NHK Documentaries
Season 2015
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 2015
10 Episodes
- 1000 Years of Karakami ArtE1
1000 Years of Karakami ArtKarakami is a decorative Japanese paper used to ornament interior sliding doors during the Edo period. Woodblock-printed motifs, such as cherry blossoms and dragons, are said to have inspired several prominent European artists in the 19th century. This program examines the history of karakami through the work of a family in Kyoto that has preserved this traditional art form for nearly 400 years. - Tsukiji Inside the World's Largest Fish Market Incredible Hands
E2Tsukiji Inside the World's Largest Fish Market Incredible HandsＩt is not just an ordinary fish market. It is the BIGGEST in the world with a traffic of 100,000 people going in and out of 850 stalls. 50,000 tons of fish is traded daily with hundreds of millions of dollars changing hands. Its famous auctions have attracted millions of tourists worldwide. But what lies beneath the surface of this amazing market? This episode is a visual feast of never –before –filmed sequences on how a 300-kg tuna is cut, and all the the unique skills of the fishmongers and the myriad varieties of seafood available - The Secret World of ComiketE3
The Secret World of ComiketFrom manga to anime to video games, Comic Market (also known as Comiket) is a haven for subculture fans. Twice a year, in summer and in winter, fans gather at Tokyo Big Sight, an international exhibition center in Japan. Dojinshi or self-published works from a variety of genres are exhibited and sold. Considered the best of subcultural festivals, Comiket celebrates its 40th year in 2015. Unparalleled in scale and in history, the 3-day event brings 600,000 people from around the world. Despite its enormity, however, much remains unknown about the event. Who attends the event? What goes on inside? What new things are formed? This program offers an inside look at the seemingly familiar yet hidden world of Comiket. How does Comiket continue to attract more than half a million people every year? - My Dear Japanese - 70 Years of Professor Donald Keene and the Great WritersE4
My Dear Japanese - 70 Years of Professor Donald Keene and the Great WritersThis original documentary-drama looks at the life of American scholar Donald Keene, a pioneer in the research and translation of Japanese literature who laid the groundwork for putting Japan's prose and poetry on the world map. Hosted by actor Ken Watanabe, this program looks at Keene's appreciation of Japan and its traditional values, his first contact with the people of Japan during World War II, his relationships with great Japanese writers and his perception of the Japanese mindset. - The Pacific War In ColorE6
The Pacific War In ColorOn the 70th year since the end of World War Ⅱ, NHK gathered archival film of the Pacific War from home and abroad and took on the challenge of colorizing the material with the help of experts in various fields. Compiled from the restored footage, this documentary vividly revives the realities of the war, bringing to light what had been obscured in the black-and-white films and photos, and conveying with fresh intensity the experiences of those who were there through diaries and words. - Meiji Jingu Forest: A 100-year ExperimentE7
Meiji Jingu Forest: A 100-year ExperimentIn the heart of Tokyo lies the sacred forest of Meiji Jingu, one of the most visited shrines in Japan. Only a select few know the secret of this restricted forest. The seemingly primeval forest is a man-made creation, a result of a century-old grandiose experiment. For the first time, the outcome of this experiment is revealed and recorded on camera. Strange and wondrous flora and fauna are found. But how has such a rich forest taken root in a metropolis? Join us as we unveil the mystery of Meiji Jingu's sacred forest. - Nurses on the Battlefield: Hidden Tragedy of WWⅡE8
Nurses on the Battlefield: Hidden Tragedy of WWⅡMore than 50,000 Japanese nurses went to the frontlines in the World War Ⅱ to aid their country. But they were unprepared for the horrible reality that awaited them. As they worked to protect the soldiers, they faced threats to their own well-being. Wartime documents that had long been confidential, along with the testimony of former nurses, shed light on how they have struggled to come to terms with their wartime experiences. - Snow MagicE9
Snow MagicIn the depths of a Hokkaido forest in winter, the surface of Lake Shumarinai shimmers with the iridescence of snow crystals. The blanket of fine white powder also permits a number of hardy fish, including a giant "phantom" salmon, to flourish underneath. Few places on Earth get so bitterly cold - minus 41℃ - or have such heavy snowfalls - 25 meters a year. Special cameras (4K, thermo, underwater) reveal the structural beauty of the snowflakes and illuminate mysterious environmental phenomena. A fox "narrator" and 2 local schoolgirls give charming perspectives onto the wonders of a magical world.