NHK Documentaries
Season 2012
Hard-hitting documentary series that takes an in-depth look at some of the political, economic, and social challenges that Japan and our world is facing.
Where to Watch Season 2012
12 Episodes
- Decontamination: Losing the Sheltering TreesE2
Decontamination: Losing the Sheltering TreesThe Japanese government has started decontamination work in areas affected by the nuclear accident but the progress is slow amid mistrust and conflicts. We report from Fukushima communities in danger of collapse in the aftermath of the accident. - Fukushima: Their Fate In Their HandsE3
Fukushima: Their Fate In Their HandsMiharu, Fukushima Prefecture One year has passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Reconstruction initiatives are underway in many places, including the disaster-stricken areas. March to Recovery shows how the nation is recovering from the unprecedented disaster. The dilemma over iodine pill distribution to Miharu residents affected by radioactive fallout in March 2011. - Fukushima: Decontamination: Losing the Sheltering TreesE4
Fukushima: Decontamination: Losing the Sheltering TreesThe government has started decontamination work in areas affected by the nuclear accident but the progress is slow amid mistrust and conflicts. We report from Fukushima communities in danger of collapse in the aftermath of the accident. - Fukushima: The People of District No. 6E5
Fukushima: The People of District No. 6Fukushima evacuees: Following the lives of Iitate residents forced to leave their homes due to the high radiation levels from the Fukushima nuclear disaster. One year has passed since the Great East Japan Earthquake. Reconstruction initiatives are underway in many places, including the disaster-stricken areas. March to Recovery shows how the nation is recovering from the unprecedented disaster. - Vietnam's Hang Son Doong CaveE8
Vietnam's Hang Son Doong CaveThere are many things that make the Son Doong Cave in Vietnam a remarkable natural wonder; at about 9km in length, 200m in width and 150m in height, it is the largest cave in the world, with caverns capable of fitting entire city streets and skyscrapers. It is home to a river, jungles, and entire cave ecosystems. Only slightly less remarkable is the fact that, until 2009, we did not even know how grandiose and impressive Son Doong (or Mountain River) Cave really is. The Son Doong Cave in Vietnam was recognized as the world's largest cave in 2010. The program presents amazing images from deep inside the cave filmed for the first time using high-definition cameras. - Into the Unknown: Greenland's Ice CavesE9
Into the Unknown: Greenland's Ice CavesThe Arctic: Greenland. Recent global warming is causing unprecedented changes in this frozen land. The frequency of glacier collapse is rapidly increasing, and in some cases, the speed of glacial motion has doubled in the past 15 years. To understand these changes, the crew teams up with a French glaciologist and travels to the massive Greenland ice sheet. This episode introduces the frozen landscape and explores the deep mysterious ice caves that suck in meltwater. - Aurora Canada's Light SpectacularE10
Aurora Canada's Light SpectacularThe Canadian Arctic, where the temperature can fall to -40°C, is in the middle of the Aurora Belt. The area is known for its frequent aurora displays; however, it is rare for several aurorae to occur at once. This spectacular phenomenon is called an aurora breakup. Colors explode and whirl against the black of night as though the sky is alive. NHK's crew travels deep into Yukon where the sky is darkest by using all means at their disposal, including dog sleds, to chase after and film aurora breakups. - Miracles of Oze MarshE12
Miracles of Oze MarshSurrounded by 2,000 meter-high mountains, the "miraculous wetlands" of Oze lie just 150 kilometers away from Tokyo. But this Shangri-la of green fields, dotted with crystal-clear ponds, seems a world away. Mist and sunshine create "white" rainbows on summer mornings and at night the Milky Way is mirrored in the ponds' surfaces amid dancing fireflies. In spring, the snowy fields mysteriously turn red. A recent study revealed this phenomenon is caused by an amazing ecosystem hidden from sight beneath the snow. This program documents the breathtaking beauty of Oze from winter to summer, uncovering the secrets behind its many miracles.