Science ViewSezon 2025

On this program, you will encounter leading-edge researchers and their work... including world-renowned researchers who will join us in the studio. It's the perfect way to keep tabs on what's happening across a broad range of science and technology fields in Japan!

The program is hosted by a rotating lineup of "Science Watchers" along with Science Navigator Rena Yamada. Science Watchers are primarily university professors with expertise ranging from cultural anthropology to neuroscience. Each will appear on two broadcasts, bringing the perspective of their various fields to timely topics. You won't want to miss our Science Watchers' enlightening explanations of emerging developments in science and technology!

The Science News Watch segment highlights a story that has caught the interest of the week's Science Watcher. This is followed by the presentation of the day's main topic, a feature called The Leading Edge.

Science View will also cover Japanese manufacturing innovation. Michelle Yamamoto reports each week on one Takumi - a modern-day master of manufacturing innovation - on the J-Innovators segment.

Beginning on January 8th, a 28-minute program will be broadcast each Sunday at 9:10 am JST, and rebroadcast every four hours for the rest of the day for a total of six broadcasts.

NHK Program Site: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/scienceview

Where to Watch Science View • Sezon 2025

24 Episodes

Origami Engineering - Unfolding Hidden Potential
E1
Origami Engineering - Unfolding Hidden PotentialJapan's traditional papercraft, origami, has come to be used in engineering, as researchers observe insects and other specimens to develop "crease patterns" that can be utilized in diverse fields.
The Hidden Possibilities of Mushrooms
E2
The Hidden Possibilities of MushroomsFrom regulating the body's internal clock, to possibly curing Parkinson's disease, mushrooms have been revealing one amazing ability after another!
Robotic Avatars for Remote Work
E3
Robotic Avatars for Remote WorkRobotics engineer HARUNA Masaki is intent on making life better in developing countries. He's designing remote-controlled robotic avatars so that more people can do various work from home.
A New Glue from Algae
E4
A New Glue from AlgaePart plant and part animal, microscopic euglena algae have been used as foods and bio-fuels. Now they're helping produce an adhesive that could be used in car manufacturing.
Special Episode: Creating Blood Vessels! A Life-Saving Transplant for Heart Failure
E5
Special Episode: Creating Blood Vessels! A Life-Saving Transplant for Heart FailureAn all-new approach to treat heart failure. With eight clinical trial surgeries completed, we explore Osaka University's groundbreaking approach using iPS cell-derived heart muscle cell transplant.
Point Clouds for 3D Visualizations
E6
Point Clouds for 3D VisualizationsThis episode looks at the "point clouds" for 3D data visuals used in architecture, archaeology, and autonomous driving. Plus, robots learn new moves.
Ant Talk: Communicating Through Sound
E7
Ant Talk: Communicating Through SoundThis episode looks at leaf-cutter ants that grow food, and shake their bodies to communicate through vibrations. Plus, humans might grow spare teeth.
Special Episode: Breath-Taking Science - How Intestinal Breathing Could Save Lives
E8
Special Episode: Breath-Taking Science - How Intestinal Breathing Could Save LivesWhat if we could breathe with our intestines? Prof. Takanori TAKEBE proved it in pigs and is working toward human trials. A new hope for newborn babies and people with respiratory failure!
Hexagons: A Coincidence or the Workings of Nature?
E9
Hexagons: A Coincidence or the Workings of Nature?Discover the science behind nature's favorite shape, the hexagon. Plus, a cutting-edge drone uses insect antennae to sniff out scents.
Seawater Breakthroughs: The Next Great Resource
E10
Seawater Breakthroughs: The Next Great ResourceJapan turns to seawater to tackle global issues with desalination technology and hydrogen generation. Plus, a robot that enhances pianists' abilities.
Parasite Planet
E11
Parasite PlanetCutting-edge research has shown that parasites add to the complexity and diversity of the ecosystem. In Japan, discoveries have linked coexistence with parasites to autoimmune disease treatment.
Protecting Corals with Genetic Technology
E12
Protecting Corals with Genetic TechnologyBleaching is destroying coral reefs around the world. But a Japanese marine biologist is now using genetic analysis technology to protect corals.
Marine Plastics (Part 1): Finding Them
E13
Marine Plastics (Part 1): Finding ThemA Japanese marine research team looks for plastics on the Pacific Ocean floor, 6,000 meters down. Plus, monitoring neutrinos to better understand the Earth's long-term future.
Marine Plastics (Part 2): Identifying Them
E14
Marine Plastics (Part 2): Identifying ThemA 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.
Curiosity Saves the Cat
E15
Curiosity Saves the CatThere's hardly a greater paradise than Japan for cat lovers. Researchers there explore subjects such as the evolutionary reason for cuteness, and how cat DNA may help treat kidney disease.
Japan’s Civil Engineering Technology Part I: Tunnels
E16
Japan’s Civil Engineering Technology Part I: TunnelsExplore Japan’s advanced technology developed from building tunnels in complex geological conditions. Plus, innovative ways to keep fruit fresh.
The Tiniest Thread Leading to a Grand Future
E17
The Tiniest Thread Leading to a Grand FutureResearchers pursue the technology of threads from a microscopic world, from durable synthetic spider silk to the growth of tiny metal strands, which may have a huge application in high-tech devices.
Special Episode: Shining Hope for Myotonic Dystrophy -A New Drug Discovery
E18
Special Episode: Shining Hope for Myotonic Dystrophy -A New Drug DiscoveryThere is a doctor who is working to develop drugs to treat myotonic dystrophy, an incurable disease. We take a closer look at Professor Masayuki NAKAMORI of Yamaguchi University and his challenge.
Japan's Civil Engineering Technology Part II: Bridges
E19
Japan's Civil Engineering Technology Part II: BridgesDiscover how Japan's complex geology led to the advancement of bridge construction technology. Plus, research on how nature benefits your wellbeing.
A Quantum Search for Optimal Solutions
E20
A Quantum Search for Optimal SolutionsQuantum computers are poised to play a vital role in addressing societal issues. In this episode, we meet two researchers whose work helped lead toward quantum computers becoming a reality.
2025 Nobel Laureate SAKAGUCHI Shimon:The Boundary Between Self and Non-Self
E21
2025 Nobel Laureate SAKAGUCHI Shimon:The Boundary Between Self and Non-SelfWe explore the work of Dr. SAKAGUCHI Shimon, winner of the 2025 Nobel Prize, who discovered Tregs that help keep the immune system in check and identified Foxp3 as the key gene that creates them.
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 - MOFs Changing the World (Science ZERO)
E22
The Nobel Prize in Chemistry 2025 - MOFs Changing the World (Science ZERO)Dr. KITAGAWA Susumu was awarded the 2025 Nobel Prize in Chemistry for his work on Metal-Organic Frameworks (MOFs). In this program, we explore MOFs and their potential to help combat global warming.
An Evolutionary Sense of Taste
E23
An Evolutionary Sense of TasteThis episode explores the evolutionary factors behind our appetite for umami and other tastes, and how long looks deepen our bonds with dogs.
The Powerful Thirst of Moss
E24
The Powerful Thirst of MossThis episode explores moss and possible uses of its extraordinary ability to absorb and retain water, and how ultrasound can create touch sensations.