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 June 2025. Premiering in 2005 and 2008, J-MELO and Begin Japanology are among NHK WORLD-JAPAN’s most celebrated shows. Boasting a rich catalog, NHK WORLD-JAPAN features more than 20 shows, with broadcasting dates ranging from 2005 to 2023.

  • 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.

  • Where We Call Home
    Where We Call Home (2020)8.0

    People from around the globe who put down roots in Japan offer a glimpse into their lives and the hardships they face in Japanese society.

  • 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.

  • 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!

  • 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.

  • Face To Face
    Face To Face (2015)N/A

    In conversation with... Japan expert Robert Campbell sits down with individuals from all walks of life whose drive and perspectives are changing Japan.

  • みんなで筋肉体操
    みんなで筋肉体操 (2018)N/A

  • 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.

  • Deeper Look from New York
    Deeper Look from New York (2020)N/A

    A cutting-edge dialogue from NHK WORLD-JAPAN's New York studio. Covers the hot issue: from politics, economy, social matters, international situation or cultural topics.

  • 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.

  • A Cat's-Eye View of Japan
    A Cat's-Eye View of Japan (2022)N/A

    Globe-trotting wildlife photographer and filmmaker, Iwago Mitsuaki, offers the best of a vast collection of cat footage he took in Japan. On this unique trip around the country, discover the lesser-known charms and customs of regions through the eyes of cats!

  • 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.