Back-to-back natural disasters. A centuries-old craft in peril.

Japan's Noto Peninsula was hit hard in 2024: an earthquake on New Year's Day, followed by heavy rains and flooding in September. Kitahama Kosaku, a lacquerware (maki-e) artisan in the region's famed Wajima-nuri tradition, wants more than anything to continue his craft in the place he built a life with his late wife, who was also a lacquer artist. After the earthquake, he converts his garage into a live-in workshop. Calling on his fellow craftsmen, the group begins work on their first lacquerware order since the disaster. Then comes the flood... A story of families who struggle to keep a 600-year tradition alive, and its beautiful fruition.

「ラーメンを食べる。」は、行列必至の人気ラーメン店の日常に密着する番組。
早朝の仕込みから閉店までを、ひたすらカメラが追いかける。そこから見えてくる、店主のラーメンに込める想いとは—。
そして最後は、店主の想いがつまった珠玉の一杯を、ラーメン好きの芸能人が黙々と味わい尽くす！ラーメン好きの為のラーメンドキュメンタリーである。

Meet the real "snow monkeys"

The image of "snow monkeys" submerged in a hot spring as snow falls around them is iconic. These are Japanese macaques, the northernmost population of monkeys in the world. Highly adaptable, they are the only primates to inhabit environments that range from low coastal plains to mountainous areas 3,000 meters above sea level, with temperatures that can drop to -30 degrees Celsius. How is this single species of macaque able to thrive in such widely diverse habitats? Shot in beautiful 4K UHD, the cameras travel through Japan to capture unique monkey groups displaying different localized food habits, including a world-first footage of monkeys catching live fish as well as how such new behaviors spread among individuals in the pack.

What lay behind the mad "kamikaze" fervor?

On the Pacific front towards the end of World War II, Japan's imperial armed forces launched "kamikaze" attacks, or suicide missions by aircrafts laden with bombs. It was a mad operation with no hope of returning alive. But the nation went wild, and the attacks continued for ten months, literally until the very last day of war. About 4,000 crew lost their lives. How could this happen? Utilizing 15 years-worth of extensive interviews with both US and Japanese former military personnel as well as experts, combined with a detailed "hometown map" created from the data of each and every life lost, and the latest analysis of archival footage and documents, the program delves into the mechanism of how a crazed madness swept through an entire nation.

Why did an ancient city see destruction?

The archeological site of Tell el-Hammam in Jordan, located near the Dead Sea, is said to date back to the Bronze Age. In 2015, the dig revealed a severely damaged floor of a building, as well as a layer of burnt bricks and other debris that measured over a meter in depth. What happened? A team of researchers from a wide range of disciplines including archeology and astrophysics has pointed out that the debris had burnt at temperatures the civilizations of the time could not have generated artificially. The program follows the latest findings at the site.

The Nihon Hidankyo (the Japan Confederation of A- and H-Bomb Sufferers Organizations), a hibakusha organization, was awarded the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024. For generations, the hibakusha survivors have had a huge impact on the world, conveying not just their experiences of the atomic bombing, but also the horrors of nuclear weapons and the need for nuclear abolition.
While looking back at our footage of the years of activism by members of the Hiroshima Prefectural Hidankyo, a local branch of the Nihon Hidankyo, this special TSS broadcast follows Hidankyo members at the Nobel Peace Prize Ceremony in Oslo, Norway and explores the issues humanity faces in realizing a world free from nuclear weapons as we enter the 80th year since the atomic bombings.

被爆者の全国組織「日本被団協」が２０２４年のノーベル平和賞を受賞した。被爆者が長年にわたり、自らの体験をもとに、原爆の悲惨さ、核兵器廃絶の必要性を訴え、世界に与えた影響は大きい。
ＴＳＳでは、これまで追いかけてきた日本被団協の地域組織である広島県被団協の活動を振り返るとともに、ノルウェー・オスロでの授賞式を密着取材。
被爆８０年を前に、「核兵器なき世界」の実現に向け、私たちに突き付けられた課題を探る。

This content tells you the beauty of Akita, including traditional events, food, and seasonal scenery. These are the heritage of Akita that we would like to pass on to future generations and spread to the world.

The “factory” in the Tokai region of Japan is full of surprise!
The Tokai region is a major hub for manufacturing in Japan, but surprisingly little is known
About what, where, and how products are made. Therefore, the camera sneaks into the center of manufacturing, the "factory"!　Why did they challenge the development of that product? How did they become the world's No. 1 market share? What kind of wisdom and ingenuity are hidden in the proud factory? We explore factories with special cameras for powerful pictures such as super slow motion and also watch super craftmen’s divine skills and deliver unknown secrets of product development.
Here is a wonderful “world of manufacturing” that can only be seen here.

Celebrity writers are asked by the editorial department of "Globe-Trotter" to create a special feature page. They travel to places they have always wanted to visit and have been to before as their interests lead them. They encounter new foods, scenery and people and then complete original feature pages. Famous celebrities who love to travel will appear as themselves. Countries they visit are Korea, Thailand, Saipan, and New Zealand.

Station soba shops, dubbed “ekisoba”, have become all the rage among railroad fans. While these establishments have been cherished in Japan for years, they have begun fusing with local cultures to create regional, signature “bowls”. This program features train-loving celebrities guiding viewers on a culinary adventure of “ekimen” (station noodles) such as soba, udon, and ramen served at various railway stops nationwide.

This program conveyed the attraction and depth of fermented foods.
The cast includes actors Toshiki Tateishi and Eito Konishi.
In addition to enjoying the taste sensations brought about by fermentation, the two will also have the opportunity to experience the preparation process and talk with local people about the ingenuity and wisdom behind their food products.
Now, a journey to rediscover Japan through the land of fermentation.
Please join us!

The giant salamander is a protected species of the nation and lives mainly in the Chugoku region. In April, 2022, it became a hot topic when one was discovered in the river right by the Atomic Bomb Dome, located only 4.5 kilometers from the mouth of the river. Why did the giant salamander, known as the “Master of the Clear Stream”, end up in the middle of such a big city? While interviewing Associate Professor Norio Shimizu, who researches ecology at Hiroshima University, we discovered the harsh reality that these protected species face, as they are forced to live in rivers surrounded by concrete.

In recent years, repeated heavy rain disasters have led to continuous work on the restoration and protection of the river bank. As a result, giant salamanders have lost their homes and are being swept downstream. Furthermore, manmade weirs, built along the river to store water, block their way back upstream. Unable to return to its original location after being swept downstream, the Master of the Clear Stream can end up in the core of the city.

Adding to the difficulties is the existence of a hybrid species, first discovered in Hiroshima Prefecture in 2022. The large, ferocious hybrids are stealing the habitat and food of the native species. Shimizu worries that if the hybrid population continues to increase, the ecosystem will collapse to the point that it would be irreparable. Furthermore, the government has not been able to give a clear answer as to whether this hybrid breed should be protected or destroyed. What is the decision that Shimizu made regarding the hybrid species, given that they are also giant salamanders?


主に中国地方に生息する国の特別天然記念物・オオサンショウウオ。2022年４月、河口から約4.5キロしか離れていない原爆ドームの前でその姿が発見され話題になった。“清流のヌシ”と呼ばれるオオサンショウウオが、なぜこのような都会の真ん中にいたのか。広島大学で生態の研究をする清水則雄准教授を取材する中で見えてきたのは、コンクリートで囲まれた川に生息する特別天然記念物の“過酷な実態”だった。

近年、度重なる豪雨災害によって、繰り返される護岸工事。その影響でオオサンショウウオたちは住みかを失い、下流へと流されている。さらに、水を貯えるために人の手によって作られた “堰(せき)”の存在が上流に戻ろうとする彼らの行く手を阻む。その結果、下流へ流されたまま元の場所に戻ることができず“清流のヌシ”が都会の真ん中に姿を現したのだった。

この状況に追い打ちをかけるのが、2022年広島県で初めて発見された “交雑種”の存在だ。大型で凶暴な交雑種は、在来種の「住みか」や「えさ」を奪っているのだった。清水さんはこのまま増え続けると、生態系が崩れて取返しのつかない未来がくると案じる。さらに、この“交雑種”について行政側も保護すべきか、処分するべきかの明確な答えを出せていない。同じオオサンショウウオに変わりない “交雑種”を巡って清水さんが下した決断とは。

Step into the fast-moving world of modern journalism with NIKKEI Film, a documentary series blending investigative reporting, data visualization, and powerful storytelling. From geopolitical upheavals to economic security, each episode dives deep into the pressing issues of the day. Launched in 2023, the series has earned acclaim for its perceptive exploration of complex events, including the impact of Russia’s invasion of Ukraine.

With its striking visuals and thought-provoking insights, NIKKEI Film represents a new direction in documentary filmmaking. Awarded the Grand Prix and the Visual Content Prize at Japan’s 2024 Internet Media Awards, it’s essential viewing for anyone seeking to understand our changing world.

Produced by Nikkei, Inc. since 2023, this ongoing series consists of episodes ranging from 15 to 20 minutes long. New episodes are being made available for streaming, on a regular basis.

This beautifully-shot documentary features absolute beauty of four seasons in one of the oldest villages in Japan, called ASUKA village. It is the site of ancient capital of Japan, and thus original scenery has been remaining thanks to a special law enacted exclusively to the village. Also, this doc follows a guy who moved into the village a few years ago and perform very traditional lifestyle. You can see beauty of Japan’s four seasons, authentic tradition, history, and culture in Japan.

Akita Shinkansen Komachi, the bullet train of Akita, opened in 1997. Yuki Tokunaga, a famous enka singer and a train enthusiast, comes to Akita to celebrate its 25th anniversary. He visits the railway yard to learn about Komachi and experience the maintenance of it. Also, he travels by Komachi from Akita to Tokyo enjoying special bento. Let's explore the history and the attractions of Komachi with Mr. Tokunaga!

Mocomichi Hayami, also known as Moco in his best-selling cookbooks, is a prominent actor who has starred in many top-ranked Japanese dramas, including "This Guy is the Biggest Mistake of My Life". Not only he is a charming figure, but also a talented chef, having won the Gourmand World Cookbook Awards' Japanese cooking category in 2013.

In this show, Moco travels across Japan's beautiful countryside in his self-designed kitchen car to source fresh ingredients. He gets inspired by meeting cheerful locals and the rich natural surroundings, leading him to create unique and delicate recipes in front of the camera.
In the third season, Moco visits Taiwan, expanding his culinary journey.

In the fourth season, the adventure moves to South Korea!
Moco visits three areas in Jeollado, often referred to as a "treasure trove of food" in South Korea. He highlights three different locally sourced ingredients and creates original dishes based on the concept of local production for local consumption.
While exploring the culinary scene, Moco also visits various attractions in South Korea, showcasing the region's charm.
Join him on this journey to experience the artistry of cooking!

This series showcases a wide range of topics about Japan, from traditional craftsmanship to pop culture, modern technology, food, travel, lifestyle, and more.

It presents the audience with different aspects of Japan and its many well-known and lesser-known “Worlds” - from miniatures to space, aesthetic gardens to naked festivals, perpetual clock technology to quirky colorful bread - viewed and reflected from the unique perspective of Japanese and non-Japanese people alike.

All episodes are produced and broadcast for NHK WORLD-JAPAN, an international channel covering 160 regions and countries worldwide. This series aims to boost its global audience’s interest and understanding towards Japan and spark a desire to delve deeper to all things Japanese.

Internationally renowned, award winning, visionary, architect Tadao Ando needs little introduction. His unconventional designs shook off old orthodoxies and his iconic buildings can be seen in cities around the world. Shot in breath-taking 4K, this documentary allows Ando to speak directly to the next generation of architects and gives us a captivating close up examination of some of his masterpieces.