A Syrian filmmaker whose documentary about the refugee experience in Europe has found an unexpected source of inspiration during a trip to Japan. Ammar al-Beik's work was honored at the Yamagata International Documentary Film Festival in October — and during his stay he ran a workshop for local schoolchildren. Those children, who al-Beik describes as "angels," helped bolster his confidence and strength as he continues to heal from the trauma that has marked his life.
It's been a year since dozens of countries got together to enforce a landmark ban on nuclear weapons, yet the goal of eradication seems as distant as ever. For the states that refused to sign the treaty—countries with nuclear arms and others under their protection—discussions to prevent further spread of nuclear arms are not progressing. That stalemate has prompted some to ask: If the world's most powerful countries can't even agree to slim their nuclear arsenal, what hope is there of abolishing the weapons altogether?
Rosalina Harada Mondragon has been waiting her whole life to be recognized as Japanese. She was born in the Philippines in 1940 to a Japanese father killed during the Pacific War. Rosalina is one of thousands of children to Japanese fathers left behind at the end of the conflict. Many became stateless. Eight decades later, 50 survivors are still fighting to be acknowledged by Japan.
Manga is a 14 billion-dollar industry for Japan, but it would be even bigger if it weren't for online sites offering stolen versions of the comics. A Tokyo start-up hopes artificial intelligence will ride to the rescue. Its specialized AI system can translate manga into multiple languages in just days, getting the latest volumes into fans' hands quickly and providing a powerful weapon to fight the pirates.
Anime has captured the hearts of fans and critics worldwide. Every year, the Japanese industry racks up billions in profits and countless awards. But the gulf between the polished product on the screen and life at the coalface for the creators couldn't be greater. So tough are the conditions for most young animators that they can barely afford food. One CG animator who got tired of seeing his fellow workers quit decided to do something about it. Ten years ago, he opened a subsidized dorm for young animators where they can sharpen their skills and bond with fellow strugglers.
Make sure to evacuate early. It is dangerous to evacuate on foot or by car in the middle of a flood. Here are some important points that will help keep you safe.
A year has passed since South Korea's then-president Yoon Suk-yeol rocked the country with a sudden martial law declaration, but the fallout continues. The nation has since voted in a new leader, yet it remains enveloped in confusion over leadership and governance. While Yoon and many of his henchmen are in custody facing trial, some conservatives still speak highly of the former president. NHK World editor-in-chief and former Seoul bureau chief Aoki Yoshiyuki examines the current political climate.
Men in Japan are grappling with a problem that has traditionally been one for women alone: The struggle to balance work and childcare. New government data shows a record share of fathers are taking paternity leave, and more men are taking on a greater share of housework, too. But deep-rooted stereotypes mean even though dads are more invested at home, they're not getting any let-up at the office. For International Men's Day on November 19, NHK World's Katsumata Chieko took a look at the mounting pressures on Japanese fathers in the modern era.
Russia's invasion of Ukraine in 2022 shattered the daily lives of people across the country. Schools have been destroyed, upending the education system. Although schooling has continued online, in underground classrooms and shelters, millions of students and teachers have been displaced. Many people have had to part with their fathers, husbands, and siblings who are fighting in the war. All of this is taking a toll on mental health. NHK World’s Sekiya Satoshi explains how educators in Japan and Ukraine are working together to overcome the crisis.
Young people from Japan and South Korea are finding new ways to work together ― and talk more openly about the past. At a youth forum in Sapporo this summer, 34 students from the two countries teamed up on economic projects ranging from food to tourism and technology, discovering common ground along the way. The 20th Japan–Korea Students Future Forum was held in August as the two countries marked 60 years since restoring diplomatic ties. The relationship has had its ups and downs, but the 18 South Koreans and 16 Japanese delegates who joined this year's exchange said they found plenty of shared goals.
One of New York City's most iconic street celebrations features a "Thriller" dance performance — but only a lucky few get chosen to join the choreographed spectacle. NHK World correspondent Inoue Yuki met a Japanese academic who took quite the journey to participate.
Japan celebrated when two of its scientists won Nobel Prizes in October. But their wins came amid growing concerns about the future of scientific research ― and both laureates are among those calling for change, reports NHK World's Ishizaka Sae Christine Hall.
Taiwan has been investing in a new air defense system, as the United States and governments around the world take similar steps. NHK World's Sekiya Satoshi explains why everyone is focused on the skies, and why this is all happening now.
School absences in Japan have hit a record high. An education ministry survey released on October 29 showed that over 350,000 elementary and junior high students were chronically absent during the 2024 academic year. The figure has been increasing for 12 straight years. NHK World's Katsumata Chieko explains why concerned experts are calling for systemic educational changes.
Japan has just named its first female prime minister ― a milestone for a country ranked 118th in the World Economic Forum's Gender Gap Index. At the other end of the scale sits Iceland, which has topped the index for 16 straight years. The country took a leap forward 50 years ago when 90% of its women stopped working, doing housework, or looking after their children for a nationwide protest known as "Women's Day Off." The strike forced the nation to recognize the value of women's labor, and remains a lesson in spurring equality.
A painting in a Japanese corporate collection is at the center of a forgery storm as the latest in a string of uncovered fakes by notorious German scammer Wolfgang Beltracchi. For many years, gallery visitors have been admiring "Kiki de Montparnasse" as the work of Polish-French painter Moïse Kisling. Suspicions over its authenticity came to light in April. An NHK investigation has uncovered a wave of forgeries held in Japan, and a possible case in Spain.
A Japanese journalist was killed in Myanmar in 2007 while covering large-scale protests against the military government. Nagai Kenji never let go of his video camera, even after he was shot and fell to the ground. Eighteen years after his death, new allegations have emerged about what later happened to his camera and the tape inside it.
Japan gave a helping hand to Sri Lanka, which is now emerging from its recent period of economic chaos. The leader of the strategically important South Asian island nation visited Tokyo and Osaka last month with the aim of deepening ties and promoting investment opportunities.
The terms "adult diapers" and "fashion show" are concepts that at first glance do not seem to belong together. But an unconventional event at the World Expo in Osaka brought together seven diaper manufacturers and an underwear company to showcase innovative diaper designs. The initiative was aimed at alleviating the apprehensions some individuals have about wearing the products.