Tokyo – 1st June is the 80th anniversary of NHK’s international broadcasting service. The international service, which began with radio broadcasts in 1935, conveys the latest stories from Japan and Asia to the world via television, radio, and the Internet.
NHK broadcasted a variety of domestic and international programmes for this 80th anniversary. These programmes will provide a lucid presentation of the work of NHK WORLD to both Japanese and overseas audiences.
Radio Japan Focus – What Radio Japan Means to Me
NHK WORLD RADIO JAPAN 1−2 June
*Broadcast schedule differs for each language section
Featuring heartwarming messages from overseas listeners, the programme reveals the attractions of the radio broadcasts that have been building bridges between Japan and the world for so many years.
Bridging the World – 80 years of Japan’s International Radio
NHK WORLD TV (English) 14 June
Linking up with the Radio Japan Focus, overseas listeners recount anecdotes, and RADIO JAPAN announcers from the various language services talk about the lifestyles and situations of people around the world. Looking back on the 80-year history of RADIO JAPAN, it also considers new possibilities for the future.
Connecting the Globe with NHK WORLD TV
NHK General TV (Japanese) 2–5 & 8 June
NHK WORLD TV is a 24-hour channel delivering news and programmes from today’s Japan and Asia to the whole world. Its wide-ranging programmes cover everything from industry to culture and tourism. Outstanding examples will be broadcast with Japanese subtitles and dubbing. Sumire from Doki Doki! WORLD TV and NHK WORLD TV’s NEWSLINE anchor Miki Yamamoto will introduce the attractions of NHK WORLD TV.
Sports Japan 2 June
Sports Japan conveys Japan’s wide-ranging sports from judo and kendo to football and tennis. The episode will feature a major event of Japan’s classical martial arts, placing the spotlight on those born in an era of warfare and the people who have kept the tradition in the present day.
Japanology Plus 3 June
Now titled Japanology Plus, the programme has been loved by viewers around the world for over a decade. Picking up familiar themes, the programme depicts the real face of Japan. This episode examines “ramen”, now a Japanese national dish. It is not only about the taste – ramen is entertainment, too. Presenter Peter Barakan is joined by ramen critic Hiroshi Osaki for a full investigation.
Cycle Around Japan 4 June
Cycle Around Japan tours the country on two wheels to discover the scenery not found in ordinary guidebooks and enjoy encounters with people living in the area. In this episode, we made a journey through Hokkaido heading up to the north, discovering the great natural landscapes and culture which takes root in the land of Japan’s northernmost island.
Japan Railway Journal 5 June *except in the Kinki region
Japanese railways enjoy good reputation for its safety, comfort and punctuality. Japan Railway Journal reveals the secret behind it: the latest technology, quality services and so on. This episode features the Hokuriku Shinkansen, which started service in March this year. It tells about various technologies such as devices for coping with heavy snowfall. It also examines the economic impact of the new line.
Kawaii International 8 June
Anime, manga, videogames and many other Japanese pop cultures attract youngsters all over the world but among them “kawaii” culture is the latest and stands out. Kawaii International is the programme focusing on the cozy lifestyle Japanese young girls created. Mari Sekine and the other presenters join in the fun in reporting on “twin coordination”, now one of the latest trends among Japanese girls on the streets.
