NHK WORLD-JAPAN programme focus in March

3 March 2025

Hokuriku – Connecting Tradition with Innovation

Hit the Road:
FUKUI

Mar 5 Wed.
1:30/6:30/12:30/17:30/22:30 (UTC)

Explore Fukui by car, now connected by Shinkansen—historic streets and traditional crafts await! Take a drive from Fukui to Kumagawajuku, a historic post town with Edo-period charm, and discover the exquisite craftsmanship of lacquered chopsticks.

Japan in Focus:
Current Status of Disaster-related NPOs

Mar 28 Fri.
14:30/20:30/3:10/10:10 (UTC)

Hard-earned experience has made nonprofit organizations invaluable partners in disaster recovery. Japan’s government is now moving toward formalizing their role. 

Trails to Oishii Tokyo:
Winter delicacies in Hokuriku

Mar 29 Sat.
1:10/7:10/13:10/19:10 (UTC)

The Sea of Japan keeps the Hokuriku region supplied with flavorful food. Come travel through the region’s three prefectures to find winter’s finest delicacies. 

Oscar Nominee for Best Documentary Short Film

Feb 28  Fri.
4:30/8:30/16:30/23:30 (UTC)

Instruments of a Beating Heart
First graders in a Tokyo public elementary school are presented with a challenge for the final semester: performing “Ode to Joy” at the ceremony for the new incoming first graders. Ayame, who often struggles to keep up with the group, is determined to play a major part — the big drum. We follow Ayame as she experiences shattering blows and joyous victories in the audition process. But to rehearse for the big performance, Ayame must quickly learn to deal with newfound pressure and responsibility. When it comes time to perform in the packed auditorium, will she prevail? Instruments of a Beating Heart intimately examines the Japanese educational system’s tenuous balance between self-sacrifice and human growth as it teaches the next generation to become part of Japanese society.

Asia Insight

Fridays
0:30/5:30/10:30/15:30/21:30 (UTC)

Dynamic Asia. Stories behind the world’s largest continent as it faces political, economic, cultural and technological change.