The Best TV Shows on NHK WORLD-JAPAN

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

The NHK Symphony Orchestra leads Japan's classical music world. It held its first concert in 1927 and has since performed regularly for over 90 years. It continues its excellent performance to this day and has gained international recognition for performances with renowned conductors and soloists. Enjoy the vibrant music forged by the NHK Symphony Orchestra and each conductor's highly individual interpretations that created these unforgettable performances. Music critic Katayama Morihide and presenter Yamamoto Miki set the scene in an introductory segment to the prerecorded concerts.

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

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 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.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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.

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.

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.

Japan's anime studios have captured the world's attention. In this program, we go behind the scenes for an in-depth look at the most prominent studios — usually closed to the public — to find out the secrets behind their creativity.