NHK Documentaries
Season 2017
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 2017
81 Episodes
- The Divine and the Invisible
E1The Divine and the InvisibleThe spirit of Japanese hospitality has been nurtured over the centuries, through the spiritual connection of the people with a myriad of gods. The god of the fields, for example, watches over rice cultivation. After the harvest, farmers invite the god into their homes for a meal. In parts of the country that get a lot of snow, the mountain god comes down to the village once a year. Children cower, but residents still invite it inside for a meal. As the source of both blessings and disasters, nature is revered in Japanese tradition. The gods are believed to dwell in everything: in forests, rivers, rocks, and an endless array of other places. This program, shot with 4K video equipment, allows viewers to sense the mysterious-yet-delightful relationship between Japanese people and their countless gods. - Searching for Hope and HappinessE2
Searching for Hope and HappinessA student photography contest took place in 2016, commemorating the 60th anniversary of Japan's entry to the United Nations. The theme was "My View on Sustainable Development Goals". Contestants addressed challenges such as poverty, hunger, education and climate change. 622 pictures came in from 47 countries. The judging was led by Leslie Kee, known for his work with Lady Gaga and other celebrities. This program visits Cambodia, Myanmar, and other sites of the selected photos, to hear the photographers' thoughts. - Grandma Idols Head to SingaporeE3
Grandma Idols Head to SingaporeAn unlikely new group has emerged onto Japan's "Idol scene". With an average age of 84, the members of KBG84 are from the small Okinawan island of Kohama. Wearing headbands, the group excites crowds with their dynamic singing and dancing. Their concerts in Tokyo and Osaka were sold out. And in December 2016, they expanded overseas! Media Corp, the Singaporean TV company found Grandmas' singing on Youtube, and invited them for a concert! They want to discover "Why are these Grandmas so full of vitality?" This program looks at their way of life and find clues for the beautiful life in old age. - Chinese Talk Show - Challenge of the Japanese and Chinese TeamsE4
Chinese Talk Show - Challenge of the Japanese and Chinese TeamsEvery year, NHK WORLD holds a "Radio Personality Contest in Chinese" in connection with its "Chinese Talk Show" program. Japanese and Chinese people pair up to put on talk shows. Those that made the cut this time included a duo of high school students and a Japanese-Chinese married couple. The contestants had only 19 days from the time of their selection to the on-stage performance. Follow the teams as they struggle to create their scripts and hone their speaking skills. - Water, not Weapons - The Greening of Afghanistan
E5Water, not Weapons - The Greening of AfghanistanThrough decades of combat in war-torn Afghanistan, a Japanese man has been waging a different battle, against the ravages of drought. Tetsu Nakamura is a 70 year-old physician. Beginning in 1991, he opened 3 clinics to provide medical service in the mountainous eastern region of the country. However, a historic drought that began in 2000 led to shortages of water and food, causing the deaths of many people. From the perspective of providing medical care, "One irrigation canal will do more good than 100 doctors!" Nakamura shed his physician's white coat and set out to build an irrigation canal. 16 years later, the plains have turned green again and local people have begun to return to farming with renewed security. Nakamura declares, "Weapons and tanks don't solve problems. The revival of farming is the cornerstone of Afghanistan's recovery". The program follows Nakamura's 16 years of unrelenting effort, to examine the question of what kind of aid will assist Afghanistan the most. - Shinji Sogo - The Pioneer of the Shinkansen
E6Shinji Sogo - The Pioneer of the ShinkansenShinji Sogo was the 4th president of Japanese National Railways. With imagination and determination, he made sure that the Shinkansen bullet train service started in time for the 1964 Tokyo Olympics. The news brought attention from around the world and revived the railway industry. It also laid the groundwork for high-speed railways being planned and built in Europe, the US and Asia today. This program examines rare documents and firsthand accounts of how Sogo's leadership brought the ambitious Shinkansen project to fruition. - Train Cruise - Into the Harsh Winter of Japan's Far NorthE7
Train Cruise - Into the Harsh Winter of Japan's Far NorthOur journey takes place in Japan's northern island of Hokkaido, where we travel to the northernmost railway station using local trains. The harsh Hokkaido winter scenery passes outside the windows, treating passengers to dreamy frozen landscapes bustling with wildlife. We even catch one of the few trains in Japan that runs through areas of heavy snowfall, as well as visit a travel lodge built in the style of an old train station, and even indulge ourselves with some famous eki-soba. This two-night/three-day trip will fill you with the magic of Hokkaido's winter. - Snow Fever in NisekoE8
Snow Fever in NisekoThe area that covers the alpine resorts in southwestern Hokkaido is collectively referred to as Niseko. Its popularity among skiers abroad has exploded in the last 20 years, attracting aggressive foreign investment. The reasons lie in the top-quality powder snow and the efforts of the locals to ensure visitors' safety and pleasure. - Wild Hokkaido! - Winter in Mt. Yotei, NisekoE9
Wild Hokkaido! - Winter in Mt. Yotei, NisekoNiseko has become synonymous with hitting the slopes in Hokkaido. The fine snow lures skiers from Japan and abroad. Tune in to take a ride on the lift and revel in breathtaking views of Mt. Yotei. This episode also features rare footage of wild birds and fish related to char. Join our reporter for some easy trekking amid the great nature of Niseko. - Reading Aloud for PeaceE10
Reading Aloud for PeaceFor 30 years, Sayuri Yoshinaga, one of Japan's top film actresses has volunteered her time to read poems by survivors of the World War II atomic bombing of Hiroshima. She is joined by the internationally renowned Academy Award winning musician and composer Ryuichi Sakamoto, who says "Unless there is peace, we can't enjoy art. So, for me, there has to be peace". The poems express sorrow and suffering, a belief in the strength of humankind to overcome hardship, and messages of hope for peace. - Day Trips - Odakyu Odawara LineE11
Day Trips - Odakyu Odawara Lineapan's railway system can take you to all corners of Japan without much hustle. So, one way to enjoy Japan is to hop on any of these trains, get off at some random station, and take a stroll around. In this program, we get on Odakyu Odawara Line, one of Tokyo's major railways, to take you on a journey to explore some hidden charms along the way. The train travels 82.5km from the nature-abound area of Odawara City to metropolitan Shinjuku through a suburban Tokyo landscape. Get on board! - #TOKYO - Keyword: ViewsE12
#TOKYO - Keyword: ViewsWelcome to #TOKYO! This program brings you the latest Tokyo travel information by analyzing large volumes of collected social media content and big data. Find out about the interesting parts of Tokyo people are talking about. In this episode, we will take you to the tallest open sky deck in Tokyo, as well as popular free spots where you can enjoy beautiful Tokyo scenery. We also go back into history to see how people continued to enjoy the view from the top throughout the generations. We will give you many useful tips to enjoy the city. Come and join our Tokyo virtual tour. - Symbols of Revival: Tohoku's Cherry Trees
E13Symbols of Revival: Tohoku's Cherry TreesSnow-bound and still impacted by the 2011 earthquake and tsunami, the people of Tohoku wait eagerly for that springtime symbol of hope and life: the blossoming of cherry trees. Northern Japan boasts many varieties of cherry trees and some very beloved ones -- a tree strong enough to grow through a boulder and another whose lineage stretches for a thousand years. Some of these trees are cared for by generations of the same families, people who know each bud on their trees and the best places to view the cherry blossoms. - GRAND SUMO Preview: March Tournament
E14GRAND SUMO Preview: March TournamentThe March Grand Sumo Tournament opens with huge expectations for newly promoted Yokozuna Kisenosato, who won the previous tourney in January to finally reach the sport's highest rank. The strong contender for the championship in Osaka will have to contend with Yokozuna Hakuho, who'll be aiming for his 38th title, and his first since May 2016. In addition to the yokozuna battle, the preview show also looks at up-and-coming wrestlers who could shake up the March tournament. - Last Doctor Standing
E15Last Doctor StandingTakano Hospital is located in a town only 22 kilometers away from the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. The 81-year-old hospital director, Dr. Hideo Takano, has continued to provide medical care during difficult times as an active physician. The environment surrounding the hospital has changed drastically since the nuclear accident in 2011. Other hospitals closer to the damaged facility have closed, so the ambulances come thick and fast. With local medical services in disarray, Takano Hospital is the last refuge for the "new citizens" engated in decontamination work and elderly patients who lost their homes when the disaster struck. The program follows Dr. Takano over a period of 2,000 days as he struggles on alone. - CHILDREN'S TEARS: Searching for Japanese Fathers
E24CHILDREN'S TEARS: Searching for Japanese FathersThis film unveils a hidden history which starts in the Dutch East Indies under Japanese occupation during WWII. The protagonists were born of Eurasian mothers and Japanese fathers as children of the enemy. They moved to the Netherlands with their mothers while their fathers went back to Japan after the war. The absence of their fathers becomes a missing piece in their lives, and the ensuing search stretches across continents. One of the protagonists, Nippy Noya, is the percussionist in a Netherlands-based rock band called Massada. In his career, he also recorded with artists such as John McLaughlin and toured with Billy Cobham and Chaka Khan. The film starts with his soulful drum playing in the ruins of the former Jewish transit camp, Westerbork. On his journey, he discovers the secret of his musical gift, just as the other protagonists each experience their own emotional rebirth. - YAYOI KUSAMA: My Eternal Soul
E25YAYOI KUSAMA: My Eternal SoulJapan's Yayoi Kusama is one of the most closely watched female artists on the planet. Her works sell for millions of dollars. The allure of her art transcends borders and she constantly stages grand touring exhibitions around the world. Kusama is 87 years old, but she continues to paint at a frenetic pace of one painting every 2 or 3 days, as part of her "My Eternal Soul" series. This program uses 8K cameras to follow Kusama through the process of producing new works, from the initial brush strokes right through to completion. With high-definition video and original music from artist/producer Towa Tei, the program portrays the moment of creation in a striking and dynamic way. - Entertainment Nippon 2017 - Tomoyasu Hotei
E26Entertainment Nippon 2017 - Tomoyasu HoteiThis program introduces you the best of Japanese entertainment. This time, we'll be introducing you to one of Japan's top guitarists, Tomoyasu Hotei. Not only is he an amazing guitar player, with history of collaborating with The Rolling Stones, David Bowie, Iggy Pop to name a few, but he is also a well known composer and producer who has written music for Hollywood films and often tours Europe and US. We talk to him about his new home of London and find out what drives him to continue pursuing his passion for music worldwide. - Classmates of Kumamoto
E27Classmates of KumamotoThis documentary follows a group of students at the sensitive age of 15 as they try to move on in the wake of a major disaster. In April 2016, 2 earthquakes measuring between magnitude 6 and 7 struck the town of Mashiki in Kumamoto Prefecture. More than half of the students at a local junior high school had their homes damaged. They were forced to live in a shelter in the middle of their broken town. - Kumamon: A Helpful Bear after Earthquakes
E28Kumamon: A Helpful Bear after EarthquakesAfter the Great East Japan Earthquake of 2011, Kumamoto Prefecture's popular mascot Kumamon visited disaster-stricken areas in the Tohoku region many times to warm the hearts of countless people. Last year, Kumamon's own home of Kumamoto Prefecture was shaken by many massive tremors and he has been busier than ever helping people in a variety of ways. Kumamon has encouraged the people of Kumamoto to share their stories by using a Twitter hashtag resulting in over 9,000 tweets. In this program Kumamon visits some residents and is touched by people's kindness. - Broadcasters Eye: Lifelines in the Inland Sea
E29Broadcasters Eye: Lifelines in the Inland SeaBy 2060, 40% of Japan's population will be 65 or older. Such extreme population aging has not yet been experienced by any other country. How does it affect people's lives? Who will support the elderly as this process unfolds? And how does it influence our perception of life and death? - Newsline Focus: Saving Lt. Onoda: The Truth of Diplomatic Talks
E30Newsline Focus: Saving Lt. Onoda: The Truth of Diplomatic TalksIn March 1974, Former Lieutenant Hiroo Onoda surrendered on a small island in the Philippines 30 years after World War II ended. Praised and pardoned by then-President Ferdinand Marcos, the Japanese straggler received a hero's welcome on returning to his homeland. But during their decades of evading capture, Onoda and his comrades had done great harm to the islanders. Newly released secret documents show that Japan and the Philippines saw Onoda's return as a sensitive political and diplomatic matter. - Broadcasters Eye: Dancing on the Ocean Breeze
E31Broadcasters Eye: Dancing on the Ocean BreezeIn the tiny coastal community of Omuro in Miyagi Prefecture, northeastern Japan, the folk performing art known as "Omuro Nanbu Kagura" has been handed down over the generations. For about a century, the tradition was passed from family to family, parent to child. But when an earthquake and tsunami struck in March 2011, everything Omuro's residents had held dear was gone. Kagura performers lost family members, and a key member of the local kagura group went missing. - What You Taught Me About My Son
E32What You Taught Me About My SonIn 2007, an unknown Japanese youth with severe autism wrote a book of essays in Japanese titled The Reason I Jump. Authored by Naoki Higashida, it reveals the inner heart of a person with autism and has become an international bestseller translated into over 20 languages. This success is due to author David Mitchell, who has an autistic son. - RAKUxGOE33
RAKUxGOEnglish Rakugo storyteller Kimie Oshima and Kaishi Katsura visited Ishikawa Prefecture Kanazawa city and Saga Prefecture Arita town, and they will show off what they were impressed by traveling and making heartbreaking episodes as English-style Rakugo! In the theme of "WAGASHI" in Kanazawa, and "Porcelain" in Arita. It is a Rakugo program that introduces Japanese fascination, fun and fun! Please enjoy Japanese traditional entertainment "RAKUGO" comparable to Kabuki! - The Mission: Paavo Jarvi & NHK Symphony OrchestraE34
The Mission: Paavo Jarvi & NHK Symphony OrchestraThis spring, Tokyo's NHK Symphony Orchestra and its Chief Conductor Paavo Järvi embarked on their first European tour together as a part of the orchestra's 90th birthday celebrations, with concerts at prestigious venues in 7 cities across 6 countries. Currently in his second season as Chief Conductor, Järvi commented, "our biggest mission is to introduce the orchestra as one of the great orchestras in the world to European audiences". This program brings you the orchestra's brilliant performances at the Berlin Philharmonie along with stories from behind the scenes. - The Lost HokusaiE35
The Lost HokusaiIn his last years, Katsushika Hokusai, world-renowned ukiyo-e artist, painted a final masterpiece. Destroyed by fire in 1923, the 3-meter work has now been recreated based on the only surviving image, a single early 20th century monochrome photo. Leading edge image analysis technology combined with traditional art restoration techniques brought this magnificent work back to life in all its glory. - Spiritual Places in Nara: YoshinoE36
Spiritual Places in Nara: YoshinoThe theme of this program is the journey to explore the "Spirit of Japan" by visiting temples and shrines. This time we will visit Mt. Yoshino. Mt. Yoshino places in the south of Nara Prefecture and we will look for the roots of "Sakura (cherry blossoms)" which the flower that Japanese people love so much. Yoshino is the mountain which is covered with over 30,000 of SAKURA and it is known as a sacred place for mountain worship. This worship is developed focusing around "KINPUSENJI (temple located in Mt. Yoshino)". Through this journey, we will find out the Japanese people's feeling for the SAKURA. - A Historic Presidential Visit, One Year On Hibakushas Stories - Part 1E37
A Historic Presidential Visit, One Year On Hibakushas Stories - Part 1In May 2016, a handshake in Hiroshima between a sitting US president and a hibakusha, or atomic bomb survivor, became front page news. The survivor, Sunao Tsuboi, was in his 20's when the atomic bomb hit. He just barely escaped death, and for years afterward, he was consumed by hatred of America. But a chance meeting led to a change of heart. He has since dedicated his life to ridding the world of nuclear weapons while fighting the aftereffects of radiation. At 92, his journey for peace goes on. - A Historic Presidential Visit, One Year On Hibakushas Stories - Part 2E38
A Historic Presidential Visit, One Year On Hibakushas Stories - Part 2Koko Kondo was 8 months old when the atomic bomb was dropped on Hiroshima. As she grew, she struggled to come to terms with the bomb's legacy, and with being a hibakusha, or survivor. While still a teenager, she fled Hiroshima and eventually moved to the US, where she hoped to marry. But when her engagement was called off due to radiation fears, Koko returned to Japan. She then made it her life's mission to share her experiences with people from all walks of life, to pass on the torch of peace. - Zero Carbon Ahead Part 1: Investment Climate
E39Zero Carbon Ahead Part 1: Investment ClimateThis series examines how the Paris Agreement on climate change has affected businesses around the world. The first episode focuses on the financial industry. On Wall Street, fossil fuels are increasingly seen as "stranded assets" to be divested. The program looks at what the Rockefeller Brothers Fund, among others, is doing. The second episode concerns electric power. - Steps to Noh Theater
E40Steps to Noh TheaterThis program promotes Japanese culture by introducing "Noh", Japan's traditional performing art, in a way that can be easily enjoyed by anyone, not just aficionados of Japan. Noh employs various elements of theatrical expression, such as Noh masks and costumes - Zero Carbon Ahead Part 2: Energy Transition
E41Zero Carbon Ahead Part 2: Energy TransitionMajor electric companies in Germany are pulling out of the fossil fuel business and shifting their mainstay to renewable energy sources. Can they compete with clean energy, which is said to be unstable and comparatively high in prices? - A Flower Belongs in a Meadow
E42A Flower Belongs in a MeadowA challenge taken by a man who was described by Queen Elizabeth as a gardening magician. Kazuyuki Ishihara is known around the world for his designs. He has won 8 top prizes in various categories at London's annual Chelsea Flower Show. In 2016, he received the President's Award, an honor given to a work chosen from all categories. This year, Ishihara is competing once again, aiming to be the first person to win the President's Award twice in a row. Tune in and watch his gardening magic. - Satoyama Cafe: Amakusa, Nagasaki and the Goto Islands
E43Satoyama Cafe: Amakusa, Nagasaki and the Goto IslandsThis program takes food connoisseurs to some of the beautiful places in southern Japan. Surrounded by lush mountains and deep-blue ocean, residents have lived in harmony with nature for centuries. Our guide is Alex Kerr, a scholar in Eastern culture who specializes in reviving traditional Japanese houses. He argues a period of constantly chasing what's new is over and that the passage of time is what truly creates and nurtures authenticity. During his trip, he comes across modern-style cafés that embody the lifestyle of "Satoyama", the traditional way of living side by side with nature. We travel through Amakusa, Kumamoto Prefecture to Nagasaki Prefecture's Goto Island, where Christians maintained their beliefs in secret for several hundred years when their religion was banned. - Bunraku Bliss
E44Bunraku BlissBunraku puppet plays have been recognized as an Intangible Cultural Heritage. 3 puppeteers work as a team to perform these serious and adult dramas. Renowned puppeteer Kiritake Kanjuro explores this extraordinary art through "Kagamiyama Kokyo no Nishiki-e", a tale of revenge, and "Sugawara Denju Tenarai Kagami", a historic tragedy. Kiritake's team of 3 puppeteers perform with the leading doll in the studio, showcasing the full depth and breadth of emotion of which bunraku is capable. - The Sewol Mothers: Three Years of Waiting
E45The Sewol Mothers: Three Years of WaitingThe Sewol, a South Korean passenger ferry, sank in 2014. 295 people died in the tragedy. Many were high school students on a field trip. Mothers of victims whose bodies were not recovered lived at a port near the accident site for the 3 years to be close to their loved ones. They steadfastly campaigned for a search to be conducted for those still trapped inside the ferry. We document their struggle. - Nuclear Asia: Towards the Point of No ReturnE46
Nuclear Asia: Towards the Point of No ReturnNearly 70 years after the detonation of the first nuclear bomb, the threat of nuclear proliferation continues to advance. North Korea's nuclear development progresses as it continues to conduct test-launches of missiles capable of carrying nuclear warheads. For responding to future provocations by the North, the US says "all options must remain on the table". - Passions of the Blue-eyed SamuraiE47
Passions of the Blue-eyed Samurai"Who will do it without me doing it". The blue-eyed reformer is struggling with the crisis of Japanese heritages. His name is David Atkinson. He is an English man who is currently the president of a long-established restoration company with a history of 350 years. Although he collided with craftsmen, he has been promoting the restoration of the famous cultural heritages including ones of Nikko and Kyoto with his innovative ideas. The camera has scooped the moment of his unique strategy for saving the cultural heritage throughout Japan. - Spiritual Places in Nara: TodaijiE48
Spiritual Places in Nara: TodaijiThe theme of this program is the journey to explore the "Spirit of Japan" by visiting temples and shrines. This time we will visit TODAIJI in Nara Prefecture. TODAIJI is one of Japan's most legendary temples which originally built more than 1,200 years ago. The Japanese people have been prayed to Buddhist statues from ancient times. Among the numerous Buddhist statues found in Japan, "TODAIJI's DAIBUTSU (giant Buddha statue)" is one of the most prominent and popular of them all. Visitors from all over the world come to TODAIJI to catch a glimpse of the world's largest Buddhist statue. - Alexievich's Journey from Chernobyl to Fukushima Part 1: Chernobyl PrayerE49
Alexievich's Journey from Chernobyl to Fukushima Part 1: Chernobyl PrayerBelarus writer Svetlana Alexievich, winner of a 2015 Nobel Prize, is known for her unique testimonial documentary style. She strives to capture the voices of "the little people" -- those at risk of being buried in the histories of their states. She is especially known for her chronicle of the Chernobyl nuclear accident, to which she devoted 10-plus years. Her birthplace was contaminated, and she lost her sister to cancer after Chernobyl, where Alexievich went immediately to gather the stories of survivors of those killed and others who were exposed. Part 1 follows the writer as she travels to pursue her stories, featuring footage NHK began to film in 2000, to depict the experience of Chernobyl through the eyes of "the little people". - Entertainment Nippon 2017 - Hatsune Miku × KodoE50
Entertainment Nippon 2017 - Hatsune Miku × KodoVirtual singer Hatsune Miku and Taiko Performing Arts Ensemble Kodo. These 2 world renowned artists blew music fans away with their first collaboration concert this past March. In our next episode, we will be giving you an up-close look at the new generation of Japanese music with footage of their performance, a collaboration between a virtual singer made using the world's leading digital technologies and a traditional Japanese group that is connecting the past to the future through taiko drums. - Alexievich's Journey from Chernobyl to Fukushima Part 2: Fukushima, A Chronicle of the FutureE51
Alexievich's Journey from Chernobyl to Fukushima Part 2: Fukushima, A Chronicle of the FutureThe Chernobyl nuclear accident devastated Alexievich's home country of Belarus, spurring her to document the disaster and explore the problematic relationship of humans and the atom. After the March 2011 Fukushima disaster -- like Chernobyl a Level 7 major accident -- she hoped to visit Fukushima Prefecture to hear the voices of "the little people" there. More than 5 years after the accident, her hopes were realized in November 2016. In Odaka and Iitate, towns that were completely evacuated, she encounters people determined to carry on, and others whose family committed suicide in despair. What do Chernobyl and Fukushima share? What does the future hold? We examine Fukushima today, through Alexievich's eyes. - Newsline Focus: Our Lives in FukushimaE52
Newsline Focus: Our Lives in FukushimaA community whose population now includes thousands of workers at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant. A temporary school in evacuation tries to keep the children from losing memories of their hometown. These are just some of the episodes of daily life in Fukushima Prefecture, 6 years after the earthquake, tsunami and nuclear disaster of 2011. This program documents the new day-to-day of a place that's still battling the consequences of the nuclear accident. - Spiritual Places in Nara: MiwaE53
Spiritual Places in Nara: MiwaThe theme of this program is the journey to explore the "Spirit of Japan" by visiting temples and shrines. "Miwa" places in the northern part of Nara Prefecture and it is known as where an ancient Japanese monarchy was founded. Our journey for this time is "OMIWA JINJA (OMIWA Shrine)" which is told as the oldest shrine in Japan. Enshrined at OMIWA JINJA, is Mt. Miwa. - Hiroshima Revealed: Part 1E54
Hiroshima Revealed: Part 1Pulitzer Prize -- winning journalist John Hersey caused a sensation when he published "Hiroshima", the first account for American readers of the horror experienced by victims of the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bomb attack. "Hiroshima" stunned readers with its descriptions of the terrible aftermath of the bombing, yet Hersey never spoke about his experience in Hiroshima. Intrigued, his grandson Cannon Hersey visited present-day Hiroshima to trace his grandfather's footsteps as he worked to understand his grandfather's feelings when he was writing the book. - Hiroshima Revealed: Part 2E55
Hiroshima Revealed: Part 2Pulitzer Prize -- winning journalist John Hersey caused a sensation when he wrote "Hiroshima", the first account for American readers of the horror experienced by victims of the 1945 Hiroshima atomic bomb attack. First published as a reportage essay, "Hiroshima" brought home to American citizens the inhumanity of nuclear weapons. Wishing to unravel the reasons his grandfather never spoke about Hiroshima later in his life, Hersey's grandson Cannon Hersey, an artist, visits Hiroshima. - Rescuing the Lost Battalion: The Story behind the HeroesE56
Rescuing the Lost Battalion: The Story behind the HeroesDuring World War II, Japanese-Americans formed the 442nd Infantry Regiment to show their loyalty to the United States. Despite discrimination at home, they served with distinction on the Western Front and were regarded as heroes. In October 1944, the team responded to an emergency order to rescue soldiers who were surrounded by German troops. 211 men of the "Lost Battalion" were saved but at the cost of more than 800 casualties throughout the month. This program explores the bravery of the 442nd Infantry Regiment through recollections of its members and confidential records. - The Changing Face of GreedE58
The Changing Face of GreedEveryone on earth is motivated by greed and affected by the economic trends, forcing us to pursue immediate profit. The movement of capital extends beyond borders and never stops. But at the same time, there is an increasing need to stop and re-examine our economy. In the first half of this program, through interviews with experts of the global economy including Joseph Stiglitz, Alvin Roth and Tomas Sedlacek, the crises which capitalism is facing today become clear. Was Adam Smith wrong? What is the nature of money? The second half discusses the economic state of play in 2017 with reports from Europe, the U.S., and Asia by analyzing the complicated economic system we know as capitalism. In the last half (part 2), destiny of globalization, nature of desire, and future of capitalism are discussed by experts of the global economy. Is legendary economist John Maynard Keynes misunderstood? Can we control capitalism of greed at all? This documentary contemplates the past, present and future of the Capitalism of Greed. - Zhangjiajie's Miracle Stone ForestE59
Zhangjiajie's Miracle Stone ForestA magnificent panorama of more than 3,000 stone columns soaring as high as 200 meters into the air! Welcome to Zhangjiajie, a region of natural wonder in China that's registered as a World Heritage Site. Although a popular destination for tourists and a model for the scenic backdrop of the film Avatar, much of the area has restricted access and is virtually unknown. With the permission of local authorities, we succeeded in filming this wonderland with a high-resolution 4K camera mounted on a drone. Join us as we explore the mystery of a mountain with a giant hole located 1,000 meters above the valley floor; discover rice paddies cultivated on steep precipices; and document the lives of local minority peoples. Travel back in time to retrace the ancient roots of Zhangjiajie in the Han dynasty, and explore the secrets of geologic change that gave rise to these dramatic columns of stone. And, as a special treat, witness the rare occurrence of the miraculous Torrent of Mist issuing from the mountain hole like white smoke from a dragon's mouth. Our bird's-eye view highlights the special appeal of Zhangjiajie for all to see! - Shining Life
E60Shining LifeWorld-renowned Western-style painter Koji Kinutani and his daughter Kanako, a Japanese-style painter, collaborated on a work which successfully harmonized the 2 worlds of his burning color and her monochrome ink painting. Titled "Shining Life", the work is being shown this summer at a major exhibition in Kyoto and attracting great attention. This is the heartwarming story of the intense relationship between father and daughter as they proceed toward the birth of a joint masterpiece. - Alpine Plant Wonderland: Taisetsu Mountain Range
E61Alpine Plant Wonderland: Taisetsu Mountain RangeTaisetsuzan, a cluster of mountains known as the "roof of Hokkaido", is a garden in the sky boasting some of the largest alpine meadows with the greatest variety of alpine plant life in the world. A close examination of each flower growing here reveals various ingenious strategies that allow plants to pass on the gift of life to succeeding generations in the midst of a harsh environment. Using 4K cameras and other advanced video technologies, this program captures the fascinating spectacle of this tiny, hidden world. - A Tale of Love and Honor: Life in Gion
E62A Tale of Love and Honor: Life in GionWithin Japan, there's a place that's like another world: Gion, in Kyoto. When night falls in this historic district, nearly 100 geiko, or traditional entertainers, make their way to teahouses to perform classical arts, such as music and dance, for carefully selected guests. Kimi Ota, 77, is proprietress of a 200-year-old teahouse. Throughout its history, it has always been run by a woman. The proprietress cannot marry, and must have a daughter who can someday take over. Peer behind the curtain into the unique and alluring world of Kyoto's teahouses. - Detroit Revealed - My Grandfather John Hersey and America
E63Detroit Revealed - My Grandfather John Hersey and AmericaAmerican journalist John Hersey (1914-1993) opened the eyes of much of the world to the aftermath of the atomic bombing of Hiroshima. In this program, Cannon Hersey retraces his grandfather's footsteps and considers the domestic climate in the United States since the start of the Trump presidency. In 1967, amidst racial strife, John Hersey wrote that every white person bore some degree of responsibility for violence against African-Americans. Half a century later, racial and religious prejudices are again spawning attacks. The program explores the seeds of hate and what they might grow into - Visualizing Atomic Deaths: New Facts on Hiroshima's VictimsE64
Visualizing Atomic Deaths: New Facts on Hiroshima's VictimsMany people believe the Hiroshima atomic bomb instantly incinerated nearly everyone in the Japanese city. That was true at ground zero, but not everywhere. Hiroshima government officials have been tirelessly collecting records on those killed to find out how they died. Using this "big data", NHK created a visualization of the movements of the 557,000 victims of the August 6, 1945 attack. Some did indeed perish instantly. Others burned to death in collapsed buildings. But what about the people who died in a strange "donut zone of death" days after the bombing and in areas more than 2 kilometers from ground zero? This documentary goes beyond big data to provide heart-rending accounts from people close to victims and survivors, revealing the true story of what happened on that dark day more than 70 years ago. - Hokusai's ImpactE65
Hokusai's ImpactIt's no overstatement to say that Katsushika Hokusai changed the world of art. The master of Japanese ukiyo-e influenced the Impressionists and Post-Impressionists in Europe, affecting fashion, music, anime and even social thought. In this program, super high-definition 8K cameras get up close to the recent Hokusai exhibit at the British Museum. Tune in to discover the enduring appeal of Hokusai. - Washoku ExplorersE66
Washoku ExplorersTo discover the true essence of Japanese cooking, it's crucial to leave the big cities behind and head out into the countryside! 3 food experts from the U.S. and Britain visit Toyama Prefecture, located about 400 kilometers from Tokyo, to learn all about washoku, traditional Japanese cuisine. They explore Toyama's diverse food culture and are introduced to unique ingredients such as tofu, miso and kombu. They also create innovative dishes for a bento together. Join them on their journey! - Kurara: The Dazzling Life of Hokusai's Daughter - Part 1E67
Kurara: The Dazzling Life of Hokusai's Daughter - Part 1An American magazine calls Katsushika Hokusai one of 100 people who left the most important achievements of the past millennium. Assisting him behind the scenes however was a woman: his daughter, O-Ei. For the first time, NHK WORLD brings a historical drama presented in high definition 4K, telling O-Ei's story. - Connectivity and Economic Corridors Part 1: The OverviewE68
Connectivity and Economic Corridors Part 1: The OverviewThe opening program of the series, ASEAN Now and the Future – Connectivity and Economic Corridors, looks back over the history of cooperation for peace, stability, growth and prosperity between Japan and ASEAN, the Association of Southeast Asian Nations and explains how the broadcasting stations of the four participating countries in this program production assistance project – Vietnam, Cambodia, Laos and Myanmar – tackled the program production work. - Connectivity and Economic Corridors Part 2: VietnamE69
Connectivity and Economic Corridors Part 2: VietnamThe program tours the infrastructure of the East-West and Southern Economic Corridors which support the high annual growth rates of over 6% and visits projects developed with Japanese assistance, including the Tien Sa Seaport, Noi Bai International Airport, Nhat Tan Bridge, the local production of a measles rubella vaccine, Vietnam-Japan University and an electronic customs clearance system. - Connectivity and Economic Corridors Part 3: LaosE70
Connectivity and Economic Corridors Part 3: LaosPart Three of ASEAN Now and the Future – Connectivity and Economic Corridors, was produced by the Laotian state-run broadcaster, Lao National Television (LNTV). Laos, with its population of 7 million, is ASEAN’s only landlocked country but it enjoyed an average annual GDP growth rate of 7.85% for the 4 years of 2012-15. This economic growth is underpinned by the expanding infrastructure for the rapid transport of people and goods. The focus this time, carrying on from Vietnam, is the East-West Economic Corridor, starting from the town of Dansavanh on the Vietnam border. We cross Laos on from there on the East-West Economic Corridor’s National Route 9 to Savannakhet on the border with Thailand. - Connectivity and Economic Corridors Part 4: CambodiaE71
Connectivity and Economic Corridors Part 4: CambodiaThe program introduces the bridges built by Japan, which have contributed to solve these problems. We also travel along the Southern Economic Corridor connecting Cambodia to Vietnam via the Tsubasa Bridge, the 3rd bridge built by Japan, visiting the border town as well as Sihanoukville Autonomous Port, connecting the country to not only other ASEAN countries but the world. - Connectivity and Economic Corridors Part 5: MyanmarE72
Connectivity and Economic Corridors Part 5: MyanmarThe program introduces how Myanmar is overcoming the political turmoil and stepping out for a better tomorrow, looking at the links with other ASEAN countries and how those links are supported by Japan. The East-West Economic Corridor links Myanmar to Vietnam. In the near future, an electronic customs system will also be introduced on the Thai border, and a bridge being built with the latest Japanese technologies on the road to Yangon should further accelerate the flow of goods. In the Thilawa Special Economic Zone, the governments of Myanmar and Japan and the private sector are working hand in hand to help the Myanmar economy lift off. - Shoot for Appare: ABU Asia-Pacific Robocon 2017 TokyoE73
Shoot for Appare: ABU Asia-Pacific Robocon 2017 Tokyooung engineers around the globe compete with handmade robots in the ABU Asia-Pacific Robot Contest, or Robocon, and in August 2017 robots from the world over gathered in Tokyo. In the past 15 contests, China and Vietnam boast the most number of wins with 5 titles each. Japan has only won twice, but this year, both the Tokyo Institute of Technology and the University of Tokyo will enter for the chance to regain the title for Japan after 4 years. Come witness behind-the-scenes footage of the battle to be number one. - Gata no Kuni kara: Message from the Mudflats: Part 1E75
Gata no Kuni kara: Message from the Mudflats: Part 1Mone Kamishiraishi playing Mirai and Thai actor Thiti Mahayotaruk playing Samut star in "Gata no Kuni kara: Message from the Mudflats". Samut, a Thai celebrity, disappears from the production while filming a TV show in Saga Prefecture. He longs to see the mudflats (Gata) so he can re-experience the joy he felt as a young boy. He meets Mirai, a local high school girl while on the run and convinces her to take him to the mudflats. Even though, the show's director and his staff are in hot pursuit, Mirai and Samut manage to make it to the mudflats, but... How will it all end? Though the two of them do not speak the same language, they are able to communicate via Mucchi, Mirai's pet mudskipper, due to an extraordinary power he possesses. What could this extraordinary power be? - Gata no Kuni kara: Message from the Mudflats: Part 2E76
Gata no Kuni kara: Message from the Mudflats: Part 2The program features Japanese actress Mone Kamishiraishi as Mirai, a Japanese high school girl, and popular Thai actor Thiti Mahayotaruk as Samut, a big name Thai celebrity who is filming a TV show in Saga Prefecture. Samut runs away from the production and convinces Mirai to take him to see the mudflats (Gata). But it is high tide when they finally arrive, so the mudflats are underwater. He acknowledges that "knowing when to give up" is important. Mirai then promises to help him see the mudflats. Finally, with the help of others, they are able to visit the mudflats at low tide and really see them. Just before they reach the mudflats, the show's director appears and tries to convince Samut to return to the production. But suddenly, Samut and Mirai run towards the mudflats. - Festivals of KyushuE81
Festivals of KyushuFestivals hold a special place in people's hearts in Japan. Passed down over generations, they express the spirit of local communities, and people's hopes for safety and prosperity. In 2016, UNESCO added 33 Japanese festivals featuring elaborate floats to its Intangible Cultural Heritage list. Among them are five from the southwestern island of Kyushu. Showcasing the cultural diversity of local communities, these festivals have been integral to creating a sense of local pride and belonging. - Restoration of Kumamoto Castle
E85Restoration of Kumamoto CastleKumamoto Castle was seriously damaged by a massive earthquake registered as a 7 on the Japan's seismic intensity scale last year. NHK has obtained a permission to conduct a survey on the restricted area. And the results showed that most of its collapsed - MEGA CRISIS: Skyscrapers in Aseismic DangerE86
MEGA CRISIS: Skyscrapers in Aseismic DangerSkyscrapers are symbols of big cities. But the mega earthquake that hit Kumamoto Prefecture, Japan, in 2016 proved that even earthquake-resilient high-rise buildings can shake greatly and suffer severe damage. The culprit is the long period seismic pulse, which is lurking in active faults throughout the world. Simulations of this motion showed that tall buildings shook 3 times more, causing them to tilt. This episode depicts the destructive power of the long period seismic pulse, and the latest counter measures to combat this threat. - Inside the "Kimdom": North Korea ExposedE87
Inside the "Kimdom": North Korea ExposedNorth Korea has continued to rattle the global community by going ahead with nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches, without fear of international sanctions. This documentary unveils the mysterious "Kingdom of Kim" based on material obtained exclusively by NHK. A classified national file in excess of 12,000 pages contained on one USB memory stick, apparently leaked from the Korean People's Army, reveals the strategic plan of leader Kim Jong-un. What's the meaning behind the series of purges of top executives? Why is the country obsessed with having nuclear arms at the forefront of its military strategy? Classified documents and numerous interviews with intelligence agencies, North Korean specialists, and former North Korean army soldiers expose the unknown inner workings of this shadowy country.
