NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Ichiko Aoba puts distinctive, whispery vocals over floating, classical guitar melodies. We explore why her music captivates listeners around the world, despite being sung in Japanese.

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.

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.

Mornings begin early for fishmongers and vegetable peddlers at Nihonbashi Bridge, and here is a reason. They are not going to bow to the lord's procession. The bustling scene from everyday Edo life.

Tiny nematodes can survive in harsh environments, regenerate damaged tissue, and make decisions. They're being studied for hints about new medicines. We'll also look at recycled concrete.

92-year-old Shiraishi Yuriko teaches women in Cote d'Ivoire to make surimi, a Japanese fish paste, supporting their independence and improving nutrition across the nation.

Tsukuda and Tsukishima sit on reclaimed land at the mouth of the Sumida River. We take in the old-town charms, discover a legacy of fishing and industry, and savor monjayaki, a local comfort food.

Tsubonoya Tomomi founded an organization that provides prenatal and postnatal support for foreign women living in Japan. She talks about the challenges non-Japanese expectant and nursing mothers face.

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: dissolving microneedles.

Spring arrives in a snowy village, a time to garden, plant rice, and pick wild vegetables. Karl's doing his final restoration in the village. For Karl and Tina, precious moments gently flow by.

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.

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, Yasuda Kan won the Isamu Noguchi Award, given to artists who embody a spirit of innovation, global consciousness, and commitment to cultural exchange. He talks about the power of sculpture.

Fly over northern Japan in autumn on a plane! Hop onboard a flight from Tokyo to New Chitose Airport in Hokkaido, and see the beautiful mountains in full autumnal foliage from 40,000 feet in the air.

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.

Mornings begin early for fishmongers and vegetable peddlers at Nihonbashi Bridge, and here is a reason. They are not going to bow to the lord's procession. The bustling scene from everyday Edo life.

Amid financial struggles, local railways are increasingly turning to vertical separation (dividing the ownership of infrastructure and operations) in order to survive. See how it works in practice.

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, Yasuda Kan won the Isamu Noguchi Award, given to artists who embody a spirit of innovation, global consciousness, and commitment to cultural exchange. He talks about the power of sculpture.

Hop on a plane and view Japan from the sky! It's nearly the apex of summer, and we're heading to the nature rich Amami Oshima Island, which recently became a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.

Keramashoto National Park offers pristine waters that support a diverse ecosystem. It's also home to people who proactively carry out conservation activities and proudly carry on a distinct culture.

A man strikes a pose in an iconic woodblock print by the artist Sharaku. Who is the mysterious figure... and what is he doing? And why did the artist want to commemorate the moment?

Amid financial struggles, local railways are increasingly turning to vertical separation (dividing the ownership of infrastructure and operations) in order to survive. See how it works in practice.

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.

Chocolatier Ishihara Shingo is exploring the untapped potential of cacao. We follow him as he ventures beyond the traditional realm of a chocolatier in search of innovation!

Amid financial struggles, local railways are increasingly turning to vertical separation (dividing the ownership of infrastructure and operations) in order to survive. See how it works in practice.

Chocolatier Ishihara Shingo is exploring the untapped potential of cacao. We follow him as he ventures beyond the traditional realm of a chocolatier in search of innovation!

A yakiniku grilled meat restaurant in Tokyo's busy Shinbashi district is tailored to solo diners. Why do these customers prefer to eat alone? For three days, we got down to the meat of the matter.

Amid financial struggles, local railways are increasingly turning to vertical separation (dividing the ownership of infrastructure and operations) in order to survive. See how it works in practice.

Ushioda Kazuya 's realistic art has been winning top prizes in international competitions. He tells us about creating his detailed portraits, and the thought that goes into each one.

Rising temperatures due to climate change have affected the behavior of bees, with fewer bees and shorter pollination periods, posing a threat to agriculture that could lead to a food crisis.

German urbanist Chris Dimmer focuses on the community-building potential of Japan's public bathhouses, or "Sento." He hopes that people living alone can rediscover the value of these bathhouses.

Chocolatier Ishihara Shingo is exploring the untapped potential of cacao. We follow him as he ventures beyond the traditional realm of a chocolatier in search of innovation!

Today's theme: Bringing Dolls to Life. To ward off evil, to celebrate a birth, or simply to comfort and entertain - dolls have a long history in Japan. We meet creators bringing those dolls to life.

92-year-old Shiraishi Yuriko teaches women in Cote d'Ivoire to make surimi, a Japanese fish paste, supporting their independence and improving nutrition across the nation.

Ushioda Kazuya 's realistic art has been winning top prizes in international competitions. He tells us about creating his detailed portraits, and the thought that goes into each one.

Rising temperatures due to climate change have affected the behavior of bees, with fewer bees and shorter pollination periods, posing a threat to agriculture that could lead to a food crisis.

We observe "Red Fuji" and "Black Fuji," 2 dramatically different views of Japan's most famous mountain, captured by the artist Hokusai. What did Mount Fuji mean to the people of Edo?

High blood pressure can cause serious diseases. Long-term studies in Japan reveal the importance of tracking sleep-time blood pressure and fluctuations. We share tips for controlling blood pressure.

Chocolatier Ishihara Shingo is exploring the untapped potential of cacao. We follow him as he ventures beyond the traditional realm of a chocolatier in search of innovation!

Today's theme: Bringing Dolls to Life. To ward off evil, to celebrate a birth, or simply to comfort and entertain - dolls have a long history in Japan. We meet creators bringing those dolls to life.

German urbanist Chris Dimmer focuses on the community-building potential of Japan's public bathhouses, or "Sento." He hopes that people living alone can rediscover the value of these bathhouses.

Discover the stories behind renowned Japanese products alongside our reporter. This time: dissolving microneedles.

Japan is experiencing the worst case of bear attacks on record. Together with experts, we investigate to reveal bears' changing relationship with humans-and how we can live safely alongside them.

Travel along the Kurobe River on the Toyama Chihou and Kurobe Gorge Railways in Toyama Pref. The river provides water for farms, businesses and households. Upstream, the river has carved a deep gorge.

In Japan, sweet potatoes are often baked or turned into sweets. But they can also be used to generate electricity or protect from heat. We introduce the diverse ways in which they are used and sold.

Today's theme: Bringing Dolls to Life. To ward off evil, to celebrate a birth, or simply to comfort and entertain - dolls have a long history in Japan. We meet creators bringing those dolls to life.

Experience the fascinating sights of the airports and transport hubs which connect Japan with the world. Time-lapse photography will show you how these places bustle with activity around the clock.

Disasters resulting from torrential rain are occurring almost every year. The main reason for the increasing severity of the damage is river flooding. What is responsible for the growing damage?

Ehime / Nagazumi Takashi (musician) Nagazumi visits a town with a great number of trowel reliefs, and observes that the things that truly last are the ones that carry the creator's intention.

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke reveals the wide variety of props used by tachiyaku, the male roles in kabuki. Explore the all-important katana sword, tobacco pipes, footwear and gold coins.

Japan is experiencing the worst case of bear attacks on record. Together with experts, we investigate to reveal bears' changing relationship with humans-and how we can live safely alongside them.

Experience the fascinating sights of the airports and transport hubs which connect Japan with the world. Time-lapse photography will show you how these places bustle with activity around the clock.

Today's theme: Bringing Dolls to Life. To ward off evil, to celebrate a birth, or simply to comfort and entertain - dolls have a long history in Japan. We meet creators bringing those dolls to life.

Travel along the Kurobe River on the Toyama Chihou and Kurobe Gorge Railways in Toyama Pref. The river provides water for farms, businesses and households. Upstream, the river has carved a deep gorge.

In Japan, sweet potatoes are often baked or turned into sweets. But they can also be used to generate electricity or protect from heat. We introduce the diverse ways in which they are used and sold.

Disasters resulting from torrential rain are occurring almost every year. The main reason for the increasing severity of the damage is river flooding. What is responsible for the growing damage?

Ehime / Nagazumi Takashi (musician) Nagazumi visits a town with a great number of trowel reliefs, and observes that the things that truly last are the ones that carry the creator's intention.

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke reveals the wide variety of props used by tachiyaku, the male roles in kabuki. Explore the all-important katana sword, tobacco pipes, footwear and gold coins.

Japan is experiencing the worst case of bear attacks on record. Together with experts, we investigate to reveal bears' changing relationship with humans-and how we can live safely alongside them.

Tokachi is in Japan's great northern land of Hokkaido, home to vast fields and sprawling pastures. Experience its vibrant summer colors through time-lapse photography.

Travel along the Kurobe River on the Toyama Chihou and Kurobe Gorge Railways in Toyama Pref. The river provides water for farms, businesses and households. Upstream, the river has carved a deep gorge.

In Japan, sweet potatoes are often baked or turned into sweets. But they can also be used to generate electricity or protect from heat. We introduce the diverse ways in which they are used and sold.

Experience the fascinating sights of the airports and transport hubs which connect Japan with the world. Time-lapse photography will show you how these places bustle with activity around the clock.

Disasters resulting from torrential rain are occurring almost every year. The main reason for the increasing severity of the damage is river flooding. What is responsible for the growing damage?

Ehime / Nagazumi Takashi (musician) Nagazumi visits a town with a great number of trowel reliefs, and observes that the things that truly last are the ones that carry the creator's intention.

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke reveals the wide variety of props used by tachiyaku, the male roles in kabuki. Explore the all-important katana sword, tobacco pipes, footwear and gold coins.

Japan is experiencing the worst case of bear attacks on record. Together with experts, we investigate to reveal bears' changing relationship with humans-and how we can live safely alongside them.

Tokachi is in Japan's great northern land of Hokkaido, home to vast fields and sprawling pastures. Experience its vibrant summer colors through time-lapse photography.

Travel along the Kurobe River on the Toyama Chihou and Kurobe Gorge Railways in Toyama Pref. The river provides water for farms, businesses and households. Upstream, the river has carved a deep gorge.

In Japan, sweet potatoes are often baked or turned into sweets. But they can also be used to generate electricity or protect from heat. We introduce the diverse ways in which they are used and sold.

Experience the fascinating sights of the airports and transport hubs which connect Japan with the world. Time-lapse photography will show you how these places bustle with activity around the clock.

Disasters resulting from torrential rain are occurring almost every year. The main reason for the increasing severity of the damage is river flooding. What is responsible for the growing damage?

Ehime / Nagazumi Takashi (musician) Nagazumi visits a town with a great number of trowel reliefs, and observes that the things that truly last are the ones that carry the creator's intention.

Actor Kataoka Ainosuke reveals the wide variety of props used by tachiyaku, the male roles in kabuki. Explore the all-important katana sword, tobacco pipes, footwear and gold coins.

An educational program about the appeal of famous video games. A special 50-minute edition dives deep into "DEATH STRANDING" with its legendary creator Hideo Kojima discussing its development.

Join May J. for great Japanese music! This week, three exciting young acts who are all on the rise: Omiya Hiyori, GOOD BYE APRIL, and nishina. Plus, May J. sings!

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 1-23.

Japan is a hot spot for discovering dinosaur fossils. An excavation in Hokkaido sparked a nationwide enthusiasm for dinosaurs, leading to entertainment such as dinosaur robots and mechanical suits.

We meet cats whose owner grows plants used to make cloth in a traditional way. Another cat, Lock, lives at a temple. He takes part in sutra reading and is practically the chief priest's assistant!

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 Toilet Paper.

Erfurt, a city in Thuringia near the center of Germany, traces its roots back to the 8th century. By the 11th century, it had developed into a major crossroads uniting trade and culture across Europe.

Enjoy Nagoya's fiery ramen, inspired by the city's one-of-a-kind food culture! Discover these unique local ramens!

Discover the unique, traditional method of roof thatching that uses Hinoki cypress bark.

Today: saying how much you can do. Naing Myo Oo, from Myanmar, works at a sign-making company. In a roleplay challenge, he must let his supervisor know how much work he can accomplish that day.

Suyama Chimi's eatery uses "substandard" vegetables donated by local farmers. Discolored or misshapen, their flavor and nutrition aren't affected. And, since costs are low, the meals are low-cost too.

An educational program about the appeal of famous video games. A special 50-minute edition dives deep into "DEATH STRANDING" with its legendary creator Hideo Kojima discussing its development.

Erfurt, a city in Thuringia near the center of Germany, traces its roots back to the 8th century. By the 11th century, it had developed into a major crossroads uniting trade and culture across Europe.

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 Toilet Paper.

Join May J. for great Japanese music! This week, three exciting young acts who are all on the rise: Omiya Hiyori, GOOD BYE APRIL, and nishina. Plus, May J. sings!

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 1-23.

Japan is a hot spot for discovering dinosaur fossils. An excavation in Hokkaido sparked a nationwide enthusiasm for dinosaurs, leading to entertainment such as dinosaur robots and mechanical suits.

We meet cats whose owner grows plants used to make cloth in a traditional way. Another cat, Lock, lives at a temple. He takes part in sutra reading and is practically the chief priest's assistant!

Enjoy Nagoya's fiery ramen, inspired by the city's one-of-a-kind food culture! Discover these unique local ramens!

Discover the unique, traditional method of roof thatching that uses Hinoki cypress bark.

Today: saying how much you can do. Naing Myo Oo, from Myanmar, works at a sign-making company. In a roleplay challenge, he must let his supervisor know how much work he can accomplish that day.

Suyama Chimi's eatery uses "substandard" vegetables donated by local farmers. Discolored or misshapen, their flavor and nutrition aren't affected. And, since costs are low, the meals are low-cost too.

An educational program about the appeal of famous video games. A special 50-minute edition dives deep into "DEATH STRANDING" with its legendary creator Hideo Kojima discussing its development.

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 Toilet Paper.

Join May J. for great Japanese music! This week, three exciting young acts who are all on the rise: Omiya Hiyori, GOOD BYE APRIL, and nishina. Plus, May J. sings!

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 1-23.

Japan is a hot spot for discovering dinosaur fossils. An excavation in Hokkaido sparked a nationwide enthusiasm for dinosaurs, leading to entertainment such as dinosaur robots and mechanical suits.

We meet cats whose owner grows plants used to make cloth in a traditional way. Another cat, Lock, lives at a temple. He takes part in sutra reading and is practically the chief priest's assistant!

Erfurt, a city in Thuringia near the center of Germany, traces its roots back to the 8th century. By the 11th century, it had developed into a major crossroads uniting trade and culture across Europe.

Enjoy Nagoya's fiery ramen, inspired by the city's one-of-a-kind food culture! Discover these unique local ramens!

Discover the unique, traditional method of roof thatching that uses Hinoki cypress bark.

Today: saying how much you can do. Naing Myo Oo, from Myanmar, works at a sign-making company. In a roleplay challenge, he must let his supervisor know how much work he can accomplish that day.

Suyama Chimi's eatery uses "substandard" vegetables donated by local farmers. Discolored or misshapen, their flavor and nutrition aren't affected. And, since costs are low, the meals are low-cost too.

An educational program about the appeal of famous video games. A special 50-minute edition dives deep into "DEATH STRANDING" with its legendary creator Hideo Kojima discussing its development.

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 Toilet Paper.

Join May J. for great Japanese music! This week, three exciting young acts who are all on the rise: Omiya Hiyori, GOOD BYE APRIL, and nishina. Plus, May J. sings!

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 1-23.

Japan is a hot spot for discovering dinosaur fossils. An excavation in Hokkaido sparked a nationwide enthusiasm for dinosaurs, leading to entertainment such as dinosaur robots and mechanical suits.

We meet cats whose owner grows plants used to make cloth in a traditional way. Another cat, Lock, lives at a temple. He takes part in sutra reading and is practically the chief priest's assistant!

Enjoy Nagoya's fiery ramen, inspired by the city's one-of-a-kind food culture! Discover these unique local ramens!

Discover the unique, traditional method of roof thatching that uses Hinoki cypress bark.

Today: saying how much you can do. Naing Myo Oo, from Myanmar, works at a sign-making company. In a roleplay challenge, he must let his supervisor know how much work he can accomplish that day.

Suyama Chimi's eatery uses "substandard" vegetables donated by local farmers. Discolored or misshapen, their flavor and nutrition aren't affected. And, since costs are low, the meals are low-cost too.

Erfurt, a city in Thuringia near the center of Germany, traces its roots back to the 8th century. By the 11th century, it had developed into a major crossroads uniting trade and culture across Europe.