NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Sweet-bean-paste-filled taiyaki in the auspicious shape of a seabream or Tai. The Japanese have loved these sweet treats for over 100 years.

In this episode, we learn about rikka and shoman, two dates of early summer. The temple chefs teach us how to make kimpira stir fry with itadori and mehari-zushi (eye-popping sushi).

From camping to karaoke and afternoon tea, people of all ages in Japan are enjoying "solo-katsu," doing social activities solo. We explore how this unique trend is changing consumption and design.

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.

Millions of people pass through Narita International Airport every year, unaware of the systems that ensure their safety and comfort. We'll dive into this hidden, complex world.

At Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri, enormous floats called neputa are paraded through the streets. They're decorated with vibrant images, and some feature wire-frame 3D figures.

Kyle Card hikes along the 1000km trail following the Pacific Coast in northern Japanwhere he discovers local lifestyles, stunning nature, traces of the area's 2011 disaster, and resilient people.

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?

This episode features clever innovations that are making manual labor faster and easier.

In June 2025, Kobayashi Yoshitsugu published a trailblazing paper, illuminating the evolutionary process of large tyrannosaurs. He explains how such research helps us consider the future of humanity.

Yoshida Ryusei, an October matsuri, features rockets called ryusei that are made by local teams and carry community prayers high in the sky. Team members pour heart and soul into their efforts.

It's summer, and a group of women have gathered at the local well to do laundry in the shade. We learn about the different techniques and tools they used to wash and dry different types of kimonos.

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

At Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri, enormous floats called neputa are paraded through the streets. They're decorated with vibrant images, and some feature wire-frame 3D figures.

From camping to karaoke and afternoon tea, people of all ages in Japan are enjoying "solo-katsu," doing social activities solo. We explore how this unique trend is changing consumption and design.

Sweet-bean-paste-filled taiyaki in the auspicious shape of a seabream or Tai. The Japanese have loved these sweet treats for over 100 years.

In this episode, we learn about rikka and shoman, two dates of early summer. The temple chefs teach us how to make kimpira stir fry with itadori and mehari-zushi (eye-popping sushi).

The JR Geibi Line has begun running extra trains as talks commence regarding the line's future. See the local governments' response to the added trains and their efforts to keep the line open.

Kyle Card hikes along the 1000km trail following the Pacific Coast in northern Japanwhere he discovers local lifestyles, stunning nature, traces of the area's 2011 disaster, and resilient people.

This time in Wakayama, heartland of shoyu, we find a distinctive ramen culture pairing ramen and...sushi?!

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?

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.

Millions of people pass through Narita International Airport every year, unaware of the systems that ensure their safety and comfort. We'll dive into this hidden, complex world.

At Hirosaki Neputa Matsuri, enormous floats called neputa are paraded through the streets. They're decorated with vibrant images, and some feature wire-frame 3D figures.

This episode features clever innovations that are making manual labor faster and easier.

In June 2025, Kobayashi Yoshitsugu published a trailblazing paper, illuminating the evolutionary process of large tyrannosaurs. He explains how such research helps us consider the future of humanity.

The highlight of Onabare is nerikomi, which involves the careful wielding of a long, heavy pole. This follows the parade of a portable shrine through the streets with performances along the way.

A mother and daughter brave the rain to visit their local bathhouse, exchanging words with a young girl along the way. We learn that regular bathing was an essential part of life for the townspeople.

From camping to karaoke and afternoon tea, people of all ages in Japan are enjoying "solo-katsu," doing social activities solo. We explore how this unique trend is changing consumption and design.

Sweet-bean-paste-filled taiyaki in the auspicious shape of a seabream or Tai. The Japanese have loved these sweet treats for over 100 years.

In this episode, we learn about rikka and shoman, two dates of early summer. The temple chefs teach us how to make kimpira stir fry with itadori and mehari-zushi (eye-popping sushi).

The JR Geibi Line has begun running extra trains as talks commence regarding the line's future. See the local governments' response to the added trains and their efforts to keep the line open.

This episode features clever innovations that are making manual labor faster and easier.

1 in 2500 people started farming in 2022. As we talk to new farmers who've come from totally different industries, we examine the values they have found in this labor-intense yet rewarding field.

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?

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.

Kyle Card hikes along the 1000km trail following the Pacific Coast in northern Japanwhere he discovers local lifestyles, stunning nature, traces of the area's 2011 disaster, and resilient people.

This time in Wakayama, heartland of shoyu, we find a distinctive ramen culture pairing ramen and...sushi?!

Millions of people pass through Narita International Airport every year, unaware of the systems that ensure their safety and comfort. We'll dive into this hidden, complex world.

This episode features clever innovations that are making manual labor faster and easier.

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.

This episode features clever innovations that are making manual labor faster and easier.

1 in 36 people in Japan are foreign residents. As its population declines, we look at Japanese society in a new era of foreign workers, through an IT startup where 90% of staff are foreigners.

Comedian Naomi Watanabe unpack the culture and history behind J-POP for beginners everywhere, Today's subject is the 2026 anime film that has captivated the world: "Cosmic Princess Kaguya!".

At Hibuse Matsuri, the Fire Prevention Festival, men douse buildings in water as a prayer for protection from fire. At this event held in January, bonfires and sake help to keep people warm.

The JR Geibi Line has begun running extra trains as talks commence regarding the line's future. See the local governments' response to the added trains and their efforts to keep the line open.

This episode features clever innovations that are making manual labor faster and easier.

Kyle Card hikes along the 1000km trail following the Pacific Coast in northern Japanwhere he discovers local lifestyles, stunning nature, traces of the area's 2011 disaster, and resilient people.

Tokushima ramen means tonkotsu! Topped with pork belly, and, of all things, raw egg-enjoy a one-of-a-kind bowl of ramen!

Japan possesses large amounts of usable forestland. This episode focuses on business initiatives that are trying to increase the use of Japanese timber and wood waste.

1 in 36 people in Japan are foreign residents. As its population declines, we look at Japanese society in a new era of foreign workers, through an IT startup where 90% of staff are foreigners.

A 100-year-old cafe born out of the friendship between Brazil and Japan. Coffee there is so great that it was even loved by superstar John Lennon.

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

Comedian Naomi Watanabe unpack the culture and history behind J-POP for beginners everywhere, Today's subject is the 2026 anime film that has captivated the world: "Cosmic Princess Kaguya!".

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.

A gold mine in Kagoshima has 190 staff, from teens to veterans in their 60s, who work to extract gold used in jewelry and electronics. Spend three days with people toiling above and belowground.

At Hibuse Matsuri, the Fire Prevention Festival, men douse buildings in water as a prayer for protection from fire. At this event held in January, bonfires and sake help to keep people warm.

The JR Geibi Line has begun running extra trains as talks commence regarding the line's future. See the local governments' response to the added trains and their efforts to keep the line open.

Kyle Card hikes along the 1000km trail following the Pacific Coast in northern Japanwhere he discovers local lifestyles, stunning nature, traces of the area's 2011 disaster, and resilient people.

Japan possesses large amounts of usable forestland. This episode focuses on business initiatives that are trying to increase the use of Japanese timber and wood waste.

The architect Sejima Kazuyo has won global attention for her delicate style, breaking from the norm to achieve free, open spaces. She explains her architectural philosophy.

The ecosystem in Hokkaido's Taisetsu Mountains is changing dramatically. Alpine plants have vanished due to global warming which has created a crisis for rare animals that depend on them to survive.

A Brazilian couple who moved to Shiga Prefecture, Japan, teaches taekwondo to children. Their efforts are helping kids develop more than just athletically.

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

At Hibuse Matsuri, the Fire Prevention Festival, men douse buildings in water as a prayer for protection from fire. At this event held in January, bonfires and sake help to keep people warm.

Comedian Naomi Watanabe unpack the culture and history behind J-POP for beginners everywhere, Today's subject is the 2026 anime film that has captivated the world: "Cosmic Princess Kaguya!".

A 100-year-old cafe born out of the friendship between Brazil and Japan. Coffee there is so great that it was even loved by superstar John Lennon.

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

Kyle Card hikes along the 1000km trail following the Pacific Coast in northern Japanwhere he discovers local lifestyles, stunning nature, traces of the area's 2011 disaster, and resilient people.

Tokushima ramen means tonkotsu! Topped with pork belly, and, of all things, raw egg-enjoy a one-of-a-kind bowl of ramen!

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.

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

At Hibuse Matsuri, the Fire Prevention Festival, men douse buildings in water as a prayer for protection from fire. At this event held in January, bonfires and sake help to keep people warm.

Japan possesses large amounts of usable forestland. This episode focuses on business initiatives that are trying to increase the use of Japanese timber and wood waste.

The architect Sejima Kazuyo has won global attention for her delicate style, breaking from the norm to achieve free, open spaces. She explains her architectural philosophy.

The ecosystem in Hokkaido's Taisetsu Mountains is changing dramatically. Alpine plants have vanished due to global warming which has created a crisis for rare animals that depend on them to survive.

A full moon shines above a bustling neighborhood. Featured prominently are kabuki theaters...on hiatus. Still, people have come out to take in the nightlife, and hopefully a celebrity sighting or two.

Lung cancer is on the rise among nonsmokers. Japanese doctors have advanced surgery that removes less lung tissue while maintaining high survival rates when the disease is detected early.

Comedian Naomi Watanabe unpack the culture and history behind J-POP for beginners everywhere, Today's subject is the 2026 anime film that has captivated the world: "Cosmic Princess Kaguya!".

A 100-year-old cafe born out of the friendship between Brazil and Japan. Coffee there is so great that it was even loved by superstar John Lennon.

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

Japan possesses large amounts of usable forestland. This episode focuses on business initiatives that are trying to increase the use of Japanese timber and wood waste.

1 in 36 people in Japan are foreign residents. As its population declines, we look at Japanese society in a new era of foreign workers, through an IT startup where 90% of staff are foreigners.

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.

A Brazilian couple who moved to Shiga Prefecture, Japan, teaches taekwondo to children. Their efforts are helping kids develop more than just athletically.

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: liquid glass coating.

From camping to karaoke and afternoon tea, people of all ages in Japan are enjoying "solo-katsu," doing social activities solo. We explore how this unique trend is changing consumption and design.