NHK WORLD Focus July: Manga artistry + Kagoshima

Manben: Behind the Scenes of Manga with Urasawa Naoki

July 2 Sun.0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC)

Minase Ai
Join us as we see a manga being brought to life by artist Minase Ai, known for her stories of young love. We go behind the scenes to see her working on Seishun Heavy Rotation. 

July 16 Sun.0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC)

Tezuka Osamu
Explore the artistry of “the god of manga.” Tezuka Osamu drew Black Jack and many more famous series. Rare documents and interviews with assistants reveal secrets to his success.

Kagoshima: The Taste and Style of “Kuro” Culture

July 9 Sun. 0:25/6:25/12:25/18:25 (UTC)  

Black (kuro) is a primary color for the area around Kagoshima. It’s reflected in the pottery, the cuisine, the shochu liquor, and even the ash from the volcano at Sakurajima. Discover the kuro culture of Japan’s far southwest. 

Iojima: A Volcanic Island with a Passion for Rhythm 

July 15 Sun. 0:25/6:25/12:25/18:25 (UTC)

Iojima Island is located in the Pacific about 1,000 kilometers southwest of Tokyo. In this episode of  Journeys in Japan, Canadian Shizuka Anderson explores the volcanic island’s striking natural environment and experiences the unique culture of this oceanic outpost.  

Hit the Road KAGOSHIMA

July 19 Wed. 1:30/6:30/12:30/17:30/22:30 (UTC)

In the second episode of Hit the road we explore the active Sakurajima volcano in Kagoshima Prefecture. Our discoveries include ceramic art made from lava and a naturally heated sandbath. Join us as we experience this volcanic wonderland. 

Barakan Discovers Amami Oshima: 
Isson’s Treasure Island 

July 23 Sun. 0:10/6:10/12:10/18:10 (UTC)    

Explore Amami Oshima, the island paradise that was home to Japan’s very own “Gauguin.” Artist Tanaka Isson devoted his final years to depicting the natural beauty of a location that was later inscribed as a UNESCO World Natural Heritage site.