they are creating new artistic expressions.

Streetcars have been rolling through the streets of Kochi City for more than 120 years. For three days, we asked passengers of all ages where they were going and why they chose to travel by streetcar.

Choshi Electric Railway in Chiba Prefecture posted its first loss in four years, as reported in June 2025. See the company's plans to survive this time, following its previous triumphs over crises.

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.

Umemoto Ayaka is captain of the Japan women's national deaf volleyball team. She and her teammates, who include her twin sister Sayaka, are aiming for the gold at the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics.

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?

Maminata Ouandaogo's passion for African hairstyles has helped hundreds in Japan with their natural hair. But outside her salon, she says social pressure keeps some people from embracing it.

Hatoba Shoryu and his son, Yoho, are artisans who hand-paint kamon or family crests onto kimono. Combining classic designs with digital technology, they are creating new artistic expressions.

Today's theme: A New Look at Shadows. Japanese have long found beauty in shadows, but new discoveries still astonish us in art and design. Discover how these designs can change how we see the world.

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.

Watanabe Hiroki is co-founder of an NGO in Bangladesh. It gives long-term support to underprivileged children on the street, proving that they can make a positive contribution to society.

Umemoto Ayaka is captain of the Japan women's national deaf volleyball team. She and her teammates, who include her twin sister Sayaka, are aiming for the gold at the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics.

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 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.

Limited mobility can restrict blood flow, causing pressure injuries. To address them, Japanese experts are developing advanced bedding and other technologies.

Hatoba Shoryu and his son, Yoho, are artisans who hand-paint kamon or family crests onto kimono. Combining classic designs with digital technology, they are creating new artistic expressions.

Today's theme: A New Look at Shadows. Japanese have long found beauty in shadows, but new discoveries still astonish us in art and design. Discover how these designs can change how we see the world.

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.

Maminata Ouandaogo's passion for African hairstyles has helped hundreds in Japan with their natural hair. But outside her salon, she says social pressure keeps some people from embracing it.

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: portable fetal monitors.

While food stalls are vanishing from cities across Japan, Hakata in Fukuoka City is one place where they remain popular. We explore a unique food culture that satisfies both the body and the soul.

"Kamikaze," explosive-laden ramming attacks, were carried out during World War 2, sacrificing 4,000 lives. Why did the Japanese push forward with this method? We uncover the truth about the kamikaze.

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.

Criss-cross Japan by rail. Enjoy an amazing diversity of nature and scenery across the four seasons, exploring both well-known and hidden Japan.

Five-minute shows presenting the limitless, kaleidoscopic appeal of Japanese culture, traditions, and lifestyles in sushi-sized helpings. (Digest versions of "Japanology Plus.").

Today's theme: A New Look at Shadows. Japanese have long found beauty in shadows, but new discoveries still astonish us in art and design. Discover how these designs can change how we see the world.

Okayama Castle is unique and puzzles visitors. The keep shows a different face, depending on the direction, and each floor is a different shape. We look at how this mysterious castle was built.

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.

We visit an Edo-style open-air teahouse, where the townspeople enjoyed refreshments, conversation, and the company of exotic birds. For them, these outings were about more than a good time.

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.

Yamanashi / Shibata Fumie (product designer) "Kaiki" is a thin, brightly colored silk fabric. Shibata discovers how threads are arranged to produce a layered effect that resembles a digital image.

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.

"Kamikaze," explosive-laden ramming attacks, were carried out during World War 2, sacrificing 4,000 lives. Why did the Japanese push forward with this method? We uncover the truth about the kamikaze.

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.

Okayama Castle is unique and puzzles visitors. The keep shows a different face, depending on the direction, and each floor is a different shape. We look at how this mysterious castle was built.

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.

We visit an Edo-style open-air teahouse, where the townspeople enjoyed refreshments, conversation, and the company of exotic birds. For them, these outings were about more than a good time.

Today's theme: A New Look at Shadows. Japanese have long found beauty in shadows, but new discoveries still astonish us in art and design. Discover how these designs can change how we see the world.

Criss-cross Japan by rail. Enjoy an amazing diversity of nature and scenery across the four seasons, exploring both well-known and hidden Japan.

Five-minute shows presenting the limitless, kaleidoscopic appeal of Japanese culture, traditions, and lifestyles in sushi-sized helpings. (Digest versions of "Japanology Plus.").

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.

Yamanashi / Shibata Fumie (product designer) "Kaiki" is a thin, brightly colored silk fabric. Shibata discovers how threads are arranged to produce a layered effect that resembles a digital image.

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.

"Kamikaze," explosive-laden ramming attacks, were carried out during World War 2, sacrificing 4,000 lives. Why did the Japanese push forward with this method? We uncover the truth about the kamikaze.

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.

Criss-cross Japan by rail. Enjoy an amazing diversity of nature and scenery across the four seasons, exploring both well-known and hidden Japan.

Five-minute shows presenting the limitless, kaleidoscopic appeal of Japanese culture, traditions, and lifestyles in sushi-sized helpings. (Digest versions of "Japanology Plus.").

Okayama Castle is unique and puzzles visitors. The keep shows a different face, depending on the direction, and each floor is a different shape. We look at how this mysterious castle was built.

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.

We visit an Edo-style open-air teahouse, where the townspeople enjoyed refreshments, conversation, and the company of exotic birds. For them, these outings were about more than a good time.

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.

Yamanashi / Shibata Fumie (product designer) "Kaiki" is a thin, brightly colored silk fabric. Shibata discovers how threads are arranged to produce a layered effect that resembles a digital image.

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.

"Kamikaze," explosive-laden ramming attacks, were carried out during World War 2, sacrificing 4,000 lives. Why did the Japanese push forward with this method? We uncover the truth about the kamikaze.

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.

Criss-cross Japan by rail. Enjoy an amazing diversity of nature and scenery across the four seasons, exploring both well-known and hidden Japan.

Five-minute shows presenting the limitless, kaleidoscopic appeal of Japanese culture, traditions, and lifestyles in sushi-sized helpings. (Digest versions of "Japanology Plus.").

Okayama Castle is unique and puzzles visitors. The keep shows a different face, depending on the direction, and each floor is a different shape. We look at how this mysterious castle was built.

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.

We visit an Edo-style open-air teahouse, where the townspeople enjoyed refreshments, conversation, and the company of exotic birds. For them, these outings were about more than a good time.

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.

Yamanashi / Shibata Fumie (product designer) "Kaiki" is a thin, brightly colored silk fabric. Shibata discovers how threads are arranged to produce a layered effect that resembles a digital image.

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.

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

Keiho Junior High School in Nagasaki lost 400 lives to an atomic bomb. Three old core members of the alumni association explore the future of the memorial service, held annually for the past 50 years.

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.

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 1-19.

Fuku-chan is popular with tourists visiting Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure. Elsewhere, five cats live in a restaurant offering green soba noodles. Mya-chan lives at an inn in a hot spring area.

Somen traditional white noodles that are thin like threads.Test out and savor the hidden strength of Japan's ultra-thin somen noodles!

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 Escape Routes.

Located in northern Italy, Parma is famous for cheese and Prosciutto. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, it offers a rich culinary tradition and the Festival Verdi, celebrating composer Giuseppe Verdi.

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.

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

Students in past editions of Easy Japanese for Work return for a quiz-style business Japanese lesson. This time, the students are Tran Than Tuan (from Vietnam) and Warni Letty Yuhara (from Indonesia).

Uda Etsuko turns fiber from hard-to-process waste pineapple leaves into yarn and fabric for textiles in Okinawa. Expanding her operation to Indonesia, she hopes to take this untapped resource global.

Keiho Junior High School in Nagasaki lost 400 lives to an atomic bomb. Three old core members of the alumni association explore the future of the memorial service, held annually for the past 50 years.

Located in northern Italy, Parma is famous for cheese and Prosciutto. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, it offers a rich culinary tradition and the Festival Verdi, celebrating composer Giuseppe Verdi.

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.

Akan-Mashu National Park is home to Lake Akan, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Mashu. It provides unique winter sights and the opportunity to experience the indigenous Ainu culture.

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 Escape Routes.

Tune in to J-MELO for great Japanese music! This week: MADKID, a leading male dance-and-vocal group on the anisong scene; and Yuika, a singer-songwriter with a rapidly growing international fanbase.

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 1-19.

In Japan, nostalgia is spreading for the Showa era (1926-1989). We introduce electronics, retro designs, and other elements of a period that many Japanese people consider the "good old days.".

Fuku-chan is popular with tourists visiting Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure. Elsewhere, five cats live in a restaurant offering green soba noodles. Mya-chan lives at an inn in a hot spring area.

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

On February 3, the Lunar New Year's Eve, various rites are held to expel calamity and welcome good fortune in the coming year.

Students in past editions of Easy Japanese for Work return for a quiz-style business Japanese lesson. This time, the students are Tran Than Tuan (from Vietnam) and Warni Letty Yuhara (from Indonesia).

Uda Etsuko turns fiber from hard-to-process waste pineapple leaves into yarn and fabric for textiles in Okinawa. Expanding her operation to Indonesia, she hopes to take this untapped resource global.

Keiho Junior High School in Nagasaki lost 400 lives to an atomic bomb. Three old core members of the alumni association explore the future of the memorial service, held annually for the past 50 years.

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 Escape Routes.

Tune in to J-MELO for great Japanese music! This week: MADKID, a leading male dance-and-vocal group on the anisong scene; and Yuika, a singer-songwriter with a rapidly growing international fanbase.

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 1-19.

In Japan, nostalgia is spreading for the Showa era (1926-1989). We introduce electronics, retro designs, and other elements of a period that many Japanese people consider the "good old days.".

Fuku-chan is popular with tourists visiting Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure. Elsewhere, five cats live in a restaurant offering green soba noodles. Mya-chan lives at an inn in a hot spring area.

Located in northern Italy, Parma is famous for cheese and Prosciutto. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, it offers a rich culinary tradition and the Festival Verdi, celebrating composer Giuseppe Verdi.

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.

Akan-Mashu National Park is home to Lake Akan, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Mashu. It provides unique winter sights and the opportunity to experience the indigenous Ainu culture.

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

On February 3, the Lunar New Year's Eve, various rites are held to expel calamity and welcome good fortune in the coming year.

Students in past editions of Easy Japanese for Work return for a quiz-style business Japanese lesson. This time, the students are Tran Than Tuan (from Vietnam) and Warni Letty Yuhara (from Indonesia).

Uda Etsuko turns fiber from hard-to-process waste pineapple leaves into yarn and fabric for textiles in Okinawa. Expanding her operation to Indonesia, she hopes to take this untapped resource global.

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

Keiho Junior High School in Nagasaki lost 400 lives to an atomic bomb. Three old core members of the alumni association explore the future of the memorial service, held annually for the past 50 years.

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 Escape Routes.

Tune in to J-MELO for great Japanese music! This week: MADKID, a leading male dance-and-vocal group on the anisong scene; and Yuika, a singer-songwriter with a rapidly growing international fanbase.

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 1-19.

In Japan, nostalgia is spreading for the Showa era (1926-1989). We introduce electronics, retro designs, and other elements of a period that many Japanese people consider the "good old days.".

Fuku-chan is popular with tourists visiting Matsumoto Castle, a National Treasure. Elsewhere, five cats live in a restaurant offering green soba noodles. Mya-chan lives at an inn in a hot spring area.

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

On February 3, the Lunar New Year's Eve, various rites are held to expel calamity and welcome good fortune in the coming year.

Students in past editions of Easy Japanese for Work return for a quiz-style business Japanese lesson. This time, the students are Tran Than Tuan (from Vietnam) and Warni Letty Yuhara (from Indonesia).

Uda Etsuko turns fiber from hard-to-process waste pineapple leaves into yarn and fabric for textiles in Okinawa. Expanding her operation to Indonesia, she hopes to take this untapped resource global.

Located in northern Italy, Parma is famous for cheese and Prosciutto. As a UNESCO City of Gastronomy, it offers a rich culinary tradition and the Festival Verdi, celebrating composer Giuseppe Verdi.

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.

Akan-Mashu National Park is home to Lake Akan, Lake Kussharo, and Lake Mashu. It provides unique winter sights and the opportunity to experience the indigenous Ainu culture.