Tokyo – The renewed NHK WORLD TV started broadcasting on 2 February 2009 (0900 Japan Standard Time). NHK WORLD TV offers an all-English language broadcasting service 24 hours a day. With the new channel identity ‘Your eye on Asia’, NHK WORLD TV will feature news bulletins every top of the hour. The new NHK WORLD TV lineup will mirror the kaleidoscopic appeal of Asia and Japan, from current affairs to traditional/contemporary culture, such as Japan’s anime and music. In February, NHK WORLD TV will focus on Kyoto, Japan’s ancient capital that retains a unique capacity. Also, Olympic gold medalist swimmer Kosuke Kitajima, violinist Midori Goto and other world-prominent Japanese men and women will be featured in special interviews co-produced with Japan’s five leading commercial broadcasters. NHK WORLD TV is currently viewable via satellites and cable TV services to more than 80 million households around the world. NHK WORLD TV further aims to expand its reach to 110 million households by March 2009. Programs on NHK WORLD TV will also be available on the NHK WORLD website http://www.nhk.or.jp/english/. Come December 2009, NHK WORLD TV plans to start broadcasting in high definition.