An unusual documentary series that delves into human dramas through chance encounters with ordinary people at selected spots. Filmed over 72 hours in a single location, the show captures glimpses into people's lives as they open up and share their stories.

Japanese Broadcast Version

Host Peter Barakan delves into various aspects of Japanese culture; exploring practices, history, and modern innovations in such areas as ramen, rice, sushi, geisha, bonsai, and so much more. Local experts discuss their passions at fascinating length, and American Japanophile Matt Alt experiences the food, practices, and cultures in each episode in depth. Viewers will finish each half hour episode with a new understanding of an area of Japanese life through demonstrative videos and explanations, all delivered respectfully and true to the Japanese way of life.

The size of the Japanese animation market was 2,426 billion yen by 2020. More than half of that amount came from overseas sales. The manga market is also expanding, reaching 675.9 billion yen in 2021. Those unique visuals and stories from Japan have struck a chord with fans around the world and are growing into a huge industry. ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION will actively feature major works that are highly recognized by overseas fans and reveal the secrets of Japanese anime and manga creation through the series.

Journeys in Japan provides an eye-opening look at the many unique places to visit in Japan. English-speaking visitors travel the length of the country, exploring the culture, meeting the local people, visiting historic sites and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks.

Meet the real stars of Japanese animation. From crayons to CGI, discover the techniques and inspirations of some of Japan's most amazing animators.

J-MELO is a weekly Japanese music television program broadcast by NHK. It is recorded entirely in the English language. It began broadcasting on October 7, 2005. The program is available on NHK's World Service television station, Radio Japan, Digital Educational TV and on its Domestic General Channel.

Delicious food from Tokyo's markets! Learn about the amazing ingredients which are sourced from across Japan and sold at Tokyo's fresh food markets.

Going beyond the horizon. Meet Japan's entrepreneurs whose innovative thinking is changing traditional mindsets in their various fields of work.

Kiyo et Sumire sont deux amies d'enfance originaires de la préfecture d'Aomori, au nord du Japon. Elles sont venues jusqu'à Kyoto dans l'espoir de devenir maiko, une apprentie geisha. Mais après quelques imprévus, Kiyo se retrouve à travailler comme cuisinière dans une demeure de maiko. De son côté, Sumire rêve toujours de poursuivre son rêve et débute son apprentissage aux côtés des autres maiko de la maison. Toutes les deux fréquentent le quartier de Kagai à Kyoto, célèbre pour ses geishas.

Traditional techniques and resourceful recipes! Chefs Saito and Rika, present their unique approaches to cooking delicious Japanese food.

BEGIN Japanology invites you into the world of Japanese culture, both traditional and modern, explaining how traditions evolved and the part they still play today in people's everyday lives.

NHK WORLD PRIME brings you a world of mainly documentaries, and more. Tune in to see special select programs on all sorts of topics and genres.

Three days in the life of...Stay in one location for 72 hours, catching glimpses into people's lives as they open up and share.

NHK World English Broadcast Version

Japanese inventions are used and loved around the world. Through interviews and reenactments, go behind the scenes and discover how Japanese craftsmanship brought these top inventions into being.

Criss-cross Japan by rail. Enjoy an amazing diversity of nature and scenery across the four seasons, exploring both well-known and hidden Japan.

Discover the secrets of Japan's railways, from the newest technologies and systems in use, to travel tips and must-see places.

Un documentaire en 4 parties qui suit le processus créatif du célèbre réalisateur japonais. Ce documentaire nous montre un artisan passionné, un pionnier inébranlabe, et un père en confrontation avec son fils.

The timeless heart of Japan's ancient capital. Against its rich backdrop of culture and tradition, today's Kyoto continues to innovate and inspire.

Learn how to make the most of your Japanese skills. Watch our drama that features useful communication strategies, our snappy videos about onomatopoeia, and our documentaries on workers from abroad in various parts of Japan.