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The Best TV Shows on NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Every NHK WORLD-JAPAN Show Ranked From Best To Worst

NHK WORLD-JAPAN has delivered an expansive roster of over 20 shows, dating from 2005 all the way to 2023. Leading the pack on NHK WORLD-JAPAN are J-MELO and Journeys in Japan, with their initial broadcasts in 2005 and 2010. Our curated list, current as of December 2024, showcases over 20 of NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s highest-rated series.

  • Seasoning the Seasons
    Seasoning the Seasons (2012)10.0

    This program visits places across Japan to introduce the charms of their local daily life and festivals fostered by the nation's long history.

  • Journeys in Japan
    Journeys in Japan (2010)9.0

    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.

  • NHK WORLD PRIME
    NHK WORLD PRIME (2017)9.0

    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.

  • Japan Railway Journal
    Japan Railway Journal (2015)8.0

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

  • Anime Supernova
    Anime Supernova (2017)8.0

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

  • Japanology Plus
    Japanology Plus (2014)7.8

    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.

  • Document 72 Hours
    Document 72 Hours (2013)7.0

    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

  • Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House
    Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House (2021)7.0

    Kiyo and Sumire came to Kyoto from Aomori Prefecture, dreaming of becoming maiko. But after an unexpected turn of events, Kiyo starts working as the live-in cook at the Maiko House. Their story unfolds in Kagai, the Geiko and maiko district in Kyoto, alongside their housemate maikos. Kiyo nourishes them daily with her homecooked meals, and Sumire strives toward her promising future as the once-in-a-century maiko.

  • J-MELO
    J-MELO (2005)6.7

    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.

  • Wild Hokkaido!
    Wild Hokkaido! (2017)6.0

    Be immersed in nature's beauty. Discover Hokkaido at its wildest and best as our presenter guides you through its amazing experiences.

  • Core Kyoto
    Core Kyoto (2013)5.0

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

  • Hometown Stories
    Hometown Stories (2011)N/A

    Stories about people, stories about life. Intimate portraits of people from around Japan, each leading diverse lives while enriching lives of others.

  • Trails to Tsukiji
    Trails to Tsukiji (2015)N/A

    "Trails to Tsukiji" is a show that focuses on Japanese food available at Tokyo's iconic Tsukiji Market where every kind of fresh food is gathered from around the country.

  • Home Sweet Tokyo
    Home Sweet Tokyo (2017)N/A

    Englishman Bryan Jenkins was living peacefully with his Japanese wife Itsuki and daughter Alice in London, when his Japanese mother-in-law suddenly passes away, and the family decides to uproot to Tokyo to look after his father-in-law Tsuneo.

  • Japan's Top Inventions
    Japan's Top Inventions (2018)N/A

    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.

  • Trails to Oishii Tokyo
    Trails to Oishii Tokyo (2019)N/A

    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.

  • BOSAI: Science that Can Save Your Life
    BOSAI: Science that Can Save Your Life (2020)N/A

    Japan has a long history of natural disasters. BOSAI explores how to overcome them and save lives with the power of science.

  • Learn Japanese from the News
    Learn Japanese from the News (2022)N/A

    Our new TV program helps you learn about Japan and the Japanese language through simple and easy Japanese news. You will learn not only Japanese expressions but also the latest situation of Japan.

  • Dive in Tokyo
    Dive in Tokyo (2022)N/A

    Tokyo: where both tradition and the latest trends coexist. Join us on a journey to discover the real Tokyo as we dive into its historic old towns and encounter many fun surprises along the way.

  • ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION
    ANIME MANGA EXPLOSION (2023)N/A

    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.