NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Tsukamoto Shinya's film Hokage (Shadow of Fire) won the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at Venice in 2023. Tsukamoto's recent films focus on wartime stories. We ask him about his creative process.

Japan, long a world leader in science and technology. Come with us, as we dig a little deeper into Japanese sci-tech on the frontier.

Chef Watanabe visits Morioka, the capital city of Iwate and a treasure trove of natural mountain ingredients. A local chef presents the food Iwate offers on that very day.

In 2022, a research team at OIST announced that they had developed the world's first sustainable system for farming squid. Nakajima Ryuta, a member of this team, shares the secrets of their success.

Caught in an evening shower, Edo townspeople scramble across a bridge in search of shelter. On the river beyond, a lone figure steers his boat, unfazed by the rain. What is his destination?

We visit the Kisoji, a mountain road which was a key route in the Edo period. Today it attracts visitors from around the world. For 3 days, we spoke with people travelling on the old road.

Dr. Kenji Fukushima is a rising botanist studying carnivorous plant evolution at Germany's University of Wuerzburg. We'll look at his new and rather surprising discoveries from genetic analysis.

Photographer Alfie Goodrich goes on a journey shimmering in gold. Tracing the roots of the Zipangu legend, he heads to Iwate and Miyagi prefectures where he sees, touches and even pans gold.

Chef Watanabe visits Morioka, the capital city of Iwate and a treasure trove of natural mountain ingredients. A local chef presents the food Iwate offers on that very day.

Caught in an evening shower, Edo townspeople scramble across a bridge in search of shelter. On the river beyond, a lone figure steers his boat, unfazed by the rain. What is his destination?

The Murakami Kaizoku were seafarers and fighters in the Seto Inland Sea. We explore their history and legacy, with footage from time-lapse creator Shimizu Daisuke. This time, the Kurushima Straits.

Japan, long a world leader in science and technology. Come with us, as we dig a little deeper into Japanese sci-tech on the frontier.

We hit the town around Shinjuku East Exit, one of Tokyo's vibrant hubs. It has roots as a lodging area, which later welcomed a train terminal and eventually became a business and entertainment center.

The Human Library's human "books" share on topics they care about, like being transgender or surviving cancer, and those who "read" can ask them questions. We spoke with its founder, Ronni Abergel.

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

The Maki-e lacquering technique uses gold dust on a jet-black background to dazzling effect.

Monbetsu Atsushi is a cultural and wildlife advocate working to preserve Hokkaido's traditional Ainu culture through ancient practices including hunting and forest management.

Dr. Kenji Fukushima is a rising botanist studying carnivorous plant evolution at Germany's University of Wuerzburg. We'll look at his new and rather surprising discoveries from genetic analysis.

Explore the different types of romantic hero who appear in kabuki. From sweet, comic charmers to brooding bad boys, actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains these heroic archetypes.

The Human Library's human "books" share on topics they care about, like being transgender or surviving cancer, and those who "read" can ask them questions. We spoke with its founder, Ronni Abergel.

We hit the town around Shinjuku East Exit, one of Tokyo's vibrant hubs. It has roots as a lodging area, which later welcomed a train terminal and eventually became a business and entertainment center.

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

The Maki-e lacquering technique uses gold dust on a jet-black background to dazzling effect.

Monbetsu Atsushi is a cultural and wildlife advocate working to preserve Hokkaido's traditional Ainu culture through ancient practices including hunting and forest management.

Explore the different types of romantic hero who appear in kabuki. From sweet, comic charmers to brooding bad boys, actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains these heroic archetypes.

Growing up in a Nairobi slum, Kenya's leading pro gamer didn't even own a pair of shoes, let alone a game console. Today, he uses his prize money to help slum kids find a better future.

Dr. Kenji Fukushima is a rising botanist studying carnivorous plant evolution at Germany's University of Wuerzburg. We'll look at his new and rather surprising discoveries from genetic analysis.

We hit the town around Shinjuku East Exit, one of Tokyo's vibrant hubs. It has roots as a lodging area, which later welcomed a train terminal and eventually became a business and entertainment center.

The Human Library's human "books" share on topics they care about, like being transgender or surviving cancer, and those who "read" can ask them questions. We spoke with its founder, Ronni Abergel.

On those hot, humid summer nights, nothing can get in the way of sleep like mosquitoes on the hunt. We learn about the tools the Edo townspeople had at their disposal to fight the pesky insects.

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

The Maki-e lacquering technique uses gold dust on a jet-black background to dazzling effect.

Monbetsu Atsushi is a cultural and wildlife advocate working to preserve Hokkaido's traditional Ainu culture through ancient practices including hunting and forest management.

Japanese melons are known to be juicy and intensely sweet. Their beautiful netting patterns indicate careful cultivation and wonderful flavor. Meet dedicated farmers and savor a truly versatile fruit.

We hit the town around Shinjuku East Exit, one of Tokyo's vibrant hubs. It has roots as a lodging area, which later welcomed a train terminal and eventually became a business and entertainment center.

The Human Library's human "books" share on topics they care about, like being transgender or surviving cancer, and those who "read" can ask them questions. We spoke with its founder, Ronni Abergel.

Explore the different types of romantic hero who appear in kabuki. From sweet, comic charmers to brooding bad boys, actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains these heroic archetypes.

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

The Maki-e lacquering technique uses gold dust on a jet-black background to dazzling effect.

Growing up in a Nairobi slum, Kenya's leading pro gamer didn't even own a pair of shoes, let alone a game console. Today, he uses his prize money to help slum kids find a better future.

On those hot, humid summer nights, nothing can get in the way of sleep like mosquitoes on the hunt. We learn about the tools the Edo townspeople had at their disposal to fight the pesky insects.

In Japan,pre-schools are diversifying with more kids from international backgrounds or with special needs, yet most daycare takes a "one-size-fits-all" model. We see a space that is changing all that.

Monbetsu Atsushi is a cultural and wildlife advocate working to preserve Hokkaido's traditional Ainu culture through ancient practices including hunting and forest management.

Japanese melons are known to be juicy and intensely sweet. Their beautiful netting patterns indicate careful cultivation and wonderful flavor. Meet dedicated farmers and savor a truly versatile fruit.

We hit the town around Shinjuku East Exit, one of Tokyo's vibrant hubs. It has roots as a lodging area, which later welcomed a train terminal and eventually became a business and entertainment center.

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

The Maki-e lacquering technique uses gold dust on a jet-black background to dazzling effect.

On those hot, humid summer nights, nothing can get in the way of sleep like mosquitoes on the hunt. We learn about the tools the Edo townspeople had at their disposal to fight the pesky insects.

The Murakami Kaizoku were seafarers and fighters in the Seto Inland Sea. We explore their history and legacy, with footage from time-lapse creator Shimizu Daisuke. This time, Seto Inland Sea.

Explore the different types of romantic hero who appear in kabuki. From sweet, comic charmers to brooding bad boys, actor Kataoka Ainosuke explains these heroic archetypes.

Born in Ghana, Fred Swaniker, lived across Africa and realized that good leadership is key to a nation's success. He built schools to nurture entrepreneurial leaders, training over 250,000 youth.

Today's theme: Aging. Appreciating the fleeting beauty of natural decay and admiring imperfections reflect the Japanese love for aging. Explore designs that draw positively on the passage of time!

We explore Amami Oshima, a subtropical paradise, through the work of Tanaka Isson. Referred to as "the Japanese Gauguin," Isson was a solitary artist who found new inspiration in a southern island.

Japanese melons are known to be juicy and intensely sweet. Their beautiful netting patterns indicate careful cultivation and wonderful flavor. Meet dedicated farmers and savor a truly versatile fruit.

Our story is about a woman who has two very different jobs at two very different locations, with two very different lunches! Tune in to find out more!

Featured recipe: Komeko (rice flour) Okonomiyaki/ Learn about easy, delicious, and healthy cooking with Chef Rika in five minutes!

Born in Ghana, Fred Swaniker, lived across Africa and realized that good leadership is key to a nation's success. He built schools to nurture entrepreneurial leaders, training over 250,000 youth.

Today's theme: Aging. Appreciating the fleeting beauty of natural decay and admiring imperfections reflect the Japanese love for aging. Explore designs that draw positively on the passage of time!

We explore Amami Oshima, a subtropical paradise, through the work of Tanaka Isson. Referred to as "the Japanese Gauguin," Isson was a solitary artist who found new inspiration in a southern island.

Our story is about a woman who has two very different jobs at two very different locations, with two very different lunches! Tune in to find out more!

Featured recipe: Komeko (rice flour) Okonomiyaki/ Learn about easy, delicious, and healthy cooking with Chef Rika in five minutes!

Ukrainian picture book creator Romana Romanyshyn co-founded the art studio "Agrafka." Despite the 2022 Russian invasion, she remains in her homeland to communicate the truth of war through her works.

Japanese melons are known to be juicy and intensely sweet. Their beautiful netting patterns indicate careful cultivation and wonderful flavor. Meet dedicated farmers and savor a truly versatile fruit.

Born in Ghana, Fred Swaniker, lived across Africa and realized that good leadership is key to a nation's success. He built schools to nurture entrepreneurial leaders, training over 250,000 youth.

We visit the Yoshiwara district, Edo's most prominent pleasure quarters. Among the lavish spenders, courtesans and apprentices, small humanoid creatures scurry about - what could they be up to?

Today's theme: Aging. Appreciating the fleeting beauty of natural decay and admiring imperfections reflect the Japanese love for aging. Explore designs that draw positively on the passage of time!

We explore Amami Oshima, a subtropical paradise, through the work of Tanaka Isson. Referred to as "the Japanese Gauguin," Isson was a solitary artist who found new inspiration in a southern island.

Oigawa Railway in Shizuoka Prefecture was the first to revive steam locomotives in Japan. See how the company has continued to operate despite typhoon damage and the pandemic.

Born in Ghana, Fred Swaniker, lived across Africa and realized that good leadership is key to a nation's success. He built schools to nurture entrepreneurial leaders, training over 250,000 youth.

Our story is about a woman who has two very different jobs at two very different locations, with two very different lunches! Tune in to find out more!

Featured recipe: Komeko (rice flour) Okonomiyaki/ Learn about easy, delicious, and healthy cooking with Chef Rika in five minutes!

Today's theme: Aging. Appreciating the fleeting beauty of natural decay and admiring imperfections reflect the Japanese love for aging. Explore designs that draw positively on the passage of time!

Ukrainian picture book creator Romana Romanyshyn co-founded the art studio "Agrafka." Despite the 2022 Russian invasion, she remains in her homeland to communicate the truth of war through her works.

We visit the Yoshiwara district, Edo's most prominent pleasure quarters. Among the lavish spenders, courtesans and apprentices, small humanoid creatures scurry about - what could they be up to?

The fascinating stories and secrets behind hit Japanese products, plus parts and machines that boast the top share of niche markets. This time: lithium-ion batteries & dust collectors.

We explore Amami Oshima, a subtropical paradise, through the work of Tanaka Isson. Referred to as "the Japanese Gauguin," Isson was a solitary artist who found new inspiration in a southern island.

Oigawa Railway in Shizuoka Prefecture was the first to revive steam locomotives in Japan. See how the company has continued to operate despite typhoon damage and the pandemic.

Today's theme: Aging. Appreciating the fleeting beauty of natural decay and admiring imperfections reflect the Japanese love for aging. Explore designs that draw positively on the passage of time!

We visit the Yoshiwara district, Edo's most prominent pleasure quarters. Among the lavish spenders, courtesans and apprentices, small humanoid creatures scurry about - what could they be up to?

The Ainu: indigenous people of northern Japan. Time-lapse creator Shimizu Daisuke investigates various aspects of their culture and traditions. This time: Ainu Forest.

Our story is about a woman who has two very different jobs at two very different locations, with two very different lunches! Tune in to find out more!

Featured recipe: Komeko (rice flour) Okonomiyaki/ Learn about easy, delicious, and healthy cooking with Chef Rika in five minutes!