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The Best TV Shows on NHK WORLD-JAPAN

Every NHK WORLD-JAPAN Show Ranked From Best To Worst

Dive into our updated selection of NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s finest, featuring more than 20 series as of January 2025. Leading the pack on NHK WORLD-JAPAN are J-MELO and Begin Japanology, with their initial broadcasts in 2005 and 2008. Boasting a rich catalog, NHK WORLD-JAPAN features more than 20 shows, with broadcasting dates ranging from 2005 to 2021.

  • Magical Japanese
    Magical Japanese (2021)10.0

    Explore the richness and depth of the Japanese language and discover how words and expressions reflect history, culture and the natural world.

  • 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.

  • Begin Japanology
    Begin Japanology (2008)8.0

    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.

  • 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.

  • BENTO EXPO
    BENTO EXPO (2016)8.0

    Bento, or lunchbox, is a fun slice of Japanese food culture that more people around the world are sharing. Healthy and delicious foods are beautifully and creatively presented. This NHK series features demonstrations and advice by Japanese bento experts, as well as shares some of the bento pictures and videos sent in by viewers worldwide.

  • Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House
    Kiyo in Kyoto: From the Maiko House (2021)7.1

    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.

  • 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

  • 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.

  • 15 Minutes
    15 Minutes (2018)6.5

    Content on-the-go! Diverse, innovative, immersive and smartphone optimized. Topics range from arts, crafts and ninjas to international celebrities!

  • Japanology Plus
    Japanology Plus (2014)6.4

    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.

  • GRAND SUMO Highlights
    GRAND SUMO Highlights (2020)6.4

    The best of today's sumo! Enjoy daily highlights of this dynamic sport with background info and play-by-play commentary adding to the excitement!

  • 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.

  • Dining with the Chef
    Dining with the Chef (2012)N/A

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

  • Train Cruise
    Train Cruise (2013)N/A

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

  • #TOKYO
    #TOKYO (2017)N/A

    #TOKYO brings you the latest travel information about Tokyo based on popular social media posts by experienced travelers. Join us on a virtual tour with real photos to experience the city's most popular tourist destinations!

  • 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.

  • みんなで筋肉体操
    みんなで筋肉体操 (2018)N/A

  • 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.