25 October 2016
Japanology Plus
Japanophiles: Paul Lorimer
Nov 3 Thu 4:30/ 8:30/ 16:30/ 22:30 (UTC) <28 min.>
Awamori is Okinawa’s signature alcoholic beverage. After three or more years of aging it’s called kusu, a drink frequently noted for its fragrance and smoothness. In the old days the aging process would always take place in a ceramic vessel, and some of the best of these are now made by New Zealander Paul Lorimer, who has lived in Okinawa for 36 years. There are no short cuts for Lorimer. He digs his own clay, makes the vessels in a traditional way, and never stops experimenting as he strives for the ultimate kusu container. Interviewer: Peter Barakan
Dining with the Chef
Okinawan Home Cooking
Nov 4 Fri 14:30/ 20:30/ Sat 2:10/ 8:10 (UTC) <28 min.>
A kingdom once flourished in what is now Japan’s Okinawa prefecture. Even today, one can sense the presence of its culture. 82-year-old chef Ayaka Yamamoto specializes in the cuisine of the Ryukyu kingdom. The healthy food of Okinawa is credited with contributing to long lifespans of the people there. It reflects the tropical environment and history of a place influenced by Japan, China, and Southeast Asia. Gracious hospitality enhances the appeal. Program host Yu Hayami explores the essence of Ryukyu cuisine.
Cycle around Japan
A journey of Yaeyama Islands
Nov 5 Sat 23:10/ Sun 5:10/ 10:10/ 17:10 (UTC) <49 min. 30 sec.>
CYCLE AROUND JAPAN presents invigorating bike rides to hidden sites that have escaped the attention of guidebooks. This episode features the Yaeyama islands in Okinawa, where the lifestyle that has existed since ancient times is still strong. The trip is filled with discoveries, including the sabani boats of Ishigaki island made from logs, the exquisite scenery of Taketomi island, and a woman who carries on the tradition of minsa fabric. A stop on Hateruma leads to the island’s only school, where kids from kindergarten to junior high study together. Immerse yourself in a four-day journey through nature and culture.
J-MELO in Okinawa Part1, Part2
[Part 1] Nov 20 Sun 15:10/ 21:10/ Mon 3:30/ 9:30 (UTC) <28 min.>
[Part 2] Nov 27 Sun 15:10/ 21:10/ Mon 3:30/ 9:30 (UTC) <28 min.>
Over the course of two weeks, J-MELO brings you the grand finale of the “The 6th. WorldWide Uchinanchu Festival.” The event, in Naha, takes place every five years, drawing Okinawan people home from wherever they may be across the globe. This year’s performers include BEGIN, DIAMANTES, Kariyushi58, and RYUKYUDISKO. NHK’s Okinawa station conducted a survey to choose “Songs of Okinawa to present to the world,” and J-MELO host May J. will perform a tune from the list.
(Source: NHK WORLD TV press releas)
1 September 2016
MIRACLE BODY
Russia’s Golden Mermaids
Sep 24 Sat 15:10/ 21:10/ Sun 3:10/ 9:10 (UTC) <49 min.>
How far can athletes push the limits of their body? The question is central to this exclusive NHK documentary about Russian synchronized swimmers Natalia Ishchenko and Svetlana Romashina, who just won back-to-back Olympic golds in the duet competition. Using cutting-edge video technology and breathtaking imagery, scientists deliver an unprecedented analysis of the physiological factors behind the pair’s underwater prowess. The result is a spectacular exploration of the human body’s full potential.
(Source: NHK WORLD TV press release)
12 August 2016
Medical Frontiers Special: Search for Japanese Superfoods
Sep 2 Fri 23:10/ Sat 5:10/ 10:10/ 17:10 (UTC) <49 min.>
Japan is a world leader in health care. This program explores cutting-edge Japanese medical technologies and tips for a healthy lifestyle. On this special edition, we take a journey to uncover the secrets of seafood and green tea – both Japanese “superfoods.” We’ll also share effective and delicious ways to maximize their potential.
70 Years of Wandering: Storytelling Artist Koryu
Sep 16 Fri 23:10/ Sat 5:10/ 10:10/ 17:10 (UTC) <49 min.>
Having lived for 89 years, Minatoya Koryu has plenty of tales to tell. She has performed as a storyteller for 70 years, 50 of those on the road. The art of Rokyoku storytelling – performing stories sung along with the melody of a shamisen – was all but forgotten during Japan’s high economic growth era. Now, it’s being rediscovered. The program shows the relationship between Koryu and her young disciple Koyuki, bringing the appeal of the tradition to a new generation.
At Home with Venetia in Kyoto Summer 2016
Sep 23 Fri 23:10/ Sat 5:10/ 10:10/ 17:10 (UTC) <49 min.>
British-born Venetia moved to Japan some 45 years ago. Twenty of those years have been spent in Kyoto’s Ohara area, where she leads an eco-friendly life. The aroma of herbs fills the air in summer. In the program, she tends the plants in her “Mediterranean garden” and makes her own hand cream. She also travels north to Hokkaido, meeting Ainu people, whose traditions emphasize coexistence with nature. A Hokkaido gardener introduces her to a “dream garden” amidst a vast landscape.
(Source: NHK WORLD TV)
1 August 2016
As part of the support project by the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry for the recovery from the Kumamoto Earthquake, Japan International Broadcasting Inc. (JIB) will broadcast a series of TV programmes entitled Japan Food Quest – Kyushu – comprising of programmes domestically produced by broadcasting members of The Minkyokyo. The series will air starting in August continuing through September, 2016.
Due to the Kumamoto Earthquake, the number of tourists from abroad visiting the Kyushu Region has drastically decreased. A proactive worldwide presentation of the charm and appeal of Kyushu, particularly its local harvests and food specialties, is necessary in order to bring back and attract more overseas tourists to the region.
Japan Food Quest – Kyushu – is a series of 30-minute documentary programmes featuring various food specialties from Kyushu. Each programme also takes a look at the efforts of the farmers and producers, as well insights on the cultural landscape of the area. JIB will broadcast nine programmes produced by the broadcasting members of The Minkyokyo, with an updating commentary from the programmes’ directors, on NHK WORLD TV, in English. (On-air every Friday, 8:30 am JST, broadcast four times each programme)
・Aug. 05- Tonkotsu Ramen: The Heart and Soul of Hakata (RKB Mainichi Broadcasting Corp.)
・Aug. 12- Kumamoto Salad Onions: A Vegetable-led Revival (“RKK” Kumamoto Broadcasting Co., Ltd.)
・Aug. 19- Ayu Fish Sauce: A Saucy Success Story (Oita Broadcasting System, Inc.)
・Aug. 26- Adversity and Triumph: Miyazaki Beef (Miyazaki Broadcasting Co., Ltd.)
・Sep. 02- Makurazaki Dried Bonito: New Recipe for a Tasty Classic (Minaminihon Broadcasting Co.,Ltd.)
・Sep. 09- Champon: Secrets behind Nagasaki’s Signature Dish (Nagasaki Broadcasting Company)
・Sep. 16- Amanatsu: The Fruit of Dreams (RKB Mainichi Broadcasting Corp.)
・Sep. 23- Kumamoto Shio Tomatoes: Gifts from the Sea (“RKK” Kumamoto Broadcasting Co., Ltd.)
・Sep. 30- Pearly Specialty: Miyazaki Caviar (Miyazaki Broadcasting Co.,Ltd.)
※For more information, please visit the series’ website: kyushu.jibtv.com
The series is also scheduled for broadcast on Taiwan’s terrestrial channel FTV-Formosa TV in English with Chinese subtitles, and South Korea’s terrestrial channel OBS dubbed in Korean.
(Source: JIB press release)
14 July 2016
SES S.A. announced today that Japan International Broadcasting Inc. (JIB), the official distributor of NHK WORLD TV for Japanese public broadcaster NHK, has signed a long-term agreement to broadcast the 24/7 English-language news and information channel free-to-air in High Definition (HD) across Europe.
The transmission of NHK WORLD TV in HD has already started via ASTRA 1KR at 19.2 degrees East, and the SD channel is currently simulcast to allow for a smooth transition from SD to HD quality.
The number of HDTV homes in Europe has tripled over the past five years, and 78% of European satellite HDTV homes receive their TV channels from SES. In Europe, the number of HDTV channels broadcast by SES has grown by more than 30% over the last three years to nearly 700 channels.
“The expansion of HDTV continues to be an important growth driver for SES. SES is proud to be broadcasting the HD signal of such a premium news broadcaster from Japan in the European market,” said Ferdinand Kayser, Chief Commercial Officer of SES. “As NHK WORLD TV already reaches a wide audience in other markets via SES satellites, this agreement reaffirms their confidence in our ability to deliver highly reliable broadcasting services.”
“Better picture quality is undoubtedly becoming very important to the European audience,” said Yoshihiko Shimizu, President and CEO of JIB. “We are very pleased to partner with SES to bring our HD channel to our European audience.”
NHK WORLD TV (HD) is currently available on Channel 707 of the Sky Deutschland platform, on Channel 927 in the Logical Channel Numbering of HD+ Set Top Boxes, and on Channel 473 of the Canalsat platform.
The reception parameters for NHK WORLD TV on Astra 1KR (19.2ºE) are:
| Satellite |
Astra 1KR (19.2°E) |
| Transponder |
1.002 |
| Downlink Frequency |
11229.00 MHz |
| Downlink Polarisation |
Vertical |
| Transmission Standard |
DVB-S2 |
| Compression Standard |
MPEG-4 |
| Modulation |
8PSK |
| Symbol Rate |
22 Mbps/sec |
| FEC |
2/3 |
(Source: SES press release)
