Tokyo – Broadcasters’ Eye is a series that offers English-language versions of outstanding programmes produced by Japan’s commercial broadcasters. The series was launched in 2010 with an aim of introducing diverse broadcasting culture of Japan to overseas through NHK WORLD TV.
Broadcast every March since then, two programmes that received domestic awards will be aired this year.
March 22: 9.10pm-10pm (JST) and other time slots
New Life Blossoms in an Old Village: Seven Years of Struggle and Hope, produced by TV Kanazawa
＊The 68th National Arts Festival Excellence Award in TV Documentary Program
＊Excellence Award in the Age of Regionalism Video Festival 2013
Sugaike district in Hakui City, Ishikawa prefecture, is a marginal village inhabited only by 27 families. As the fields became deserted through aging population, the community decided to accept young people seven years ago. Hiroyuki Yago (32 years old at the time) moved from Osaka, hoping to produce organic vegetables. With little farm land he could borrow, it’s been difficult to make a living but he is sustained by affection of local residents. As number of settlers increased to three, deserted cultivated land began to restore and the tradition of the lion dance that’s been discontinued was also revived. The documentary follows seven years progress of young people and the community’s attempt to overcome depopulation. (First aired by TV Kanazawa on May 28, 2013)
March 29: 9.10pm-10pm (JST) and other time slots
Thorns of Death, produced by Shizuoka Broadcasting System
＊Grand Prize, The Age of Regionalism Video Festival 2013
＊JBA Awards 2013 Meritorious Award in Documentary & News Feature Program Division
Many mine workers in the past have been afflicted with lung disease caused by dust inhalation. 37 years ago, a former labourer who suffered from the disease in Hamamatsu City, Shizuoka prefecture, that once prospered through copper mining, and a young doctor were featured in a programme. The same doctor was interviewed once again for this programme. Those who suffer from asbestos-related lung disease now include construction workers at the time of Japan’s economic boom in 1950s to 70s, reconstruction workers for the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake and people working at the Great East Japan Earthquake reconstruction sites. Tracing back the history with archived footage, the programme explores the current situation surrounding lung disease and the lives left behind. (First aired by Shizuoka Broadcasting System on May 29, 2013)
