NHK WORLD-JAPAN

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.

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.

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?

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.

Our team visits a heat-resistant glass factory in Koga, Ibaraki Pref., to witness the skills of the glassblowers and lampworkers, and learn about the secrets that heat-resistant glass holds.

Since ancient times, safflowers grown in Yonezawa have been used to dye fabric a deep red color associated with the sun. Experience its mysterious, vivid beauty through time-lapse footage.

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 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.

A 15-minute spin-off of the "Somewhere Street" series, "A Short Stroll" explores cities around the world. This episode invites people who love hills to explore Genoa, Italy.

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.

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.

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

A 15-minute spin-off of the "Somewhere Street" series, "A Short Stroll" explores cities around the world. This episode invites people who love hills to explore Genoa, Italy.

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.

Our team visits a heat-resistant glass factory in Koga, Ibaraki Pref., to witness the skills of the glassblowers and lampworkers, and learn about the secrets that heat-resistant glass holds.

Since ancient times, safflowers grown in Yonezawa have been used to dye fabric a deep red color associated with the sun. Experience its mysterious, vivid beauty through time-lapse footage.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Meet the locals and discover traditions and cultures not usually found in guidebooks! Michael Keida explores the traditional fishing methods still used along the Seto Inland Sea.

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.

Our team visits a heat-resistant glass factory in Koga, Ibaraki Pref., to witness the skills of the glassblowers and lampworkers, and learn about the secrets that heat-resistant glass holds.

Since ancient times, safflowers grown in Yonezawa have been used to dye fabric a deep red color associated with the sun. Experience its mysterious, vivid beauty through time-lapse footage.

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.

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.

Shirakami-Sanchi, or the Shirakami Mountain Range, is home to one of the world's largest beech forests. Its pristine environment hosts a variety of wildlife, as well as a group of hunter-gatherers.

The 8 km-long Meguro River has long supported the lives of people in the southwest of central Tokyo. Come along as we discover how its tumultuous history mirrors the evolution of the city itself.

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.

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.

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.

Our team visits a heat-resistant glass factory in Koga, Ibaraki Pref., to witness the skills of the glassblowers and lampworkers, and learn about the secrets that heat-resistant glass holds.

Since ancient times, safflowers grown in Yonezawa have been used to dye fabric a deep red color associated with the sun. Experience its mysterious, vivid beauty through 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.

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.

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

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.

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.

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

1 in 2 don't drink in Japan, where intense social drinking is normal. Through interviews of drinkers and non-drinkers we hear both sides, including a couple who went sober and opened a no-alcohol bar.

Ziaul Karim, an agricultural scientist from Bangladesh, practices unique farming methods in Okayama to show how accessible agriculture can be. He works with locals to grow and use uncommon crops.

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.

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

All aboard for an in-depth look at one of the world's largest metro systems. From specialized training to precision tools, learn what's behind its reputation for safety and comfort.

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.

Explore a surprising take on ramen loved by a fishing town. Let it warm you up when it's cold!

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.

Amidst fierce competition, Japanese textile makers are now shifting focus and applying their cutting-edge techniques to enter new fields such as construction and healthcare.

1 in 2 don't drink in Japan, where intense social drinking is normal. Through interviews of drinkers and non-drinkers we hear both sides, including a couple who went sober and opened a no-alcohol bar.

Edo Kiriko cut glass techniques, passed from artisan to artisan for over 100 years. More women who now pursue the craft create popular new designs.

In this episode, we learn about the winter dates of Taisetsu and Toji. The nuns enjoy yuzu pepper, pumpkin soup and kagami-mochi rice cakes made specially for the end of the year.

Ziaul Karim, an agricultural scientist from Bangladesh, practices unique farming methods in Okayama to show how accessible agriculture can be. He works with locals to grow and use uncommon crops.

Shimanto is a nature-rich town in Kochi Prefecture. A piano is placed on a park's outdoor stage, and people stop to play from their heart.

All aboard for an in-depth look at one of the world's largest metro systems. From specialized training to precision tools, learn what's behind its reputation for safety and comfort.

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.

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.

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.

Amidst fierce competition, Japanese textile makers are now shifting focus and applying their cutting-edge techniques to enter new fields such as construction and healthcare.

In the choir division of a major gospel event, held in New York in May 2025, TiA led a group of 86 Japanese singers to victory. She tells us about the significance of gospel music.

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.

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.

The Kii Mountain Range is home to three deeply important spiritual locations: Kumano, Yoshino and Omine, and Mt. Koya. These three sites are connected by a verdant 300 km pilgrims' path.

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.

Ziaul Karim, an agricultural scientist from Bangladesh, practices unique farming methods in Okayama to show how accessible agriculture can be. He works with locals to grow and use uncommon crops.

Edo Kiriko cut glass techniques, passed from artisan to artisan for over 100 years. More women who now pursue the craft create popular new designs.

In this episode, we learn about the winter dates of Taisetsu and Toji. The nuns enjoy yuzu pepper, pumpkin soup and kagami-mochi rice cakes made specially for the end of the year.

The JR Joban Line, severely damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, fully reopened in 2020. See how station areas in Fukushima Prefecture are being redeveloped along the restored route.

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.

Explore a surprising take on ramen loved by a fishing town. Let it warm you up when it's cold!

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.

Shimanto is a nature-rich town in Kochi Prefecture. A piano is placed on a park's outdoor stage, and people stop to play from their heart.

All aboard for an in-depth look at one of the world's largest metro systems. From specialized training to precision tools, learn what's behind its reputation for safety and comfort.

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.

Amidst fierce competition, Japanese textile makers are now shifting focus and applying their cutting-edge techniques to enter new fields such as construction and healthcare.

In the choir division of a major gospel event, held in New York in May 2025, TiA led a group of 86 Japanese singers to victory. She tells us about the significance of gospel music.

There is only one certified sign language interpreter for every 85 people with hearing / speech disabilities. But tough exams and low pay means newcomers are few, yet vital for the deaf community.

We journey to a sacred mountain where pilgrims are purifying themselves in a waterfall before moving on. Some of them have even brought along offerings. And it turns out they have something to prove.

Ziaul Karim, an agricultural scientist from Bangladesh, practices unique farming methods in Okayama to show how accessible agriculture can be. He works with locals to grow and use uncommon crops.

Edo Kiriko cut glass techniques, passed from artisan to artisan for over 100 years. More women who now pursue the craft create popular new designs.

In this episode, we learn about the winter dates of Taisetsu and Toji. The nuns enjoy yuzu pepper, pumpkin soup and kagami-mochi rice cakes made specially for the end of the year.

The JR Joban Line, severely damaged by the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011, fully reopened in 2020. See how station areas in Fukushima Prefecture are being redeveloped along the restored route.

Amidst fierce competition, Japanese textile makers are now shifting focus and applying their cutting-edge techniques to enter new fields such as construction and healthcare.

1 in 2 don't drink in Japan, where intense social drinking is normal. Through interviews of drinkers and non-drinkers we hear both sides, including a couple who went sober and opened a no-alcohol bar.

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.

Shimanto is a nature-rich town in Kochi Prefecture. A piano is placed on a park's outdoor stage, and people stop to play from their heart.

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.

Explore a surprising take on ramen loved by a fishing town. Let it warm you up when it's cold!

All aboard for an in-depth look at one of the world's largest metro systems. From specialized training to precision tools, learn what's behind its reputation for safety and comfort.