Born in Osaka some 300 years ago, Japanese puppet theater—Bunraku—is a stunning yet refined spectacle. This program presents the story of Bunraku through two of its greatest masters, puppeteer Tamao Yoshida and chanter Sumitayu Takemoto. Brought together for the last performance of the 20th century, these two "living national treasures" transform ancient tales of old Japan into vibrant human drama. Cameras go backstage to capture the immense preparations and grueling, rarely seen rehearsals for their exquisite rendition of the masterpiece Shinju Ten no Amijima.
On August 6th and 9th, 1945, two atomic bombs vaporized 210,000 people in Hiroshima and Nagasaki. Those who survived are called "hibakusha"--people exposed to the bomb--and there are an estimated 200,000 living today. Today, with the threat of nuclear weapons of mass destruction frighteningly real- the world's arsenal capable of repeating the destruction at Hiroshima 400,000 times over, Oscar® award-winning filmmaker Steven Okazaki revisits the bombings and shares the stories of the only people to have survived a nuclear attack.
Synopsis The Stradivarius violins made in the 17th century by Italian master craftsman Antonio Stradivari continue to be cherished by today's greatest performers. Around 600 of these multi-million-dollar instruments still exist, but the true secret of its unrivaled sound remains veiled in mystery. Join Karen Gomyo, a New York-based Stradivarius player, and the many performers, artisans, scientists, and other Stradivarius lovers around the world on a 300-year journey back through time to trace the saga of this sublime instrument.
Successive meltdowns of reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant resulted in significant nuclear contamination. How did the disaster unfold? NHK interviewed more than 400 people and conducted simulations based on volumes of data. Our independent investigation sheds new light on the accident 2 years after it occurred.
About 70% of dementia patients suffer from Alzheimer's disease. Alzheimer's causes brain cells to die, leading to loss of memory and physical functions. A cure has yet to be found. As societies age, the number of people with Alzheimer's is expected to soar. From exercises anyone can do to new medications, we'll examine the latest efforts to defeat Alzheimer's.
Locked away by her parents for 18 years, one young woman has never attended school. The skeletal remains of a boy deserted by his father were discovered, as nobody knew he had been left alone in his apartment. Such children are completely isolated from society, prevented from going to school by abuse or poverty, and the outside world has no idea where they are or what they are doing. NHK has tracked down some of these isolated children, and for the first time tells their story. This program examines the pleas of children in a hidden corner of modern-day Japan.
In 1945, US forces dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki. Last year, photos and a map of the aftermath were found, detailing the bomb's destructive mechanism. They showed how the Mach stem - a shock wave that hyper-intensified the power of the initial blast - was responsible for destroying buildings with increasing force 500 meters from ground zero. Through a simulation of the blast and interviews with survivors, this program reveals how the bomb was exploded to maximize its catastrophic effect.
Soon after atomic bombs were dropped on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, a black rain containing radioactive materials fell from the sky. No detailed data has ever been released on where this contaminated rain fell, and the extent of this form of radiation. But at the end of 2011, enquiries by a doctor in Nagasaki led to the disclosure that investigators in the 1950s had collected data on some 13,000 people exposed to black rain. Why has this information yet to be released -- 67 years after the atomic bombings? And what might we learn from these cases today? Our investigation includes accounts from survivors.
On 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.
More 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.
The Battle of Okinawa was one of the bloodiest in the Pacific War. Even women and children were called to arms to cover the serious shortage of Japanese troops. As a result, at least 90,000 civilians perished, the largest number of casualties in a ground battle within Japan. The program reconstructs the overall story of this battle using big data analysis from newly discovered casualty records. Also utilized are invaluable footage filmed by the U.S. Army, and graphic eyewitness accounts of civilians on audio tapes. Witness the search for the truth behind this brutal ground battle that drove both soldiers and civilians into madness, and turned a tropical paradise into a tragic hell on earth.
Hisayo and Yoshihiko Umeki live in a remote village in Japan. Hisayo is blind and deaf, and Yoshihiko is her interpreter, husband and friend. Despite their difficulties, they lead a simple yet satisfying life. A farmer by choice, Yoshihiko loves the beauty of living off the land, but Hisayo, a city girl, finds the rural life sometimes challenging. By following the life of the couple through 4 seasons, this documentary reexamines what happiness can mean even in adversities.
Scientists have discovered that walking speed is a good indicator of a person's risk for developing dementia. Irregularities in the way we walk signal that special networks inside the brain are deteriorating, increasing the risk of dementia. But experts are finding ways to detect and treat such declines at an early stage. And they're developing new medications to keep dementia at bay. On this program, we'll share the latest findings from the front lines of dementia prevention.
With public opinion divided, Japan's Diet enacted new national security legislation in September 2015. This enabled Japan to exercise its right to collective self-defense, which past Cabinets have deemed unconstitutional. With overwhelming numbers in the Diet, Abe's administration is pushing its policy agenda. A divided and contentious opposition cannot act as an effective counterforce. This program closely analyzes the political battles and Abe's consolidation of power.
Radioactive substances fell across eastern Japan following the accident at a Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant in March 2011. The ongoing decontamination work has created huge quantities of toxic waste. NHK has carried out a large-scale survey of local governments to find out where the waste is, how much there is and what is happening at the storage sites. This program looks at the hardships facing both officials and residents as they confront the largest nuclear cleanup operation in history.
"What is life?" was the theme of a special class at a school hit by the March 2011 tsunami disaster. The goal was to help students share their experience of losing loved ones in the disaster, which they had rarely done at school before. Given the chance to write the sorrow bottled up inside them, they gradually started to open up and express their feelings. Their constant attempts of the class helped them move forward. This is a record of the year-long journey taken by these 15-year-olds.
At the accident site of the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, the decommissioning of reactors involving the removal of nuclear fuel from 3 crippled reactors seems unending. Some estimates say it will take over 40 years until all the work is complete. Nuclear debris still continues to release fatal amounts of radiation, making close investigation impossible. Therefore, alternative inspection methods using cutting-edge technology are ongoing, including small remotely-operated robots and cosmic-ray, sub-atomic technology to image and detect debris inside the reactor. Can humans safely control nuclear power? Decommissioning Fukushima is a "front line" record of the accident that attempts to answer this question.
The 2011 nuclear accident in Fukushima Prefecture, Japan forced 88,000 people to evacuate their homes. In September 2015, Naraha became the first town to welcome residents back. But officials trying to revive the community face numerous hurdles, such as rebuilding medical, welfare and commercial infrastructure. 4 months after the evacuation order was lifted, only 6% of residents had returned. The challenges facing one town highlight broader questions about the region's recovery from the disaster.
Located 1,000 km from Tokyo, Nishinoshima Island suddenly emerged from the water in 2013. The land is formed from an undersea volcanic eruption and scientists are saying this event could solve the mystery of how continents are made. NHK teamed up with experts to learn more about Japan's newest island. Join them on this grand science adventure as they witness an once-in-a-lifetime "birth of land".
The Angkor complex in Cambodia has remained a mystery for centuries due to the loss of the civilization's records. But now, with new investigations using laser beams from a helicopter, and results of archaeological from the past, this mystery is gradually being unveiled. What has emerged is an enormous metropolis that existed in dense jungle. This episode introduces the Angkor civilization, which once enjoyed prosperity and later disappeared into obscurity.
Glittering gold towers, beautiful symmetrical temples, gigantic statues of Buddha. This is scenery from the ancient ruins of Bagan, Myanmar’s first dynasty. At the site where its capital was once located, 3,000 pagodas and temples remain to this day. How were so many structures made? Today, the latest studies have revealed the existence of an amazing system that prevented wealth from concentrating among the privileged in this ancient city.
In 1974, thousands of life-size terracotta soldiers were unearthed near the Mausoleum of the first Qin Emperor, Qin Shi Huang. But the true reason of their burial remained a mystery. During recent investigations, many other life-size statues, remains of an extravagant palace, and ruins of the castle walls of a vast city were excavated in the same area. This episode unearths the plans and secrets of a major undertaking: the first unification of China by Emperor Qin Shi Huang.
The prehistoric Jomon culture is said to be the origin of the Japanese people. It has received high acclaim from specialists worldwide for its sophisticated lifestyle including highly artistic clay pots, figures and lacquer products. Particularly surprising is it's sustainability based on a hunter-gatherer lifestyle without any large-scale agriculture. This episode delves deep into the unique Jomon culture through findings at ruins of a Jomon village in Sannai-Maruyama, Japan.
Inside The Tsunami is a definitive and human story documentary of the 3.11 Giant Tsunami. It investigates what happened in Kamaishi City, where residents were overwhelmed by the tsunami that traveled far inland, taking the lives of over 1,000 people. Based on firsthand accounts of survivors who were actually caught up in the enormous tidal wave, the program analyzes the behavior and mechanics of the tsunami. By utilizing harrowing home-video footage and VFX technology, Inside The Tsunami attempts to recreate the tsunami, to allow viewers to experience what the people went through. Their stories provide lessons on how we should all act in the face of life-threatening disasters.
During 5 years of civil war, more than 4.6 million Syrians have fled their country. Many have risked their lives to cross the sea in search of a better life for themselves and their families. The UN's Refugee Agency leads the effort to respond to the plight of the displaced. More than 90 Japanese work for the agency. This is the story of their frontline battle against the worst refugee crisis of the century.
On a hill overlooking the ocean in Otsuchi Town in northeastern Japan is a phone booth known as the "Telephone of the Wind". It is connected to nowhere, but people come to "call" family members lost during the tsunami of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Many visit the phone booth including a mother and 3 children who have lost their father. This documentary looks at the unique role that this phone is playing in helping the grieving process of many.
The Great East Japan Earthquake on March 11, 2011 caused a series of accidents at a nuclear plant in Fukushima Prefecture. 3 reactors suffered meltdown, and some 140-thousand people evacuated in 7 days. Despite the scale of the disaster, details of the evacuation were not widely known. What actions did people take and how was information communicated to them? The chaos of the evacuation can be captured from 2,400 videos and photos, and the testimony of more than 1,000 people.
"My paintings will be understood 1,000 years from now". Japanese painter Ito Jakuchu (1716-1800) left these mysterious words along with his many paintings. These prophetic words are coming true with recent finds using the latest technology to better understand the artist's creative process, and his singular style in composition and design. Observe in pristine images the remarkably fine lines of Jakuchu (0.1mm!), and find out the messages hidden in the paintings of "the man with the hand of god".
Children bring joy, but also challenges. Mothers can experience feelings of anxiety and loneliness, or have difficulty loving their kids. This program looks at the science behind these emotions, and offers ways to help. Bringing together the latest findings from the fields of neuroscience, animal behavior and physiology, we uncover the roots of mothers' stress. Our exploration into the mysteries of childrearing offers food for thought for mothers, fathers - everyone.
The Fukushima nuclear accident in 2011 turned the surrounding towns into a desolate land, making the area into a "radioactive forest". Without human presence, the land is roamed by wildlife like civets, macaques and wild boars. A project is underway to study the deserted areas by attaching a camera to wild boars to record the conditions of the former farmlands. 5 years after the disaster, we take a close look at how radiation has affected the wildlife, and what it entails for us humans.
An artificially intelligent program recently stunned the world by crushing the foremost player of the ancient board game Go. AI has also enabled extremely precise cancer detection, more efficient and hassle-free transportation systems, and even virtual relationships. But it also has the potential to run amok. We visit the frontlines of the AI revolution to see the benefits and risks.
In 2011, 3 reactors at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant suffered meltdowns. The operator plans to decommission the plant within 40 years. But the people involved in the process face a critical challenge: locating and removing tons of hardened nuclear debris. Engineers are trying to develop special robots and experimenting with life-size replicas of the reactors. In this program, we report from the frontline of efforts to deal with the fuel debris.
Although long renowned for the skills and strength of its heavyweight judo division, Japan was once overwhelmed by the world's power-driven judo, evident in the gold medal drought at the last Olympics. Now, Japan's judo is showing signs of revival. Using science, this episode takes an in-depth look at the secrets behind the polished techniques that push human ability to the limit, which embodies the philosophy of judo.
If you think it's "just" stress, think again. Intense stress can ruin your health and even take your life. Recent studies in the fields of physiology, psychology and brain science have revealed a complex mechanism. Stress can trigger a chain reaction of hormonal response, destroying brain cells and blood vessels, which could lead to death. This episode explores the different diseases caused by stress and looks at what you can do to keep it from killing you.
Stress can kill. Recent studies have revealed that extreme stress can be life threatening, and cause serious mental disorders including depression and dementia. How does stress trigger abnormal conditions that destroy the brain? This program tracks the latest scientific research into the mechanisms of stress, and features innovative and easy ways to keep it from killing you.
The world's top synchronized swimmers Natalia Ishchenko and Svetlana Romashina have an impossible stunt called The Russian Roulette, where the two move their legs at breakneck speed during a routine when oxygen levels drop dangerously.
"Isolados": This is the name given to indigenous people deep in the Amazon who had almost no contact with the outside world for 100 years. Recently, they have started to emerge. But encounters have turned bloody, and contact exposes the Isolados to the risk of disease. The Peruvian government is attempting to reach out, so it may put the group under its control. NHK traveled to a remote outpost to document one such meeting with a people who experts say may disappear in as little as 2 years.
7 decades ago, 2 men stood on opposite sides of the front line in World War II. Mitsuo Fuchida was the chief commander of Japan's attack on Pearl Harbor. Jacob DeShazer, a US Army Air Force corporal, dropped incendiary bombs on Nagoya in a revenge raid. After the war, both became devout Christians and embarked on missions in each other's homeland. They met, and forged a firm bond. This story of former soldiers who overcame hatred and embraced peace carries a message that resonates today.
Runners battle rough terrain in what is called the toughest race in the world. Competitors race all day and night in a natural setting that can quickly turn ferocious and dangerous. It's the trail running race in Patagonia, Chile. Only 30% of entrants make it. A grueling 141-kilometer test of endurance. The astounding power hidden in the runners' muscles pushes beyond the breaking point, and they start to lose the sense of vision and even themselves. This is "God's Territory".
In 1945, the United States dropped 2 atomic bombs on Japan. Then President Harry Truman explained the decision was made to save thousands of American lives. People have accepted this explanation without question for decades. But recently, materials have surfaced that paint a more nuanced picture of what actually occurred. This program reexamines events in the months leading up to the bombings, and tries to determine how one of the most important events in history was rewritten after the war.
Once a dream car, today the autonomous vehicle is becoming a reality. The global competition to develop such vehicles is heating up, and the first company to have the upper hand will win. The autonomous driving revolution will have a major impact on vehicle manufacturing, and will likely change society forever. But creating an autonomous vehicle means understanding computers. This means automakers have to compete with IT firms including Google. Come explore the frontlines of this revolution.
In 1993, a Japanese civilian police officer taking part in a United Nations peacekeeping operation in Cambodia was killed. It was the first such mission under Japan's pacifist constitution. A ceasefire was supposed to be in place, but the officer and his colleagues were attacked in an ambush. On this program, his former colleagues break more than 20 years of silence, helping to shed light on the harsh reality the men encountered.
2 active faults triggered an earthquake in Kumamoto Prefecture that measured a maximum 7 on Japan's seismic intensity scale. Most of the houses in an area of one village came crashing down. The residents there had to make a tough choice: Either rebuild their homes and live with the risks posed by the faults, or leave the community they love and relocate to safer area. This is a chronicle of their lives during the first 6 months after the disaster.
Japanese Doctors are leading efforts to fight intractable diseases by balancing the gut microbiota
Many centenarians around the world are still going strong. They hold the secrets to living a long time while staying both mentally and physically fit and researchers around the world are trying to unravel the reasons. In the program the world's super centenarians appear one after another. The program focuses on centenarians from all angles, such as nutrition, psychology, environmental studies, sociology and tell you the way to reach it.
China's economy is supported by a cheap labor force of farmer laborers who have flowed into big cities from rural villages. As the economy slows down, a national project is underway to attract farmers to smaller sized cities and turn 100 million farmers into urban consumers. Residential districts in big cities where farmer laborers live are being torn down, forcing them to leave. We take a closer look at this national project, where farmers' lives are tossed about again by China's transformation.
The festival of Onbashira, or the "honored pillar", takes place in Suwa, Japan, once every 6 years. Few tree-centered festivals in Japan or anywhere else in the world, rival this one for its breathtaking scale. Why is Suwa the only place where this mysterious festival lives on? In this report we explore the ancient mystery behind the enthusiasm that engulfs this town whenever the sacred year rolls around.
Negotiations on the issue of the Northern Territories are often called the last post-war settlement. In December 2016, Japan marked its first step on the thorny path. What did they talk about behind closed doors? How did Japan negotiate with Russia, which wouldn't soften its hardline stance? We learned about some of the details from materials we collected for this report. We'll take a look at what was going on behind the scene during the 7 months of secret negotiations.
A serious threat to human health is getting global attention and prompting action. It is glucose spike, the sudden rise in sugar levels after eating. Although difficult to detect, if left untreated it can cause various deadly illnesses such as diabetes, heart attack and even cancer. For a long time, medicine overlooked this phantom menace, but studies have shown that people can ward off this frightening condition by making some simple lifestyle changes. This program presents results of the latest research that will help viewers take care of their health, including a checklist test that indicates risks of glucose spikes.
Decommissioning TEPCO's Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant is a huge, and complex, project. The plant's operator and the Japanese government have estimated it will take 40 years to complete. Getting the job done requires manpower, technology…and a lot of money. Costs are escalating, and questions remain about how they'll be covered. In this program, we take a close look at the ballooning expenses, and think about who should shoulder the burden.
In China today, 12,000 startups are created every day. Investing into these ventures is an estimated 17 trillion dollars of private assets. Fueling this wildly surging investment boom are newly minted private-sector investment companies, magnets for money from the wealthy looking to capitalize their funds. To move all of this capital around, new financial services use the internet to gather money from ordinary people in a flash. But trouble often occurs in this red-hot boom. As it pursues new growth industries, China is conducting an epic experiment uniting the public and private sectors.
3 years ago, the Academy Award-winning animated film director Hayao Miyazaki shocked the world when he announced his retirement at age 72. But his creative impulse never faded. After meeting a group of young animators who specialize in computer graphics, he decides to make a short film using CGI to explore new expressive possibilities. Will the short film he releases change the future of Japanese animation? The creative process proves so difficult that he almost calls it quits. This program documents the tremendous struggle that unfolds behind the scenes as Miyazaki, inspired by a new medium, wrestles with CGI for the first time
The socialist dictatorship North Korea has continued to rattle the global community with nuclear tests and ballistic missile launches. The internal workings of the North Korean People's Army have been shrouded in mystery for more than half a century. But a flash drive containing more than 12,000 pages of classified information was leaked.
Cancer treatment is undergoing a revolution. Unlike conventional anti-cancer medications, a new type of drugs uses a completely different method to attack the disease. And there's a new kind of treatment called "precision medicine", which analyzes a patient's genes and selects the optimal drug for that person. These 2 developments provide synergistic effects that make the cancer treatment revolution possible. We'll explore the possibilities offered by life-extending medical care.
Chikako Nakamoto, affectionately called "Bacchan" or "Granny", is known as the city's Mother Theresa. For years, she's been welcoming juvenile delinquents with home cooked meals. She believes that hunger is a trigger for acts of assault, purse snatching, shoplifting, and prostitution. A warm meal is the first step toward rehabilitation. Some of the youth Granny welcomes into her home include a boy whose family is too poor to feed him and a girl who's been abused by her parents. Under Granny's care, these young people seek and find ways to overcome despair. This documentary, filmed over a span of 8 years, shows how Granny's table has changed the lives of these juveniles.
The book "The Reason I Jump" introduced readers around the world, for the first time, to the true emotions of a person with autism. Author Naoki Higashida is severely autistic, but can "talk" with the help of an alphabet board or a computer. 2 years after he was profiled in the NHK Documentary What You Taught Me About My Son (2014), the director, who is now suffering from cancer, re-visits Naoki, asking him a crucial question: "How can people who are suffering find happiness?" It's a remarkable story about life from the words of a young autistic author.
Will Global Growth Continue? Economic disparities are widening around the world. Wealth is increasingly concentrated in the hands of a few, and the gap between rich and poor is growing increasingly big. Industrialized countries that once powered the global economy are slowing. Will global growth continue? This program considers this question by retracing the roots of modern capitalism, interviewing leading economists, and documenting how governments and businesses are racing to adapt.
Mega Corporations vs. State Sovereignty The rise of giant multinational corporations is shaking up the capitalist order. A lengthy court battle with a major US energy firm has left Ecuador at risk of default. Worldwide, large companies have filed some 700 lawsuits against governments. Meanwhile, some nations are giving up sovereignty to attract more businesses. And entrepreneurs are looking to establish autonomous floating states. We explore the shifting power balance between businesses and governments, and the fate of capitalism.
The Extreme Wealth Gap and Beyond Capitalism has generated both enormous prosperity and staggering inequality. A report shows that the world's 62 richest people now control as much wealth as the 3.6 billion poorest. On the other hand, new approaches to sharing wealth are taking shape. One CEO has slashed his own salary by more than 90%, and raised employees' wages. A labor-managed company in Uruguay gives every worker a role in running the company. We explore capitalism today and how it's evolving.
The Asian black bear, or moon bear, is the largest mammal on Japan's main island of Honshu. Catching sight of them is extremely difficult because they're cautious creatures that prefer to spend their days deep in the forests. But over the course of 28 years, one man has painstakingly watched and documented these bears. This program gives us a glimpse of the reality of their life, which has long been shrouded in mystery.
Chinese leaders are trying to transform their economy and prepare it for the future. And they're hoping the e-commerce boom will spark consumption across the country, from mega-metropolises to tiny villages in the countryside. Entrepreneurs are hoping to ride the wave, starting small companies that are selling t-shirts, wallets, and much more as they struggle to make their mark in a hyper-competitive environment. Go inside China's fast-moving and dynamic e-commerce revolution as businesses put it all on the line in their dogged pursuit of profits and success.
"We will become an environmental superpower", China's leaders have declared. This program explores the daunting challenges facing this plan, in a country where nearly 1 million people are said to die from air pollution annually. Beijing has committed billions to clean skies and pledged to cut PM 2.5 pollution 45% by the 2022 Beijing Winter Olympics. Can these goals be met? NHK followed citizens battling air pollution in Wuhan, where neighbors of major industries are dying of cancer, and in the steelmaking cities of Qinhuangdao and Tangshan, known as the world's most polluted city. It is a stark reality: despite Beijing's pledges, cities and firms struggle to chart a new environmental path. Severe air pollution is the price of China's rapid economic growth. The program covers 3 years in the struggle to solve this problem.
Japan's Emperor Akihito is the head of the oldest continuous hereditary monarchy in the world. He's the first to succeed the role of "symbolic emperor" under the post-World War II constitution. Emperor Akihito stunned Japan and the world in 2016 by suggesting he wanted to "abdicate while still alive". Since assuming the throne from his father Emperor Hirohito, how has Emperor Akihito embodied the constitutional role? And why has he decided now that he wants to abdicate? This program documents Emperor Akihito's years of searching for answers utilizing NHK's exclusive footage and new interviews with experts.
Can time heal all wounds for a family that lost its main anchor in Japan's 2011 disaster? What do the surviving family members feel, how do they deal with their grief, where can they draw strength? Over 4 years since 2013, NHK chronicled the battle waged by a brokenhearted woman and her son as they struggled to move on, relying on the inventive help of those around them. Kazuko was paralyzed by grief over the death of her husband. But she and her son, Kazuha, slowly face the tragedy of their loss and their relationship changes as they become each other's support system. NHK shows this heart-rending transformation of a mother and her child as they bravely get on with their lives after losing the person dearest to them.
Nobue Kai is an 86-year-old picture book author whose illustrations focus on a subject full of wonders many people know little about -- weeds. Her careful and accurate observations about the lives of all kinds of weeds have opened people's eyes to their beauty. We followed her for a full year as she worked and documented a breathtaking universe hiding in plain sight at our feet.
Giant pandas, now on the verge of extinction, must be bred in captivity. The zoo in Shirahama, Japan, is one of the world's most successful breeding facilities, and its unique rearing method has drawn considerable attention. With our cameras documenting the zoo and its staff for 1,000 days, we succeeded in capturing a record of the whole breeding process, from mating to nursing, for the first time ever.
70 years ago, as it began to rebuild from World War II, Japan enacted a new Constitution. Since that time, not a single word has been changed, including the principles of peace set out in Article 9. How did this commitment to peace take root? Using previously classified documents, NHK reveals the roles played by Emperor Hirohito and Japanese lawmakers in putting Japan on the path of peace that lay the foundation for the postwar Constitution.
It's considered the discovery of the century in Japan -- the unearthing of a complete fossilized skeleton of an 8-meter long dinosaur. It was dubbed Mukawaryu based on the name of the town in Hokkaido where it was uncovered. The find opened up a new world of dinosaur research in Japan. But it also created another mystery because this land dinosaur was discovered in a location that, eons ago, would have been in the ocean. How did the fossil get there? The amazing answer is revealed in this documentary, using CGI to re-create how dinosaurs lived 72 million years ago.
Located beneath Russia's Ural Mountains, Orda Cave is legendary among divers for its unique beauty. The cave's waters are clearest in winter, when the land above lies frozen. With temperatures approaching minus 40 degrees, NHK attempts to film the cave in ultra-high definition 4K for the first time ever. Scientists give them insight into the cave's origins, enabling the crew to uncover the miraculous story of how the cave was naturally formed 300 million years ago by climate change and a shifting landscape.
On July 1, 2016, Islamic terrorists killed 22 people at a restaurant in Dhaka. 7 Japanese nationals were among the victims. They were all working at an aid project for Bangladesh. A survivor recounts how he and one of the Japanese victims managed to hide for a short while before the terrorists found them and executed the Japanese man. And in a twist, one of the planners of the attack was a Bangladeshi who actually holds Japanese citizenship. This compelling program delves deep into what happened on that day and why.
Within 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.
From chess to shogi, artificial intelligence has swept aside the grandmasters of humans' most challenging board games. Now the technology's impact is rapidly spreading in the broader world. A taxi company in Japan has boosted its passenger numbers by 20% by introducing an AI system that anticipates peak demand and dispatches drivers accordingly. In the U.S., AI is used in courtrooms to calculate the risk of recidivism and to set prison terms. AI is changing the world - but for better or worse?
Many 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?
Tokyo Black Hole reveals the rarely discussed truth about real-life events in "Year Zero" of post-war Tokyo. It follows a young man living in present-day Tokyo who travels back in time and has "hands-on" experiences. His journey helps us understand the hardships of the time, and gives a better sense of how some people prospered despite the difficult circumstances.
A radio address by Emperor Showa on August 15, 1945 was supposed to mark Japan's exit from World War Ⅱ. But for people in Karafuto, a Japanese territory on present-day Sakhalin, the war wasn't over. As Soviet troops advanced, local Japanese commanders got a puzzling order: "Defend Karafuto to the death". With military resources depleted, civilians were sent to confront heavily armed Soviet forces. Over 7 days, up to 6,000 people died. Through interviews with survivors, we explore this tragic chapter.
In the 1950's, as the Cold War intensified, the island of Okinawa Prefecture was transformed into a nuclear fortress, with up to 1,300 nuclear weapons deployed there. For this program, we've obtained about 1,500 items of previously unseen footage and confidential documents. They reveal Okinawa's critical role at that time and expose what was happening there.
Skyscrapers 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
Meteorologists around the world are concerned that accurate forecasting is becoming more and more difficult. The biggest reason for this is the rapid increase in the temperature of seawater triggered by global warming. This rise in temperature causes the flow of water vapor and winds to change, thereby allowing super typhoons to expand and increase in number. The accumulated data and the experiences at present are limited. The margin of error in forecasts for heavy rain and typhoons could end up making the resulting damage much worse. This episode introduces new scientific methods and technologies at the frontline of weather forecasting that could save lives.
Adolescence – a time when children suddenly become rebellious teenagers. The latest research suggests the changes are closely related to a mechanism acquired during human evolution. Adolescents' troubling behavior is actually rooted in brain development. However, in this era of rapidly-shifting social environments, the unique workings of the adolescent brain present new challenges for young people that may be linked to depression and bullying. Drawing on scientific experiments and evolutionary anthropology, this program uncovers the secrets of the sensitive adolescent mind.
In Japan, one couple gets divorced every 2 minutes. Often, the wife initiates the split. Many women say their partners don't understand their feelings, while many husbands seem unaware of the daily stress this can create. The latest research suggests that common marital misunderstandings are rooted in differences between the male and female brain. The problems couples experience today are the result of millions of years of evolution. This program uses findings from neuroscience to explore the issue, and suggests ways for couples to strengthen their bonds.
Unit 731 of the Japanese Imperial Army secretly developed and tested bacteriological weapons on human subjects in Manchuria during the Sino-Japanese War. At the end of the war, evidence was destroyed, and personnel kept silent, concealing the truth for decades. However, NHK recently found more than 20 hours of audio recordings from a 1949 war-crimes tribunal. The tapes contain former Unit 731 members' testimony about how, for example, typhoid and plague pathogens were tested on scores of Chinese and Manchurian prisoners. It is estimated that more than 3,000 people lost their lives after being used as living subjects. The human experiments were directed by medical scientists, who were recruited from more than 10 elite universities and research institutes. What was the nature of their experiments, and why did these doctors violate their commitment to preserving human life?
In July 2016, a man stabbed 46 people at a care center for the disabled, killing 19. The ex-employee arrested in the case said, "Disabled people can only create unhappiness". On hearing this, Yuya Sakagawa, an NHK director, was profoundly shaken. His sister Ayumi, 3 years his junior, suffers from cerebral palsy and cognitive disabilities. Yuya wanted to declare proudly and confidently that families with disabled members can be happy. He therefore decided to care for his sister for a month and make a film record of it. The program documents the struggle and the happiness experienced by Ayumi and her family.
Kuroshio is an amazing ocean current that flows north along the Japanese archipelago. It's had a great impact on Japan's culture and climate, but many mysteries still surrounded it. How, for example, if Kuroshio emerges from waters poor in plankton and other nutrients, can it manage to nurture countless schools of fish? What kind of mechanisms are at work when it produces the moist climate along the Japanese islands? How are the numerous eddies in the current formed and what role do they play? Researchers are using supercomputers and satellite data to find answers. This program follows this "wondrous current of life" on its 10,000km journey, together with fishermen who make their living from it.
From laptops to refrigerators, some 17 billion household gadgets worldwide are linked to the Internet. As part of the Internet of Things, or IoT, they're meant to make life more convenient. They include air conditioners and vacuum cleaners controlled remotely by smartphone and webcams to keep an eye on pets and children. But there's a hidden risk. Increasingly, cybercriminals are using the devices to peer into people's lives. Who are the culprits and what are their motives? We delve into the dark side of the Web to find out.
In August 2016, NHK received a 50-page letter of accusation. The writer raised suspicions of misconduct in research papers by a University of Tokyo professor. The whistleblower alleged that some images and charts may have been fabricated or falsified. We spent over a year interviewing more than 100 individuals concerned. The situation could undermine Japan's attempt to become a leader in the field of science and technology. What is happening in this bastion of academic research? We decided to look into this research scandal at the University of Tokyo.
Keiko Aoki spent 2 decades in prison after being convicted of killing her 12-year-old daughter. In 2015, a court reversed the verdict, and she reclaimed her innocence and freedom. But Keiko quickly finds out that her world has changed drastically. Her son is now a grown man of 29. Her parents are in their 80's and in need of care. Keiko has aged too and is now 51. Overwhelmed by her new reality, she murmurs, "I'd rather be back in jail..." This is a story of rebirth, of how one woman – falsely labeled as her daughter's killer and robbed of 20 years – struggles to reclaim her family and her life.
When the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, also known as the Kobe Earthquake, struck in 1995, more than 400 children lost one or both parents. NHK has followed these children into adulthood, documenting how the tragedy has shaped their lives. A woman who was orphaned at 12 has lived for 23 years with a longing to join her late mom and dad. A young man, just an infant when his parents and sister died, has struggled with the feeling that he must make up for their lost lives. Another young man dedicated his youth to his younger twin brothers, determined to nurture and protect their family bond.
China's new monumental project, "Belt and Road initiative", aims to create a vast economic zone across Eurasia. The Chinese government is building infrastructure and encouraging trade and investment along 2 routes on land and sea. This program focuses on 3 key locations along a rail line being built between China and Europe: Kazakhstan, a vital source of energy and food for China; Poland, a new market for Chinese goods; and Germany, the EU leader China is courting with vigor. The journey helps to paint a picture of the rapidly-expanding economic sphere and westward march of China's "new Silk Road".
A tsunami is approaching from the sea. You start to run, but water rushes in from the river in the opposite direction. During the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, such "river tsunamis" charged in from the sea and barreled upstream, claiming many victims. A huge quake in Japan could cause a massive tsunami that would inundate urban areas. Squeezed between tall buildings, the water would rise, increasing its force and allowing no time to escape. With a heightened sense of crisis, officials are responding. This documentary uses computer graphics and eyewitness accounts to explore the dangers of river tsunamis and how people can stay safe.
In Fukushima Prefecture, the site of a nuclear accident in 2011, so much radioactive material fell in a wooded area that it has become a radioactive forest. NHK has visited the area several times since the accident to see how the radiation is affecting its flora and fauna. Using state-of-the-art technology to survey the forest, scientists have found severe contamination in flowers and nuts, and even irregularities in the chromosomes of animals. We examine how the contamination is circulating inside the forest.
Many children in northeastern Japan are still suffering psychological trauma from the 2011 earthquake and tsunami. Yui Sato and her mother lost 3 members of their family in the tsunami. The wound it left in Yui's heart became apparent 5 years after the disaster. Like Yui, over 10,000 children are in need of mental care after the disaster. Many children have stopped going to school, too. This is the story about a mother and a child trying to move forward step by step.
Recently discovered data show that about a week after the March 2011 disaster at the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant began, emissions of highly radioactive substances suddenly picked up. Records show that the day before the increase began, the plant's operator, Tokyo Electric Power Company (TEPCO), significantly reduced the supply of water meant to cool the crippled reactors, a move that may triggered the surge in emissions. With help from experts and artificial intelligence, we set out to uncover the reason for the cutback, and to further clarify what happened as TEPCO and the Japanese government fought to control the crisis.
99% of human blood vessels are said to be capillaries. With age, these tiny tubules break, becoming hollow "ghost" vessels that cause wrinkles in the skin. Scientists are now finding they are also tied to higher risks from age-related ailments, including osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease. Using the latest in biological imaging and super-high-resolution 3D CGI, this program delves into the mechanism behind broken capillaries. It also examines how to slow down or even repair the damage to help people live longer, healthier lives.
In January 2018, more than half a billion dollars' worth of a cryptocurrency was siphoned from a major exchange in Japan. The thief deftly evaded detection, and efforts to uncover the truth seemed to lead to a dead end. But a group of IT specialists called white hat hackers didn't give up. One wrote a program designed to close in on the culprit. Another teamed up with engineers around the world to uncover the thief's identity. We followed the battle between the white hat hackers and the perpetrator for 3 months.
After an era of growth, Japan's population has begun to plummet. Japan has lost 10 million members of the working generation over the past 2 decades. Retirees are plugging the gap, but they work in tough conditions and often fall prey to accidents. Foreigners are another pillar of the workforce. One local municipality is even committed to attracting overseas labor as a way to survive. We look at Japan's struggle to cope with its vanishing workforce and try to explore solutions.
They are in the prime of their life, but a growing number of people in Japan have all but disappeared. They're the country's missing workers, people who have been unemployed for protracted periods of time and have given up looking for jobs. They're not even included in unemployment statistics. Japan has 1.03 million missing workers in their 40's and 50's, outnumbering the 720,000 unemployed persons in the same age group. These individuals have a similar profile: many are unmarried, and have to take care of an elderly parent, forcing them to quit regular jobs. This riveting report shows the harsh, hand-to-mouth life these people lead and tries to find solutions for this growing problem.
The brain was once thought to be the body's control tower, issuing commands to the other organs. But scientists are discovering that communication flows between all the organs in our bodies. They transmit messages that can boost immunity, improve memory, strengthen bones and even lengthen lifespan. Innovative treatments are being developed to harness the power of this hidden network. But what happens when there's a communication breakdown? We look for clues using the latest technology.
In this episode of "THE BODY", we focus on a pair of small, often-overlooked organs: the kidneys. When people think of the kidneys, one thing probably comes to mind - the role they play in producing urine. But they are key nodes in a vast, internal network of organs that constantly communicate with one another. And some of the messages the kidneys transmit help control blood pressure and maintain the body's supply of oxygen. They have a significant influence on human health. We use cutting-edge imaging technology to explore the power of the kidneys to determine how well – and how long – we live.
NHK presenter Fumie Ono lost her grandfather on Luzon Island in the Philippines during World War Ⅱ. In 8 months of fighting, more than 200,000 soldiers lost their lives there. Many units were completely wiped out, so there are few records of where and how many soldiers died. In this documentary, Fumie and her mother seek the truth about his death and try to picture what he saw on the battlefield.
All alone in an uncaring world: that was the fate of many Japanese children who lost their parents during World War Ⅱ. Desperate and hungry, they drifted to train stations in big cities and lived in underground passages, and were called and known as "station children". They were forced to beg and, often, to steal. Some just waited for death. NHK found survivors who reveal the largely unknown plight of these war orphans. A woman recalled caring for her brother and sister in the dark hell beneath Tokyo's Ueno Station. A man, spurned by relatives, described living on the streets, nearly blinded by illness and losing his best friend to suicide. These heartbreaking accounts offer an important message for modern Japan.
In this episode of "THE BODY," we look at fat and muscle, organs whose importance is often misunderstood. Many people believe that fat simply stores energy and muscles just move the body. However, recent research has revealed that both organs have an unimaginable variety of functions. They discharge special substances that transmit vital messages throughout the body, manipulating desire, affecting immune function, enhancing memory and even fighting cancer. Using the latest research, we'll explore how their surprising power can protect us from deadly disease.
In this episode of "THE BODY," we turn our attention to the bones. You might think of them simply as part of our basic architecture. However, recent research has revealed that our bones serve another, equally important, function. The cells they contain issue health-enhancing messages that flow throughout our body like a virtual fountain of youth and power. And if those messages are silenced, the aging process may accelerate. The cells inside our bones keep our bodies young. Let's explore the amazing role they play.
The Aomori Nebuta Festival brightens up the short summer of northern Japan, enchanting 2.5 million spectators every year. At the heart of the 300-year-old tradition are Nebuta, huge illuminated floats featuring legendary heroes and historical figures. We spent a year following 2 Nebuta artists, a father and daughter, who compete with each other to attain perfection in creating the giant floats.
A circus family with 10 children performs around Japan. Every 2 months, they pack up their entire household and pitch their big tent in a new town. We followed them during a time of big changes – mastering a new technique, saying farewell to friends, and preparing for the family's 11th child. It's a summer full of laughter and tears, and some inspiring life lessons.
In this episode of "THE BODY," we delve deep inside the brain. Dreaming up new ideas, speaking and writing, creating art, and developing advanced technologies – these and other uniquely human activities originate in the brain. Inside this complex organ is a vast communications network made up of some 100 billion neurons. Come as we explore the brain's intricate circuitry, and discover the mechanisms behind inspiration and memory.
In this episode of "THE BODY," takes us back to the starting point for all human beings - birth. From a fertilized egg, through the division of microscopic cells, the formation of internal organs, to the first cries of a newborn in the delivery room, we trace the complex interactions between mother and baby that transform a tiny fetus into a living, breathing person. The latest imaging technology helps you witness the process from the inside to help you understand the wonders of human development.
In this episode of "THE BODY," we explore one of mankind's oldest desires – finding the secret to a long, healthy life. Cutting-edge science has revealed new images of the remarkable gigantic network that stretches across the human body. And playing a key role are the "message molecules" released by our organs. Now, the power of these message molecules is about to significantly change the way we treat serious illnesses such as cancer and heart disease and help determine how well – and how long – we live.
Something abnormal is happening inside men's bodies: sperm is in crisis, with low counts, near-zero motility, and DNA damage, all of which are crucial to fertility. The trend seems to be universal. The World Health Organization says that in around half of the cases of infertility, it is the man who is responsible. We took a multi-faceted look into this sperm crisis facing the world and unearthed some hitherto unknown facts.
When Albert Einstein, the 20th century's most renowned theoretical physicist, died in 1955, a pathologist removed his brain to research the source of his genius. Over the years, pieces of the brain became scattered around the world. NHK embarked on a 7-month investigation to find and reunite the pieces of Einstein's brain, an unprecedented quest that could help scientists unravel the secrets of human intelligence.
The atomic bomb that destroyed Hiroshima in 1945 exposed survivors, the Hibakusha, to large amounts of radiation. In the years since, they have experienced high levels of cancer, heart disease, and other illnesses. But what about their descendants? Members of the second and third generation of survivors live with the fear that they, too, have been affected. They have taken the government to court, demanding answers. Now, researchers are using the latest technology to unravel a decades-long mystery.
Explosive advances in artificial intelligence have made it possible to accurately forecast what is to come. It's already being used to forecast the weather, and to anticipate crime. Doctors are turning to AI to calculate the potential for diseases such as Alzheimer's, and it's even playing a role in life-or-death medical decisions. AI's unparalleled predictive powers come with both benefits and risks. We take a look at its growing impact on society and people's lives.
More than 150 years ago, Tokyo was called Edo. It had the highest population of any city in the world, surpassing both London and Paris. But how did the world's largest city come to emerge in a remote corner of Asia? Clues are coming to light not only in Tokyo but also around the world. One drawing shows the castle surrounded by a water-filled moat, which turns out to be a crucial element that enabled Edo to expand further. Let's experience the mystery and wonder of Tokyo 150 years ago.
More than 150 years ago, Edo, the forerunner of Tokyo, had the highest population of any city in the world. But it was ravaged by large-scale fires more frequently than any other major urban center. Yet after each conflagration, Edo rose from the ashes like a phoenix. We'll take a look at how the city managed to overcome such huge disasters and continue to grow.
Orcas are huge and powerful. That's why they're called the Kings of the Sea. But not a lot is known about the habits of orcas in the waters off Hokkaido Prefecture's Shiretoko Peninsula. Here they gather in great numbers and engage in a puzzling display, arraying themselves in straight lines. Using drones, underwater sound equipment, satellite transmitters, and other tools, marine researchers and NHK undertake an in-depth investigation over 2 years. They learn that the nutrient-rich waters off the coast of Shiretoko make the area a magnet for orcas. And the key to their mysterious behavior might be found in their highly developed social intelligence and strong family ties.
In Japan, many rivers are known for their clear, beautiful water. But the Choshi River is so free of dirt and sediment that you can "see the unseeable." Creatures and plants far below the surface that would not be visible in other rivers can easily be viewed. What's the secret behind the Choshi's amazing clarity? Join us as we explore the geology and ecology of this remarkable river.
In Tokyo, there are unapproachable "lost islands" with unspoiled environs and rich wildlife. Minami Iwo-to, part of the Ogasawara island chain, is about 1,300km from the Japanese capital. Normally, entry is banned to protect the environment. An exception was made in 2017 for the first comprehensive scientific survey in 10 years. The island compresses multiple climate zones into a small area, offering researchers a rare opportunity to view evolution in action. Braving an arduous climb and a swarm of seabirds, the team discovers one new species after another.
In Tokyo, there are unapproachable "lost islands" where unspoiled environs cradle rich wildlife. Sofugan is a 100-meter-high solitary rock pillar standing in the ocean 650km south of the capital city's center. Remote and difficult to access, it had never been explored in detail. A group of scientists and engineers set out on a two-year survey. This program records their journey, along with the creatures they discover - from unusual species amongst the rugged rocks to mysterious marine life in the surrounding deep sea.
Japan has been hit with an increasing number of earthquakes and other natural disasters. Rescue teams must decide where to focus their efforts and whom to save. Such life and death decisions have often been left up to individual firefighters. Now, fire departments across the country are using AI and new types of equipment to speed up response and save more lives. But residents of the disaster-prone archipelago must still prepare themselves for the possibility that help may never arrive.
8 years after the March 2011 disaster in northeastern Japan, experts continue to learn new truths about the devastating tsunami. At first, the tsunami was clear. But it soon turned dark and muddy. The black water turned out to be far more destructive and dangerous to people's health than normal seawater. We examined the deadly risks of the massive "black tsunami."
30 years ago, 2 members of an unknown tribe - nicknamed Auré and Aurá - emerged from the Amazon jungle. The language they spoke baffled experts: it was unlike any they had heard before. They've pieced together a vocabulary of some 800 words, but questions remain. What happened to the tribe these men belonged to? And why were they the only ones to survive? Now Aurá lives alone. This program attempts to understand his story and solve the mystery of his past.
8 years after the Fukushima Daiichi disaster, a robot touched nuclear fuel debris deep inside the damaged facility for the first time. It was the initial step toward removing the highly radioactive debris, the greatest challenge in the decommissioning process. At the same time, more and more evacuees are returning, as Japan's government pursues the unprecedented task of rehabilitating communities while proceeding with decommissioning. We examine efforts to deal with the nuclear debris, and see how residents are doing now.
Over the past few decades, the number of Nobel Prizes awarded to Japanese scientists has increased dramatically. They received 18 Nobels in the Natural Sciences category, gaining an international reputation for their scientific and technological capability. But in recent years, Japanese science and technology has become less competitive in the international arena. And Japan's budget for research has not kept pace with those in the United States and China, casting a dark cloud over the future. But Nobel laureate Koichi Tanaka is once again making waves with his ground-breaking research, after 16 years of relative obscurity as a company employee. How has Tanaka continued to innovate? We look into the struggle to keep Japan at the forefront of science and technology.
Scientists are discovering what's behind the strong bonds that can form between dogs and humans. And few bonds are stronger than those between therapy dogs and the patients they care for. Bailey was the first resident therapy dog to work in a large Japanese hospital. Over his 9-year career, he's cared for thousands of children, comforting them as they face intractable diseases. The dedicated therapy dog is now ready to retire. But first he must help a young girl named Yui deal with a life-threatening illness.
The 30-year-long Heisei era was a period of profound change. During that time, the Japan Self-Defense Forces underwent a transformation, attempting to respond to a constantly shifting international environment while holding an exclusively defense-oriented policy. What does the future hold for these guardians of Japan's safety and security? And how will it affect Japan's position on the world stage?
From bartending to hotel room deliveries and fruit picking, robots equipped with artificial intelligence are making inroads into workplaces around the world. Some experts say that by 2030, robots will have taken over 30% of the work now done by humans. That would undermine one of the basic tenets of capitalism -- the promise that if you work hard, you will have a better life. In our program, we question whether the human race will be able to create a new form of capitalism that will allow people to coexist with automation technologies.
In addition to artificial intelligence, China is pressing ahead with blockchain -- an advanced encryption technology used for cryptocurrencies. The country is challenging US dominance in global finance, which is underpinned by the dollar. We look at the powerful technology that is shaping up to be the new battlefield in a high-tech war between the 2 global superpowers.
NHK's 3-year investigation into regenerative medicine treatment followed 2 patients suffering severe paralysis. In this treatment, a patient's own stem cells are cultured in great numbers before being returned to the body to begin the healing process. Both patients have shown amazing improvement, with one even driving again. The public health insurance system has taken notice, offering coverage. A ray of hope now shines through despair's dark clouds; the era of regenerative medicine is here.
In 2018, western Japan was hit with its worst rain-related disaster in 30 years. Researchers have determined that it was the result of global warming, and a taste of future disasters to come. They're looking into the factors that led some people to evacuate to safety while others perished in their homes. And they've determined that the best way for people to survive in a future of violent weather might be to depend less on the government and more on themselves.
The questions are simple yet profound. Would you prefer control over the manner of your death? Could you accept a wish for physician-assisted death on the part of a loved one? NHK was granted permission to follow 2 patients and their families as they grapple with the debilitating stages of incurable illness. Emotions run loose as all involved must confront the inevitable in their own way. Yet the very different outcomes specifically chosen by the patients focus as much on life as about a right to the end.
The Japanese government's Technical Intern Training Program, a solution to the country's severe labor shortage, is making it easier for people from other Asian countries to work in Japan. Some 1.46 million people from abroad are now working in Japan, many dreaming of a better life. But harsh working conditions, long hours, and even wage theft lead many to quit their jobs or even commit suicide. And they are often exploited by schools that charge high tuition but fail to provide an education. We explore the reasons behind this harsh trend and meet the Vietnamese monk who's trying to reverse it.
Han-gure, or informal gangs, present an all-new breed of criminal group without the close-knit organization or traditional code of the yakuza. Conforming neither to the rules of society, nor to those of the yakuza, these new groups inhabit a gray zone. Police are still struggling to get a grip on Han-gure activities, with current laws targeting only designated crime syndicates. As Han-gure encroach ever deeper into the lives of ordinary people, we take a peek into the dark abyss of their world.
Japan's ancient capital is filled with centuries-old establishments tasked with protecting its timeless food culture. But this rich tradition cannot shield them from today's market and generational forces. The strict adherence to custom and convention that assured their survival is now facilitating their downfall. NHK takes a rare glimpse into the inner workings of some of Kyoto Prefecture's oldest and most prestigious firms, seeing first-hand how they navigate the turbulent waters between past and future.
The Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum has undergone the largest makeover in its history. The survivors of the bombing have shared their experiences, but they are now aging, giving rise to fears that the lessons of Hiroshima will be forgotten. By infusing their messages into the new approach to presenting its extensive collection of relics and pictures from the atomic bombing of the city, the museum hopes to pass on the memories of the world's first nuclear attack to future generations.
Japan's Imperial system is said to have over 2,000 years of history. A series of esoteric rituals accompany an Emperor's accession. The program was able to reenact one such ritual, in which the Emperor is believed to dine with Shinto deities. A closer look at these traditions reveals how the Imperial institution has shifted with the times, and with the people. At a time when there are only 3 heirs to the throne, we take a look at what this could mean for the people of Japan and their Imperial system, based on newly-found information.
In the mid-1920's, during the so-called "Taisho Democracy," people in Japan were embracing political liberalism and Western ideas, and enjoying unprecedented freedom. But just 10 years later, nationalism and militarism were on the rise and the country was rushing toward war - urged on by a nationalist newspaper called The Nihon Shimbun. Why did this one media outlet have such a profound influence on political life in Japan?
In September 2018, an unprecedented large-scale blackout wreaked havoc on Japan's northern island of Hokkaido Prefecture following an earthquake. Over the 45 hours it took to resolve, its impact was felt right across society in ways previously assumed unimaginable. A similar prolonged blackout in the Greater Tokyo metropolitan area could have even more devastating effects. We investigate what might happen if Japan's capital were ever struck by such a crisis and reveal the preparations now being made.
Many Japanese businesses are experiencing "lonely deaths," closing their doors with little fanfare or preparation. Over 300,000 businesses could shut down this coming year, leaving behind mountains of debt and further weakening regional economies already affected by dwindling populations. Now a new breed of management consultants is using big data to analyze what's behind this rash of business closures, and to reduce their impact.
A series of records kept by a top aide to Emperor Showa (Hirohito) in the postwar years have come to light. "Records of Imperial Audiences" by Michiji Tajima, the first commoner to lead the Imperial Household Agency, captures dialogues between the Emperor and himself spanning almost 5 years. After a devastating war carried out in his name, how did the Emperor reflect on the war? The records provide rare insight into the processes that shaped the Emperor's new symbolic role, including the crafting of a key 1952 speech.
The Shosoin treasures were created by leading artisans 1,300 years ago. Historians long believed these treasures were brought to Japan along the Silk Road from countries as distant as Persia or ancient China. But research now shows that we need to revise our ideas about the origin of many of them. Behind these treasures lay Emperor Shomu's bold strategy of using them in his plans to reform Japan. We take a look at how these exquisite objects played a vital role in the formation of the country.
Revered as one of the greatest artists and scientists of all time, Leonardo da Vinci was a pioneering thinker and researcher across a myriad of fields from engineering to medicine, astronomy to geology. Experts have long been baffled by how far ahead of his time so many of his inventions and discoveries were. In a groundbreaking project, we use the latest AI technology to analyze thousands of pages of his handwritten manuscripts, shedding new light on the deeper working of his remarkable mind.
Schoolboy Asuka Umeda has been filling his "Self-Learning" notebooks for the past 7 years. For the socially awkward Asuka, what started out as a homework assignment in elementary school soon became a joyful obsession, taking him to new places and connecting him to all kinds of people. His unique, engaging writing style, developed through his journaling, has already won him numerous awards. We join him as he reflects on his journey of curious encounters and sometimes challenging self-discovery.
Dr. Kazuo Hasegawa, 90, recently revealed that he is suffering from dementia. A pioneer in dementia research, Dr. Hasegawa had devoted his life to the field, establishing the Hasegawa Dementia Scale for early diagnosis and advocating for changing the name of the disease to eliminate social stigma. How have Dr. Hasegawa and his family come to terms with the reality of a dementia specialist becoming a dementia patient? What insights has he gained? In an age where dementia is becoming more common, this year-long record follows Dr. Hasegawa in his daily life, exploring ways to live with the disease and offering reasons for hope.
Children who survived the 1995 Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake saw their lives change forever. The loss of family members, home and community created a sense of emotional trauma that would take years to overcome. Now, a survey of these survivors has yielded some surprising results: many view their experience positively. Actress Keiko Kitagawa, herself a survivor, looks at ways in which people who have lived through the disaster are finding a way forward.
With substantial implementation of 5G just around the corner, the worldwide tug-of-war is heating up for dominance in this fifth-generation mobile network. At the center is Chinese telecom giant Huawei, with its ambitious global strategy to offer 5G "smart city" packages. But in the US, the Trump administration sees Huawei's technology as a security threat and has urged nations to ban it. The program takes us to the frontlines in Europe, especially in Germany, as one city moves to embrace the Chinese infrastructure. We look behind the scenes at Huawei's 5G global strategy.
In just over 3 months, the new coronavirus has spread around the world, killing thousands and paralyzing the global economy. Case studies into cluster infections in Japan offer some clues into how the pandemic began. NHK brings you reports from the frontlines of the fight against the coronavirus, around the world and in the lab as scientists race to develop effective drug treatments. We talk to experts in the studio about how long this battle will last.
More and more people in Japan are living in their cars. And many can be found parked in rest areas in roadside facilities. They are driven to this situation for a variety of reasons: poverty, family upheaval, even a desire to live outside of society's rules. Why are their numbers increasing? We visited over 1,000 rest areas to interview these "invisible homeless" and discover the reasons behind this growing phenomenon.
The spread of the coronavirus has rocked the global economy. Containment policies, including restrictions on foreign travel and domestic movement, dampened the flow of people and goods, while consumption shrunk. Tourism and transport industries were hit, and sales fell rapidly in retail and food service sectors. Interruptions in supply chains that span the globe placed the manufacturing industry in dire straits. How deeply has the Corona Shock undermined the world economy? What policies are required to limit the damage? What are the prospects for the future? In this program, economic specialists discuss these issues, and a wide array of data sheds light on the nature of the crisis. We examine thoroughly the prospects for the global economy.
The tsunami that struck northeast Japan in March 2011 was among the largest in Japanese history. But it didn't correlate with the intensity of the preceding earthquake. How did the wave get to be so astonishingly big? We investigate a little-known seabed phenomenon that may have contributed. It seems that if a landslide and slow-motion plate shifting occur at the same time, they can cause a tsunami of an enormous size. 9 years after the disaster, a true picture of what happened is beginning to emerge.
The fight against the coronavirus has entered a new phase in Japan. Tokyo and other major cities are experiencing a surge in the number of COVID-19 cases. And many of the infection routes are untraceable. An explosion of cases could collapse the Japanese medical system. NHK speaks with experts about what each of us can do to prevent that from happening, and how we should prepare for the prospect of a long fight.
Based in Tokyo, within the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare, is Japan's Coronavirus Response Team, made up of over 50 infectious disease experts. We follow their efforts over a period of weeks to prevent widespread transmission of the coronavirus. With cases increasing in Tokyo, and the disease spreading nationwide, on April 7, a state of emergency was declared in Japan for the first time ever. The battle has entered a dangerous new phase.
As the number of COVID-19 cases in Japan continues to rise, experts warn that deaths could soar, and the medical system could collapse. On the battle's front lines, healthcare workers are struggling to keep up with a surge in patients, while the resources at their disposal are stretched thin. NHK speaks with experts about new measures to combat this crisis and the dire consequences Japan could face unless the public and the government take swift action.
In response to the spread of coronavirus disease, Japan declared a nationwide state of emergency. People's lives and work were transformed, and many harbored deep uncertainty. The healthcare system and the economy face the most extreme conditions. While containing the spread of the virus and maintaining the medical system, how can the suddenly stagnant economy be sustained? Can Japan discover policies to break through these daunting challenges? This program, broadcast live on April 25, presents up-to-date information, as experts in epidemiology, medicine and economics discuss possible routes through the crisis.
Japanese authorities faced their first large cluster of COVID-19 infections in early February when the Diamond Princess luxury cruise ship returned to port in Yokohama. Of the 3,700 passengers and crew, more than 700 were infected with the novel coronavirus, and 13 people died. NHK conducted an in-depth investigation into what happened inside the ship. It reveals a microcosm of Japan's battle against the virus, and offers important clues for managing the crisis.
Japan's state of emergency has been extended, but some local governments are already thinking of their own ways to ease limitations on travel and business. What factors should shape an exit strategy: a way to move beyond the current restrictions? How can social activity be restored without causing a new surge in coronavirus infections? What approaches are other countries taking? And what about treatment and testing? As the battle with the coronavirus continues, we consider next steps in Japan.
The fight against the novel coronavirus is entering a new phase, as people worldwide begin to resume normal life alongside an invisible enemy. To help win this battle, experts are turning to a potentially potent weapon: big data. Using AI, NHK teams up with Japan's leading scientists to analyze the massive volume of research on the virus and spot promising trends. Meanwhile, as efforts to contain the virus using big data from smartphones raise personal privacy concerns, developers in Japan are working on an app that ensures users' anonymity. And Nobel Laureate Yamanaka Shinya of Kyoto University joins us in the studio as we explore the mechanisms of the virus and possible treatments.
70 days after the declaration of the coronavirus pandemic, the global economy is on the move again. But the damage to production, consumption and employment has been severe, and prospects for a quick rebound are dim. Further, uncertain factors abound, including the possibility of second-wave outbreaks and heightened conflict between the United States and China. Japan is pressed to steer a course through these treacherous waters, while coexisting with the virus in the "with corona" era. We explore Japan's choices on the road to recovery, with leading experts in Japan and abroad.
NHK asked people to film their lives during the pandemic. They include health care workers on the front lines, an Italian opera singer, a small-town official in France's hardest-hit area and a Manhattan bagel shop owner. In this collection of videos, we witness people trying to do their part, by protecting their loved ones, reaching out to their communities and forging a "new normal" as they learn to live with the novel coronavirus. As the world faces its greatest crisis in generations, their stories overlap with ours, offering examples of human compassion, resilience and hope.
Before the Silk Road, another route carried iron eastward from Western Asia to Japan. Recent discoveries along its path are shedding light on ancient civilizations once shrouded in mystery. With special access to archeological sites, and featuring exquisite, highly sophisticated artifacts, this program highlights iron's role in shaping history. This metal was forged into awesome weapons of war. But it also promoted peace and commerce by revolutionizing the way we travel and grow our food.
Each year, the rainy season and typhoons increase the threat of flooding in Japan. This year the coronavirus will make disaster management even more difficult. To maintain social distancing, evacuation centers will have to strictly limit evacuee numbers. "Distributed evacuation" may enable evacuees to use office buildings and other unconventional shelters. But evacuee support will have to adapt when coronavirus infection is a risk. We consider some practical approaches and the latest thinking.
People around the globe are trying to feel their way forward as the pandemic continues to rage. Japan is no exception. A month after its state of emergency was lifted, infections are trending upward. Some parts of the US and Latin America are seeing an exponential surge in cases. The risks are also rising in parts of South Asia, the Middle East and Africa. As governments look for a balance between containing the virus and resuming economic activity, the prospect of repeated outbreaks is ever-present. We report from the front lines of the world's efforts to contend with the virus. We also ask experts about the long-term outlook, and look at how people can prepare for the next wave.
Hokkaido Prefecture's Shiretoko Peninsula is a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site. The area includes one of the world's densest concentrations of wild brown bears. 84-year-old fisherman Ose Hatsusaburo has forged a remarkable relationship with these creatures over a lifetime of working among them. Bears obey his commands without a fuss, and no fisherman has suffered a bear attack in 50 years. A rapidly shifting climate and recent UNESCO directives mean this unique way of life now faces an uncertain future.
Extreme rainfall is unleashing severe damage in communities from southwestern to eastern Japan. And each year, torrential rain disasters are becoming more common. But even when authorities issue the highest alert, some people fail to evacuate in time. What's behind the unprecedented weather phenomenon? What can be done to protect people? With experts, we examine how global warming is fueling dangerous weather patterns. And we explore concepts such as an "evacuation switch" that can prompt people to seek safety before it's too late, and save lives.
3 months on the front lines in the medical battle against the coronavirus. Inside ICUs and isolation wards, cameras closely track doctors, patients and families as they struggle on the border between life and death. In the absence of an effective treatment, the trial-and-error search for remedies. Lives lost, despite every effort. And miraculous recoveries and long-awaited reunions. Elsewhere, interruptions in normal emergency and clinical care threaten regional healthcare. Pressed to the limits, how did Japan's healthcare system cope with the crisis? Cameras captured the inside story.
In the series Tokyo Miracle City, we unravel the secrets behind some of the capital's most intriguing wonders. In part one, we delve into Tokyo's famed and tantalizing food culture, exploring the role the iconic Tsukiji fish market played in Japan's culinary history. Actor Sato Takeru takes us on a journey back in time as we learn about the lives of the skilled specialists at the heart of the market and discover their unique contribution in the journey of seafood from ocean to table.
The sudden announcement of the resignation of Japan's longest-serving prime minister, Abe Shinzo, sent shock waves through the political world. Within the Liberal Democratic Party, maneuvering for position in the post-Abe world quickly accelerated. Exclusive interviews with Abe's close aides, profiles of the leading candidates to succeed the prime minister and reactions from the leaders of other parties spotlight the prospects for Japanese politics.
An initial case in mid-January set off Japan's first wave of COVID-19. Unlike many of its Asian neighbors, Japan entered its battle with the elusive novel coronavirus relatively unprepared. In interviews with more than 100 policymakers, scientists and other experts on the front lines, NHK sheds light on a key weakness in the nation's response: a lack of action on warnings issued by experts after another infectious disease outbreak a decade ago. In the first installment of NHK Documentary series, "COVID-19 Pandemic," we go behind the scenes to examine the challenges Japan faced during those 132 critical days.
This two-part program examines the challenges Japan faced over 132 days in the first wave of the novel coronavirus outbreak. Part 2 focuses on the 2 months after the country's first-ever declaration of a state of emergency. Through interviews with more than 100 policymakers, scientists and other experts, we shed light on a core weakness in Japan's attempts to deal with the elusive virus. And we reveal the behind-the-scenes wrangling between experts and government leaders over a key question: Should the focus be containing the virus or protecting Japan's economy?
75 years ago, near the end of World War II, Japan and the US engaged in a desperate battle in Okinawa. The Americans used weapons of unprecedented lethality, targeting civilians as well as the Japanese military. Civilians sought shelter in caves alongside the Japanese troops they thought would defend them, only to face hunger and threats of execution if they surrendered. This is the story of ordinary people who were caught in the conflict and perished during the battle's final month.
In the series Tokyo Miracle City, we unravel the secrets behind some of the capital's most intriguing wonders. In this second episode, we explore the vast rail network that crisscrosses the metropolis. With 148 train lines carrying some 40 million passengers daily, Tokyo hosts the world's largest and most interconnected urban rail network. Actor Sato Takeru takes on a riddle-solving mission tied directly to the train schedule, putting the railways' famed dedication to punctuality to the test in the process. We uncover a fascinating history and meet the people whose tireless dedication keeps the whole intricate operation running like clockwork.
Watanabe Shinji is a teacher known among students for his passionate teaching style. For the past year, he's been pursuing one particular challenging topic: bullying. Always in the back of his mind, is the memory of a boy who eventually took his own life, after being repeatedly tormented by his peers. This is a record of the year-long struggle by a teacher and his students to create a class completely free from bullying.
In the series Tokyo Miracle City, we unravel the secrets behind some of the capital's most intriguing wonders. In this third episode, we delve into one of Japan's most successful exports: "anime." Every year Japan produces some 2,300 hours of animated films and series: an incredible 400 plus titles, with the vast majority made in Tokyo. This level of output is all the more remarkable for the fact that Japanese animation is still mostly hand-drawn, frame-by-frame, a hugely labor-intensive process now rare elsewhere. Actor Sato Takeru joins us as we take a tour of anime's history and learn about the challenges faced by a fast-evolving industry.
The COVID-19 pandemic is changing our lives in many ways, including how we work. Many white-collar jobs can now be done remotely, from anywhere with an internet connection. Meanwhile, "essential" workers, including nurses, risk their lives on the frontlines, often under miserable conditions and for low pay. Many hospitals are struggling to pay the bills. The pandemic has forced us to ask: "What jobs are truly important and how should they be compensated?" We look at 2 very different kinds of work in a search for answers.
In the series Tokyo Miracle City, we unravel the secrets behind some of the capital's most intriguing wonders. In this fourth episode, we focus on Tokyo's "shinise" or long-established businesses. Tokyo is home to more than 3,000 shops and businesses with over a century of history. In the 20th century, Tokyo was razed to the ground twice, first by natural disaster, then by war, yet countless businesses found the resilience to rebuild and survive amid destruction and hardship. Actor Sato Takeru takes us on a tour of artisanal businesses keeping alive unique, age-old traditions, as he explores the roots of their longevity.
On June 30, 2020, China's top legislature passed a new national security law for Hong Kong with far-reaching implications for residents of the territory. The new law came after more than a year of protests that at times saw the city rocked by scenes of violence and destruction. While some believe the law has helped bring Hong Kong back from the brink, many others are now afraid to even voice their views for fear of prosecution. In a city increasingly divided along political lines, we hear both the hopes and fears of Hongkongers caught up in these unprecedented times.
Mysterious notes were unearthed near the ruins of the crematoriums at the Auschwitz concentration camp, the site of the mass extermination of Jews during World War II. Deciphered using cutting-edge digital technology, it was discovered the notes were written by Jews who were part of a special unit called the Sonderkommando, which assisted the Nazis in guiding fellow Jews to the gas chambers and cremating their corpses. These prisoners were deemed "traitors" amidst the shadows of the largest mass extermination program in human history. What took place within the inferno? More than 7 decades later, this disturbing, tragic reality is brought to light.
The assassination of US President John F. Kennedy is still shrouded in mystery. With the help of top experts, NHK takes a new look at the incident through reenactments and fresh theories on the case. Lee Harvey Oswald, the man who killed JFK, was once a US Marine stationed in Atsugi, Japan who later defected to the Soviet Union. While his own upbringing played a role in his decisions, there is also a possibility that a certain organization was manipulating him behind the scenes. The testimony of Oswald's wife, Marina, also reveals a failed assassination attempt by Oswald in the months leading up to Kennedy's death. We follow the little-known footprints left by this infamous assassin.
6 months before JFK was killed, Lee Harvey Oswald attempted a separate assassination. Our coverage reveals the possibility that this attempt served as a focal point that linked Oswald to the JFK killing. The day of that killing, Oswald brought a rifle into a Dallas building. The US government report says 3 shots from that building killed JFK, but we take a new look at witness testimony and speak to 66 prominent campaigners to ask: was the assassination really the work of a "lone wolf"?
How do you know if what you're reading is true or just a carefully crafted lie? Increasingly, social media exposes us to a flood of information, much of which aims to persuade us to believe things that are false. It can even encourage acts of violence. Fake images are being used in applications ranging from politics to pornography. And they're threatening our ability to tell fact from fiction. How can we stem the tide of bogus information? Or is it already too late?
Every day, people willingly surrender their personal data in pursuit of entertainment or convenience. This information is stored in giant repositories, then used to track our movements, sell us products and determine our future. Technology now allows the creation of "digital twins," virtual copies of our real selves based on our search histories and online habits. But what are the human and social costs of these innovations? Will they bring us more freedom and opportunity? Or will they lead to increased loss of individual liberty? We explore the ongoing conflict between digital convenience and personal privacy.
It's estimated over a million Japanese live as "hikikomori," recluses totally withdrawn from society. Some hikikomori may even go for decades without leaving their house. While in the past the phenomenon was most commonly associated with young men, recent data has revealed a much wider demographic of people whose confidence in themselves, and in society, has been shattered. As the parents or relatives hikikomori so often depend on entirely become too old to care for them, many now face a dire situation, left alone and unable to cope.
Ever since the COVID-19 pandemic first hit Japan, the far-reaching economic fallout has disproportionately impacted women's livelihoods. More than twice as many women have lost work, or seen their incomes slashed, compared to men. In an era where women are now often key breadwinners for their families, the repercussions have created a dire situation for households across the country. We explore what lies behind stark demographic discrepancies between men's and women's employment, and report first-hand on the bitter struggles of those whose voices all too often go unheard.
How far will COVID-19 spread before it subsides? An artificial intelligence system developed by NHK analyzed more than 200,000 scholarly articles to answer some pressing questions: how many more people will get infected this winter, why does the number of deaths differ from country to country, when will the pandemic begin to slow down, and what is the key to stopping this deadly disease? Learn some of the most effective ways to fend off the virus and hasten our return to normal life.
How far can a human go to adapt? Tatyana McFadden of the United States is a wheelchair athlete who was born paralyzed from the waist down. She is already a legendary figure in para track and field who has won major events at all distances. In order to understand the secrets of her almost superhuman dominance, we did a scientific analysis of her body. What gives her speed in her wheelchair is not just raw strength, but also her exceptional command of her arms. She has this power because of remarkable adaptations within her body. To explore this further, we went to Russia, where McFadden spent her early childhood, and discovered that the first years of her life were unimaginably harsh. Born without certain physical abilities, she adapted ... and a "miracle body" was born. At the difficult time with the coronavirus, we offer this story about the wondrous potential of the human body to overcome seemingly impossible odds.
Musical polymath Tsuneta Daiki is the mastermind behind chart-topping Japanese rock group King Gnu, and now also heads a boundary-pushing artist collective called "millennium parade." In an exclusive first, we were given full access to witness his intense creative process up close for a whole 3 months, tracking the progress and development of a special track entitled "2992" that boldly juxtaposes sonic genres. As Tsuneta over and again applies his ruthless process of destruction and creation in pursuit of his musical vision, our cameras are there to capture every step of the way.
In the series "2030" we tackle the challenges facing humanity over the next decade. We start with the pivotal issue of climate change, exploring what it will take to rein in our current trajectory as we hurtle toward a point of no return. Today we're seeing historic storms, floods and wildfires of increasing frequency and intensity. Climate change has entered a new phase, calling into question the very long-term survival of the human race. Drawing on the latest in climate modeling, we confront the bleak future that could be awaiting us and set out humankind's stark choice of paths to 2030.
In this two-part investigative report, NHK delves into scientific data and social media posts in search of clues to the origins of the new coronavirus. Part 1 looks at when and where the virus began spreading. Our team explores the possibility that human-to-human transmission started much earlier than believed.
In this two-part investigative report, NHK delves into scientific data and social media posts in search of clues to the origins of the new coronavirus. Part 2 looks into early transmission: how was the virus able to spread across the world so quickly? We examine the 3 weeks after authorities in Wuhan announced an outbreak in late December 2019.
On February 1, Myanmar's military seized power in a coup, bringing the country's decade-long process of democratization to an abrupt end. It is now using force to stamp out opposition and the civilian death toll is climbing by the day. But the country remains defiant and protesters are putting their lives on the line to rescue the fledgling democracy. Meanwhile, young people both in Myanmar and around the world are harnessing the power of the internet to fight back.
In the series "2030" we tackle the challenges facing humanity over the next decade. In this episode, we investigate the looming crisis threatening our planet's food and water supply. Despite falling for decades, the UN has warned that global hunger is now fast on the rise again. A key factor is the enormous volume of food wasted daily in wealthy countries. With the global population projected to push 10 billion by 2050, researchers warn deep disparities in access to food and water could trigger multiple global conflicts. We take stock of the tough choices needed to avert disaster.
In 2011, the lives of thousands of children were disrupted by the Great East Japan Earthquake disaster. Many lost parents and other loved ones. A decade later, some of them cannot share their feelings, even with their families. A young man whose mother and brother died deals differently with their loss than his father does. A teenaged girl is trying hard to build a real family with her new mother. Ten years after that fateful day, this is a record of the voices of these children.
A 16-year record of the farming and fishing community of Arahama, located in Sendai City in Miyagi Prefecture. The documentary begins in 2005, years before the devastating 2011 tsunami. The southeasterly wind called the Inasa is the long-time companion of locals in their everyday endeavors, and is said to bring good catches and rich harvests. They reflect on what has been lost to the tsunami, what is unchanged, and what can be passed on to future generations. What do we cling to when faced with catastrophe? As a global pandemic continues, discover the quiet strength of the people who live and died in the small community of Arahama.
A decade on from its triple core meltdown, we take stock of the mammoth task of decommissioning the Fukushima Daiichi Nuclear Power Plant, an undertaking fraught with both technical and social challenges. The Japanese government maintains the process will take up to 40 years, but the schedule has already been revised 5 times, with pivotal elements postponed. Meanwhile, as people return to their homes in surrounding areas, the issue of how to dispose of unprecedented volumes of radioactive waste has become a sore point of contention between residents and the government. We look back on the 10 years since the nuclear disaster and explore the choices that will shape Fukushima's future.
Communities throughout northeastern Japan have worked to rebuild since the Great East Japan Earthquake in 2011. A group of video journalists tracked their progress with cameras that were operated in over 100 fixed points for years at a time, capturing every step on the road to recovery. Their efforts have created intimate stories about the challenges these communities face. And they've revealed a broad range of human emotions and personal dramas that might otherwise have remained unseen.
In the series "2030" we tackle the challenges facing humanity over the next decade. In this episode, we investigate the emerging threats posed by plastic pollution to life on Earth. The hyper-convenience of our modern way of living produces staggering volumes of plastic waste daily. Scientists now know that this waste breaks down into ever tinier pieces, spreading right across the globe and posing direct health risks, including through bioamplification of toxic additives moving up the food chain. We explore the drastic changes it will take to deliver a sustainable future for our planet.
In the series "2030" we tackle the critical choices facing humanity over the next decade. In this episode, we explore the revolutionary gene-editing tech now giving humankind the freedom to redraw the blueprint of biological life itself. We investigate not only the tremendous potential the technology holds, whether in the fight to eliminate diseases or in transforming agriculture to adapt to unprecedented climate extremes, but also probe the inherent risks involved and the potential for widespread abuse, dangers that could take our future down a very dark, dystopian path.
About three quarters of Tokyo's Metropolitan Expressway, known as the Shutoko, is built in midair. When it was newly completed, the scale of this elevated road system shocked the world. But now, a half a century later, it is deteriorating. This program showcases a particularly difficult and gigantic repair project that was completed in one night on the Route No. 1 Haneda Line. It also focuses on Tokyo Tower, the symbol of the city, which is completely painted and repaired every 5 years. The men who paint the structure at a height of 300 meters use scaffolding just 6 centimeters wide and are buffeted by wind and rain in a deadly battle with nature. The efforts of these and other people working heroically to prevent the deterioration of Tokyo's infrastructure are highlighted.
In Japan, the number of young people dying by suicide remains high despite efforts to intervene. Families and friends often wonder what they could have done to help. Experts are analyzing data to understand what leads to such acts of desperation. They're using AI to spot internet search trends that correlate with spikes in suicides, and tracking the times of day when they are most likely to occur. Now, they hope to identify those at risk and get them the help they need -- before it's too late.
Nighttime in late May of 2020. With the lifting of Japan's national COVID-19 emergency declaration, an unprecedented construction project begins at the JR Shibuya Station in Tokyo. Without halting the station's operations, crews will relocate an entire train platform by 350 meters, and move 500 meters of track, all within 54 hours. It's a battle measured in minutes and seconds. Despite exhaustive preparations, unexpected hurdles emerge. Protecting workers against the novel coronavirus adds another layer of complexity. Go behind the scenes of the most difficult and challenging project of its kind in JR's history, and see Shibuya's transformation from a labyrinth to a model of disaster prevention.
Around the world, young activists are using social media to change the world. They're finding new ways to organize and build support, whether for educating disadvantaged kids in Japan, creating jobs in Brazil, organizing essential workers in the US, or reinventing healthcare in Bangladesh. They're attempting to address the contradictions in global capitalism that the COVID-19 pandemic brought to light. And their influence is spreading far beyond their local communities.
A human rights group says Myanmar's military has killed over 1,000 people since carrying out a coup in February. We take a look at the financial links between its top officers and 2 major business conglomerates, and hear from former soldiers who tell us they were trained to view people who support democracy as the enemy.
In the series "2030" we tackle the critical choices facing humanity over the next decade. In this episode, we probe the alarming revolution in warfare that AI-controlled weapons are ushering in. 2020 witnessed the first suspected use of autonomous killer drones in real-world conflict. AI-assisted "gray zone" tactics, everything from cyberattacks on infrastructure to social manipulation through targeted fake news, are already fast evolving in sophistication. As artificial intelligence threatens to take critical life or death decisions out of human hands, we examine what it will take to safeguard our future on this planet.
Every early spring since the 8th century, Buddhist monks at Nara Prefecture's Todaiji have practiced the Shuni-e ceremony. A series of esoteric rituals, including prayers to Kannon to protect humankind from disaster and disease, it also offers a window into Tang dynasty China. But in 2021, the COVID pandemic threatened to bring a halt to this uninterrupted tradition. Aided by an infectious disease specialist, the monks go to great lengths to hold this ancient practice for the 1,270th time.
A provincial hospital in western Japan offers an unconventional mentoring service for those newly diagnosed with dementia and their families - one where the mentors themselves have dementia too. We document these "senior peers" offering first-hand advice to patients and families living through the shock of diagnosis, even as they themselves struggle to come to terms with their own worsening symptoms. From overcoming stigma and misunderstanding to facing the fear of losing their own identity, this account provides a moving and revealing insight into the challenges faced by those affected by this ever more prevalent condition.
From a boyhood in Mongolia, Hakuho rose to Yokozuna, the highest rank in the competitive world of Japanese sumo. He held that position for a record-breaking 14 years. But he struggled with the thought that he would never earn the love of the Japanese people. With the help of his trainer and his devoted family, he overcame physical pain and public disapproval to make his mark on the sumo ring and take his place in history. We follow the remarkable career of a rikishi who came to define his era.
As authorities worldwide announce ambitious new targets, the internal combustion engine, heart of the modern automobile, faces an uncertain future in the race to zero emissions. Dubbed the "EV shift," carmakers are scrambling to replace gasoline and diesel vehicles with battery-powered models, as they bet on the future of transport. Worldwide EV (Electric Vehicle) market share has seen Japan's automotive giants trailing in the wake of other global brands. Amid the greatest upheaval to the industry in over a century, we turn our lens on how Japan's automakers are riding the wave of change.
In the waters off Hokkaido Prefecture, in Japan's far north, a number of mysterious natural phenomena have been observed in recent years. Echoing the secret truth of an ancient Ainu proverb, the winter sea is transformed into a white expanse overnight, covering several kilometers of coastline. Elsewhere, a large whirlpool suddenly appears in the sea, as if out of nowhere, hinting at a surprising spectacle in the depths; and in a bay off the Sea of Okhotsk, a vast battalion of shellfish appears to march across the seafloor. Employing cutting-edge underwater camera technology, our specialist crew set out to investigate these intriguing oceanographic events.
A Buddhist nun, Goto Mitsuei, lives in a temple located a 40-minute climb up a steep mountain path. In 2016, NHK began documenting her life, how she responded to the changing seasons, and carefully prepared vegetarian dishes for frequent visitors from near and far. But COVID-19 interrupted the flow of guests. In 2021, we visited Mitsuei and found her still engaged in her modest but rich daily life, once again welcoming people with wisdom and ingenuity, and celebrating the joys of mountain living.
Since taking power in a coup last February, Myanmar's military has been suppressing civilian protest by force. Young protesters have taken up arms against the junta and the military has responded with indiscriminate attacks that have killed even unarmed civilians. The UN estimates that more than 730,000 people have been displaced so far. We take a look at how the situation in the country has developed into a conflict with no end in sight.
Young carers, children under the age of 18 who act as caregivers to family members, carry a tremendous burden, one that can profoundly impact their own health, education and life opportunities. Yet social ideals of self-responsibility, and a lack of outreach and support services from local authorities, all contribute to many never even seeking help. As we meet current and former young carers, we learn about the pressures faced both by child caregivers and family members, as well as the efforts being made to better support those who all too often end up bearing such hardships in silence.
In Japan's rapidly aging mountain villages, the animals are taking over. The remaining farmers feel defenseless against wild boars, monkeys and other creatures that eat crops and destroy fields. Many have turned to Masane, a nuisance-animal researcher and expert in wildlife control, whose methods focus on changing human behavior. In some villages, residents are revitalizing the community and strengthening bonds among neighbors by transforming a problem into a community asset.
As the world enters a phase of aggressive competition over untapped ocean floor resources, countries are scrambling to stake their claims. The vast economic potential on offer has made the seabed the ultimate frontier in a new Age of Exploration. China's research vessels in particular have been active in waters right across the globe. Through our exhaustive analysis of huge volumes of Chinese ship tracking data, from sand dredgers to survey vessels, we piece together a puzzle that reveals a new hidden power struggle over increasingly critical submarine resources.
How does life as a journalist change when your own country becomes a war zone? Even as Ukraine's capital Kyiv came under heavy shelling, the national public broadcaster Suspilne stayed on air, running operations out of a makeshift bunker studio. We follow Suspilne's reporters on the ground, working under pressure as they bear witness to the horrors of war and strive to keep the public informed. Yet how to maintain journalistic objectivity when the mindless death and destruction of war is right on your own doorstep?
Japanese swords fascinate collectors around the world. A special kind of steel called tamahagane is required to make them. This miraculous material is strong, flexible, rust-resistant, and produced through the ancient process of "tatara" ironmaking which takes place over three days and nights. Due to the COVID pandemic, there was only one production run in 2022, which was hit by a series of problems. Did the team meet the challenge? This documentary captures the essence of Japanese craftsmanship.
On August 6, 1945, the first-ever nuclear bomb deployed in war was dropped on the city of Hiroshima Prefecture, leaving an estimated 140,000 dead in its wake by the end of that year. Among the victims, one particular age group stands out for the sheer number of fatalities sustained: 12 and 13 year-olds, children of first year junior high school age. We investigate the tragedy of this lost generation, piecing together surviving records and speaking with survivors, for whom the memories of children robbed of their futures that day are still burned deep in their memories, nearly eight decades on.
Every day at the COVID-19 ward of St. Marianna University Hospital is a desperate struggle for life. With no established treatment plan for this unfamiliar virus, the staff are essentially fighting in the dark. But they have faith in their patients' will to survive. The doctors say some have made recoveries that are nothing short of miraculous. An NHK crew spent two-and-a-half years following the staff and patients of the COVID ward. This is the chronicle of one hospital's long battle against the coronavirus.
Hong Kong has undergone drastic social and political change in just a few short years, as China's central government tightens its grip on the territory. Under Beijing's "one country, two systems" policy, freedom of speech and assembly had been assured, yet such rights have now been severely curtailed. Ordinary Hong Kong citizens, who just a couple of years ago took to the streets in defense of freedom and democracy, now find themselves living in a greatly altered reality. As the tide of history turns in Hong Kong, we gauge the depths of the transformation affecting every aspect of society.
A dairy farming community in northern Japan is being stalked by an unseen peril: a giant brown bear that attacks cows in the dead of night, killing some and merely injuring others. For years it has eluded teams of researchers and capturers committed to bringing it down. But what is the true nature of the beast they're pursuing? Is it one bear or several? And how have human actions helped create this situation? We follow efforts to track down the animal and to understand what led to its behavior.
In 2022, North Korean leader Kim Jong Un kicked off his second decade in power with a record-breaking year of over 90 missile launches. The recent tests included hypersonic weapons and showcased the regime's latest ICBM, potentially bringing the entire US mainland within range. The diversity of missiles entering operational phase marks the fruition of intense military development under Kim Jong Un's rule. Since the breakdown of denuclearization talks with the US in 2019, his regime has adopted an increasingly hardline stance. Closed borders during the pandemic have made the secretive nation more inscrutable than ever, but internal North Korean documents obtained by NHK paint a picture of tightening controls and an increasingly radicalized ideology driving the regime's actions. As North Korea finds ways to bypass UN sanctions and renews ties with authoritarian allies, how can the world best engage with a state whose nuclear provocations present a growing threat to global security?
Children with certain developmental disabilities often have difficulty interacting with others or engaging in tasks they're not interested in. This can put a strain on families. But many of these kids shine when they're allowed to engage in activities they're passionate about. Researchers have learned that encouraging them to pursue their interests not only makes them happier as individuals. It can also lead to stronger connections with people around them and greater independence as adults.
Wildfires can be caused by natural factors such as lightning, but humans also play a large role. In California, which has witnessed some of the most widely publicized examples in recent years, a housing crisis is pushing more people into areas where fires are common. And firefighters are falling victim to PTSD, even suicide. But researchers have found that humans can play a greater role in prevention. Through ancient practices and improved technology, we can reduce the toll of these deadly events.
Ever since neuroscientist Onzo Ayako's mother Keiko was diagnosed with Alzheimer's disease seven years ago, she has been balancing a double role of both caregiver and scientific observer. Faced with the prospect of losing the mother she knows, Ayako has kept a daily record of her behavior, as well as taking regular MRIs to track the physical changes in her mother's brain. With a special interest in complex emotions and brain function, Ayako hopes the insights she gains can one day help others living with dementia. Touching on the deepest questions of what makes a person who they are, we follow mother and daughter on their journey of reconnection and discovery amid the challenges.
Natural resource-scarce Japan has harnessed globalization as a cornerstone of its economic development ever since the end of World War II, bringing prosperity to its people in the process. Today, rising geopolitical tensions, from Russia's invasion of Ukraine to the escalating rivalry between the United States and China, are disrupting globally interconnected supply chains and markets, and ushering in a new era of protectionist policies. As the tides of globalization turn, we examine Japan's struggle to adapt in an increasingly unpredictable world.
The United Nations was born when the Great Powers assembled after World War II to craft a more peaceful world. Its most powerful body, the Security Council, has five permanent members who can veto proposals they disagree with. That has hindered efforts to bring an end to Russia's war against Ukraine. Some now question whether the Council can fulfill its role as "the world's peacekeeper." We look at the history of the UN and attempts by Japan to make the Security Council more effective.
When Russia invaded Ukraine on February 24, 2022, the capital Kyiv was predicted to fall within 72 hours. However, Ukrainian President Volodymyr Zelenskyy risked his own life to stay put and resist, declaring his nation's resolve to defend its right to independence. Based on interviews with Zelenskyy's closest aides, official government releases and global media reports, we reconstruct the timeline of the critical first 72 hours of the invasion, uncovering fresh revelations about the events that set in motion a new era of global polarization and instability.
Ukraine's capital Kyiv had been expected to fall within 72 hours of a Russian invasion, but when the attack finally came, Ukraine's President Volodymyr Zelenskyy was determined to stay and fight for his nation's survival. In Part 2 of our documentary, we continue to retrace the timeline of those critical first 72 hours. Drawing on interviews with the president's closest aides, official government releases and global media reports, we shed fresh light on events that have set in motion a new era of global polarization and instability.
In the coastal town of Ogatsu, the March 2011 earthquake and tsunami destroyed a cherished local institution: the community hospital. As the tsunami approached, staff members stood by their bedridden patients, struggling to protect them. All the patients and many of the staff members perished. What was life like there before that fateful day? How are the surviving relatives coping 12 years later? Should the workers have saved themselves? We look into the hearts of the people left behind who spoke with the media for the first time.
Twelve years have passed since the devastating earthquake and tsunami that struck northeast Japan. An enduring legacy of the disaster has been widespread population decline, with some 140,000 residents leaving affected areas in the years since. Amid this challenging environment, a few municipalities have been trialing fresh ideas in an effort to rebuild their communities. Using census data to map demographic change in the region, we identified the rural towns successfully attracting young people and new business. These emerging shoots of hope revealed by our disaster zone "recovery maps" may even hold valuable clues for addressing key demographic challenges faced by the country as a whole.
Three "lost" decades of economic stagnation since the collapse of Japan's bubble era have fundamentally altered the country's global image, and spawned the term "Cheap Japan." What will it take to truly revive Japan's economy once again? In a rapidly changing world, the question of how the globe's third largest economy can avoid being left behind is perhaps more pertinent than ever. Drawing on both expert guidance and in-depth analysis of a wide range of available data, we hunt for clues that might point the way to Japan's ever-elusive economic renaissance.
A pair of explorers enters the Seti Gorge in the Himalayas to film an area where none has ever dared to venture. Extremely narrow at little over ten meters, but tremendously deep at over 200, the origins of the gorge are shrouded in mystery. Numerous waterfalls tumble into its abyss, and even for the experienced Japanese adventurers, the descent using a single rope tests their courage. Freezing winter temperatures, torrents of water – a gripping journey unfolds on camera. The latest research reveals the geological saga that created this massive gorge.
In Japan, it's common for high school and college students to take part-time jobs to earn extra money and gain work experience. But increasingly, young people are engaged in illegal jobs through the social media, including robbery and fraud. "Recruiters" lure them with promises of wealth. Sometimes, young prospects are threatened with harm to their families if they don't participate. What's behind this surge in juvenile criminality? And what can parents and others do to keep them from participating?
100 years have passed since the Great Kanto Earthquake of 1923. Although filmed records of its aftermath exist, the footage held flaws making it difficult to identify locations or times, obscuring the reality of how citizens of Tokyo faced this overwhelming disaster. To understand these details, we remastered the film into 8K resolution, and attempted to colorize it, while also making full use of audio accounts by survivors and a variety of scientific analyses by specialists. This program opens a new window into the events surrounding the disaster that had once been shrouded in mystery.
Even after the quake itself subsided, the tragedy of the Great Kanto Earthquake was only beginning. An unlikely "fire tornado" consumed a site where 40,000 evacuees had gathered, leaving few survivors. Meanwhile, emotionally exhausted people began to spread baseless rumors that fueled erratic behavior and violence against foreign residents. Part 2 of the documentary follows the timeline of the aftermath and beyond, applying the century-old vision of Tokyo to the modern era.
Stories of the people who built the first atomic weapons are well known. But what about those who provided the uranium? We look at a mysterious man who derived huge profits from the business of war.
Many children of religious devotees have been affected by their parents' beliefs. Now they are speaking out about the anguish religion has caused them and searching for a way to move on.
In the shadow of China's high GDP, it is possible that a significant distortion will lead to prolonged economic stagnation. We gathered open-source information to understand the state of its economy.
This investigative documentary takes a deep look into the black box of North Korea. The country has continued to strengthen its military while the world's attention has been turned elsewhere.
