In-depth News Features | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News
Feature stories with video and in-depth analysis on the latest news from Japan, Asia and beyond, produced by Japanese public media.
エピソード
Rubio on Iran, China and Japan: 'Iran is begging for a deal'
US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Washington has no regrets about taking military action against Iran — and may even have waited too long. In an exclusive interview with NHK, he warned that Tehran faces economic collapse unless it agrees to a deal and pointed to Japan's capabilities as countries seek to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz.
This interview took place in the Philippin
Jean Reno: The immigrant's son
French actor Jean Reno has been touring Japan with a one-man play drawn from his own life. Alone onstage, acting and singing, he revisits his childhood as the son of immigrants, the struggle to balance his work and his children, and how his memories of his parents still shape him.
NHK World's Rodrigue Maillard-Belmonte sat down with Reno to learn the story behind his story, and find out why he c
Japanese cinema captivates new global audience
A new generation of Japanese filmmakers is emerging across a wide range of genres, their work winning critical acclaim at film festivals around the world. The recognition follows the success of directors like Koreeda Hirokazu and Kitano Takeshi, who have been captivating global audiences for decades.
Japan EV startup drives Philippines e-jeepney shift
Millions of people across the Philippines rely on the jeepney — a colorful, open-air minibus — to get to and from work. But in recent months, they’ve had a harder time finding the iconic vehicles, with soaring gasoline and diesel prices forcing many jeepney drivers off the road. But where the traditional mode of transit has stalled, a Japanese startup has seen a big opportunity.
Why New York's bodega cats are big business drivers
The secret to a successful business in New York City might have whiskers and paws. Walk into many of the city's 10,000 corner stores known as bodegas, and you might find a "bodega cat" beckoning customers like a live version of a Japanese lucky "Maneki-neko" figure.
From an orange tabby making an extra 400 dollars a day to a feisty feline that took on a health inspector, NHK World's Inoue Yuki w
How the US, China and Singapore see Indo-Pacific security
Officials and experts gathered in Singapore at the end of May for one of Asia's most influential security forums. This year's Shangri-La Dialogue unfolded against a backdrop of growing uncertainty. As crises in Europe and the Middle East continue to demand US strategic attention and resources, governments across the Indo-Pacific are increasingly questioning Washington's long-term commitment to the
Heavy rain — What to watch out for when evacuating on foot or by car
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.
Amazon basin mercury crisis echoes Japan's Minamata tragedy
Seven decades have passed since the devastating effects of Minamata disease — caused by mercury poisoning — were officially recognized in southwestern Japan. The tragedy affected thousands of people and their families with a legacy that continues to cast a long shadow.
A similar crisis is developing on the other side of the world, among indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest. Driven by s
Why Japan is obsessed with 3D bubble stickers
Pokemon cards, Purikura photo booths and capsule toys all began as trends before becoming fixtures of everyday life in Japan. Now, businesses are wondering whether 3D bubble stickers could be next.
The puffy stickers are surging in popularity among children and adults alike. Retailers struggle to keep them in stock as shoppers embark on "sticker patrols" to hunt for inventory and companies cash i
How wig making in Thailand helps cancer patients and prisoners
Cancer patients in Thailand are finding comfort ― and confidence ― through an unusual network of support: donated hair, prison workshops, and free handmade wigs. Human-hair wigs can cost hundreds of dollars in Thailand, putting them out of reach for many patients already struggling with medical bills. A former nurse is trying to change that.
Japan recruits foreign bus drivers amid worsening labor shortage
As Japan heads into another busy tourist season, bus companies across the country are struggling to keep the wheels turning with driver shortages forcing route cuts and service reductions.
Increasingly, they are turning to foreign recruits who can come to Japan on skilled worker visas. The new arrivals undergo comprehensive training to eventually qualify as full-fledged drivers capable of operati
Gold fever is destroying the Amazon rainforest
As gold prices have quadrupled over the past decade, miners across the globe are scrambling to cash in. But the boom has cast a dark shadow across South America's Amazon rainforest.
Illegal mining has spiraled out of control in Peru, where more than 40 percent of exported gold is sourced unlawfully, according to an official government survey.
Methods used to extract the precious metal are inflic
Myanmar crisis deepens as global focus fades
A senior United Nations monitor who has authored multiple reports on Myanmar since a 2021 military coup upended its fragile democracy is warning the country is sinking deeper into crisis.
Tom Andrews served as Special Rapporteur on Myanmar for six years and finished up in the post in April. He now holds the same position covering Cambodia but says he wishes he could have done more for the people
Japan's business manager visa dilemma: crackdown, or discouraging foreign entrepreneurs
Japan has tightened the requirements for its business manager residence status, which allows foreign nationals to start businesses in the country. The move was driven by multiple concerns, including misuse of the visa. While the crackdown aims to restore trust in the system, experts say it also risks pushing legitimate foreign entrepreneurs away from Japan. NHK World's Ekuan Koji listens to voices
'A civilization will die': Inside Trump's wartime messaging
As US President Donald Trump's administration floods the public sphere with updates on its offensive against Iran, information is being circulated on an unprecedented scale — with much of it stirring controversy. NHK has examined the deluge of images, videos, and statements, searching for a coherent message.
Parents refuse to give up 15-year search for daughter missing in Japan tsunami
Every year on March 11, Suzuki Miho prepares food for two children who left for school and never came home.
The Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in 2011 that struck northeastern Japan left 15,901 people dead and 2,519 missing — including Miho’s young son and daughter.
Edo-Tokyo Museum reopens with new immersive exhibits
Visitors to Japan can put a popular tourist attraction back on their sightseeing lists with the re-opening of the Edo-Tokyo Museum. The facility has been closed for four years of renovations to improve exhibits, upgrade accessibility and offer interactive experiences.
Art inspires reflection and learning about nuclear weapons
The symbolic Doomsday Clock is ticking closer than ever to midnight, driven in part by concerns about the resurgent specter of nuclear weapons. In New York City, an exhibition invited visitors to reflect on those dangers in an unexpected way — through art. The show, titled "Nuclear Injustice," brought together photographs, installations and sound pieces that invite reflection on the human and envi
Thailand's same-sex marriage law, one year on
Growing up in a conservative family in southern Thailand, Ann Chumaporn spent years convinced the problem was her. It took time to understand that it wasn't ― and longer to do something about it. On January 23, 2026, she held a wedding ceremony with the woman she loves, in a country whose laws she helped change.
Japanese winemakers look to exports
Japanese wines are picking up international awards — but global traction is another story. In a climate defined by humidity and rain, producers are getting creative, taking cues from sake and whisky to carve out a distinct identity.
North Korean Workers' Party congress signals 'confidence' ahead
North Korea's first congress of the ruling Workers' Party in five years was an opportunity for the leadership to assess its achievements, install new officials, and chart policy for the coming half-decade. Leader Kim Jong Un projected a conspicuous air of confidence at the February gathering as he touted successes across all sectors — including the economy, defense, and diplomacy. NHK World's Take
'Forgive, but never forget': Researching Japan's occupation of Singapore
More than 80 years have passed since Japan occupied Singapore during World War Two, and historian Lim Shao Bin continues to search for answers buried in documents and war memorabilia — from a chapter of history that still shapes his country today. His work is deeply personal, driven by a conviction that confronting painful truths is essential to building lasting peace. At its core is a question: h
Maria Sibylla Merian's butterflies: A scientific and artistic odyssey
Exiled Myanmar writer: Forging freedom through critical thinking
Award-winning Myanmar writer Ma Thida says reading and critical thinking are essential tools of resistance — and the foundation of any future democracy. Speaking during a three-city tour of Japan, the former political prisoner, now living in exile in Germany, reflected on post-coup Myanmar, where the military continues to entrench its power despite claiming a return to civilian rule.
Yoon's life sentence: What it means for South Korea
South Korea's former president Yoon Suk-yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of insurrection. The punishment was handed down on February 19 by the Seoul Central District Court and comes 443 days after his declaration of martial law plunged the country into political turmoil. NHK World editor-in-chief and former Seoul bureau chief Aoki Yoshiyuki examines what it means for South K
After hearing the hibakusha, a new generation chooses to act
The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are often taught as history. But for some young people in Japan, they are just as relevant today, and have become a reason to act. Touched by the stories of survivors known as hibakusha, they are choosing to step forward with new ways of keeping their messages alive.
Pac-Man at 45: A classic game continues to shape pop culture
Almost everyone is familiar with Pac-Man, the little yellow character that chomps its way around a maze with its signature "waka-waka" sound. This classic arcade game helped launch Japanese video games onto the global stage, blazing a trail for Mario and Pokémon. The iconic orb is celebrating its 45th anniversary, and it remains as instantly recognizable and beloved as ever.
NHK World's Inoue Yuk
Young Thai voters weigh security and reform
Young people in Thailand have grown up against a backdrop of political chaos and drama. They will have their say in shaping their country's future on February 8 at the House of Representatives election ― but as NHK World discovers, many are torn between security issues and hopes for reform.
Mixed results one month in Australia's youth social media ban
It has been over a month since Australia introduced a sweeping social media ban, cutting anyone under the age of 16 from major social media platforms. While the government says millions of accounts have been deactivated, many teens in the country say they have found ways to get around the ban, rendering it ineffective.
Anxiety without end: A Japanese-American hibakusha's lonely fight
Ernest Satoru Arai was 10 years old when the world entered the nuclear age. It was August 6, 1945 ― the young Japanese-American was in Hiroshima for schooling when US forces dropped the atomic bomb that devastated the city. Arai suffered severe burns and radiation exposure that have defined his life ever since.
Now 91, he serves as a peace volunteer at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, sharin
Japan's push for inclusive esports
Esports has transformed from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon. Players can log on and compete with rivals anywhere in the world, with major tournaments drawing massive audiences to a market already worth billions of dollars. While gaming has long been seen as the preserve of the young, a recent event in Tokyo challenged that stereotype.
Japan-based Myanmar voices call election a sham
Myanmar's military junta is pressing ahead with a disputed election, the first since the 2021 coup. The voting is being conducted in three regional phases, the first of which took place on December 28. The process is scheduled to conclude by the end of January. While the junta is aiming to use the ballot to legitimize its rule, intense fighting continues to prevent voting across large swaths of th
Analysis: How will Japan's economy fare in 2026?
Japan's economy is facing mixed signals as 2026 gets underway. Stock market optimism, persistent inflationary pressure, and widening economic gaps will shape the year ahead. NHK Deputy Chief Commentator Iida Kaori breaks down the key forces likely to influence the economic outlook — from wages and prices to interest rates and global risks.
*This piece originally aired on NHK NEWSLINE on January 7
Nuclear scientist implores colleagues to face moral responsibility
Scientists from around the world gathered in Hiroshima in November with the aim of charting a path toward a world free of nuclear weapons. Chairing the conference was Iraqi nuclear chemist Hussain Al-Shahristani, a man whose own life has been defined by the moral boundaries of science — and by the price he once paid for refusing to cross them.
Goodbye, NYC MetroCard
New Yorkers are preparing to bid farewell to a familiar companion: the MetroCard. Sales of the ubiquitous farecard are set to end by late 2025. For more than three decades, the card could be found in almost every wallet or pocket, swiped daily by the millions who navigated the city's subway. Few of them knew that a Japanese designer's work quietly shaped the way generations of riders moved through
Android Opera: For the love of Maria
Composer and musician Shibuya Keiichiro continues to challenge audiences with multimedia productions that marry cutting-edge technology with difficult questions about life and death. His latest work, an android opera, was born out of his own experience of loss.
Gen Z takes action against corruption and inequality
Across Asia, Generation Z ― born between 1997 and 2012 ― is no longer fighting alone. Driven by anger over corruption and inequality, young protesters are finding allies far beyond their borders. Through social media and shared pop-culture symbols ― including the Japanese manga "One Piece" flag ― their local struggles are increasingly linked with movements in Africa and South America.
Fake news spreads after quake in northern Japan
Fake news, including AI-generated videos, flooded social media in the wake of a major earthquake that struck northern Japan on December 8. NHK World's Yabuuchi Junya explains why people post disinformation, and what we should do when we see it.
Japanese film festival showcases heartbreak and hope
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 st
STATELESS: The Japanese left behind in the Philippines
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.
South Korea: A democracy shaken
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
Fathers in Japan struggle with double burden
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.
Japan, Ukraine tackle teachers' wartime mental health
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 thi
Students look to shape future of Japan-South Korea ties
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
Japanese scholar in a New York 'Thriller'
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's Nobel laureates call for better research support
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 strengthens air defense, taking cues from US response to China
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.
Japan's school absences hit record high as experts call for changes
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.
50 years ago in Iceland, the walkout that narrowed the gender gap
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
Forgery rocks Japan's fine art scene
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 w
Video analysis suggests cover-up of Japan journalist's death in Myanmar
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.
Sri Lankan leader seeks deeper ties with Japan
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.
Adult diapers take center stage at fashion show in Japan
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.
Seoul court hosts real-life political drama
South Korea's former first lady Kim Keon-hee was in the dock this week as her showstopper criminal trial got underway in the Seoul Central District Court. While her husband Yoon Suk-yeol faces his own legal troubles over a martial law move during his failed presidency, 53-year-old Kim faces a raft of charges, including stock manipulation and corruption.
She has been in custody since August and he
Asian students help preserve World War Two Burma campaign memories
The Burma campaign is remembered as one of the fiercest series of battles of World War Two. It claimed the lives of 190,000 Japanese soldiers as well as a large number of civilians. Over six decades, an annual Buddhist service has been held during July in western Japan's Wakayama Prefecture to pay tribute to those who died.
This year, as the service marked its 60th anniversary, attendees include
'Good morning from Gaza': An artist's message to the world
For the past 21 months, Palestinian artist Maysaa Youssef has been hosting workshops for traumatized Gaza children to help them process the horrors they experience on an almost daily basis. I first spoke with her in June, and since then I've been in regular contact with her through text messages and video calls.
Why Senegal’s young people are abandoning their country
Thousands of people have died in recent years trying to reach Europe via the Canary Islands. Young people from Senegal are seeking more than what their country can give them – even though the nation’s economy is expected to grow, and it offers relative peace and stability compared with its West African neighbors. Three-quarters of Senegal’s 18 million residents are under age 35.
NHK World’s forme
Hiroshima: Remembering young foreign victims
The list of atomic bomb victims in Hiroshima includes students from overseas who were staying in the city at the time. Their stories are little-known, but their actions in the bombing’s aftermath left a lasting impact.
One man who feels a connection with them is sharing their stories and their legacy eight decades since the devastating attack.
South Korea's Lee plays it safe on diplomacy
South Korea's President Lee Jae-myung has made his first foray into global diplomacy with trips to Japan and the United States. Meetings with the leaders of those two countries both took place in a positive atmosphere and are being regarded as a success.
NHK World editor-in-chief and former Seoul bureau chief Aoki Yoshiyuki looks at how the visits played out ― and considers critical issues that w
Hero climber forges a path for fellow Sherpas
Each of the planet's highest 14 mountains stand more than 8,000 meters tall. Located in the Himalayan and Karakoram ranges across Nepal and Pakistan, the top of the peaks are called "death zones", where oxygen is one third of what it is on the ground.
Experts: Tariffs will reshape Asia
Now that the United States has reached a trade deal with Japan, NHK World's Inoue Yuki looks at what's next for Asia, especially as China continues to negotiate. He speaks with experts from two US thinktanks to gain special insight.
South Korea: Former first lady beset by corruption scandal
It's not just former South Korean president Yoon Suk-yeol who finds himself in hot water now that a new administration has been voted in. His enigmatic wife, Kim Keon-hee, is also under fire over a series of allegations involving stock manipulation, political interference and bribery.
The country's National Assembly has passed bills allowing for three special counsels to investigate the couple ―
How South Korea forged US tariff deal
South Korea reached a trade agreement with the United States just ahead of the August 1 deadline. US tariffs will be set at 15 percent, the same rate as those levied on Japan and the EU. NHK World's Kitai Genki spoke with an expert about the background and implications of the deal.
'Gundam' creator talks war and robot anime
Tomino Yoshiyuki's traumatic childhood experience of World War Two left an indelible impression on his young mind. The raging conflict, which ended 80 years ago this year, eventually inspired him to create the globally renown anime franchise 'Mobile Suit Gundam,' one of the most celebrated depictions of the tragedy of war. The 83-year-old recently spoke with NHK about his most famous work, and why
Musical messages: Hiroshima piano tuner, atomic-bombed instrument, US pianist perform for peace
A piano tuner in Hiroshima has been travelling across Japan and beyond for decades, sharing the stories of his pianos that survived one of the most destructive events in human history. Nearly eight decades after the U.S. atomic bombing of his city, he has joined together with an unlikely ally on a journey he calls "planting the seeds of peace."
Myanmar: Investigation uncovers clues about shocking school attack
Armed clashes between Myanmar's junta and resistance forces have continued despite a ceasefire that was agreed by the sides following a devastating earthquake in late March. Attacks by the junta appear to be impacting civilians at an increasing rate, with airstrikes taking a particularly heavy toll.
During the United Nations Human Rights Council session in June-July, the High Commissioner for Hum
Dreams in darkness aboard the Kyiv Express
The Kyiv Express is a night train connecting Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and Poland's capital city of Warsaw. Most of the Ukrainian passengers are women and children, because men of conscription age are banned from leaving the country.
Some are fleeing conflict, while others are returning home to Ukraine, even just for a brief time. An NHK World crew boarded the Kyiv Express in March 2025 and
Kazuo Ishiguro: Recalling the past, reshaping the future
Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro attended the Cannes Film Festival in May for the premiere of the film adaptation of his debut novel, A Pale View of Hills. After the screening, the British author spoke with NHK about the fragility of memory and the power of art to build connections.
En garde! Japan-made glove takes fencing world by storm
Fencing is engaging people across Japan, and a glove from the nation's mitt-making heartland is playing its part.
South Korea: A review of President Lee Jae-myung's first month in office
It has been one month since South Korean President Lee Jae-myung took office after six months of political turmoil in the country – and so far, he is taking a cautious approach as he works to rebuild public trust and bring about economic stability. NHK World's Aoki Yoshiyuki, a former Seoul bureau chief, checks in on public sentiment and examines the challenges Lee must meet to usher in a new era
Global thirst for matcha strains Japan's green tea industry
Matcha can do it all: Fixture of the Japanese tea ceremony, beverage of choice for social media's hip young things, and a mainstay in cafes the world over. But the boom is not without its challenges. Japan's farmers are struggling to meet demand while maintaining the standards and traditions that give the green powder it’s unquestionable allure.
'War is uncivilized': Malaysia's 'Giant of Asia' warns of rising instability
Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad says global instability is rising. And few people are better placed to read the warning signs, or see a way forward. Not only did the 99-year-old navigate a host of crises during 24 years and two tenures in power, he also put his country on the path to prosperity—most notably through his "Look East" policy that sought to emulate Japan’s work ethic a
Harmony amid hostilities
More than three years of war between Russia and Ukraine have destroyed many friendships. But the gift of music can transcend borders and hostilities, as shown by a Russian pianist who continues to perform pieces by a Ukrainian composer with whom he has worked for decades.
Preparing for the next pandemic
As the international community grapples with how to prepare for the next pandemic, the World Health Organization has adopted a new accord. The Pandemic Agreement addresses prevention, preparedness and response.
Scientists in race to fight drug resistance
What happens if antibiotics stop working? The scientific world describes this threat to global health as antimicrobial resistance, or AMR. One study warns more than 39 million people could die by 2050 unless further measures are taken.
Scientists from Japan and the United Kingdom have teamed up in the race to find a solution.
NATO chief shares insights in exclusive interview with NHK World
NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Japan in April ― six months after he took office ― seeking stronger ties with the country. NHK World's Sugita Sachiyo had an exclusive interview with the political heavyweight who shared his insights on issues ranging from Japan's technological prowess to concerns about China.
Rutte also revealed his own personal connection with Japan. Sugita offers a fir
Radio Free Asia silenced by Trump's spending cuts
Washington-based news outlet Radio Free Asia is an empty shell these days. The journalists are gone, their laptops and cameras jettisoned on desks stripped of all purpose. For decades, they've delivered uncensored information to millions of people living under oppressive regimes in Asia. But in March, US President Donald Trump cut funding to all broadcasters operated by the Agency for Global Media
Behind the scenes at the conclave with Japan's Cardinal Kikuchi Isao
Pope Leo XIV was elected by 133 cardinals from all over the world – including the Archbishop of Tokyo, Cardinal Kikuchi Isao. The 66-year-old spoke exclusively with NHK on May 12, offering a rare glimpse inside the secretive conclave.
*The interview, translated from Japanese, has been edited for brevity and clarity.
Jane Birkin's legacy in Japan
Japanese people who once connected with British-French actor, model and singer Jane Birkin say they continue to rely on the strength and compassion she offered in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
Feuding clouds South Korea presidential election
South Korea's conservative ruling party is lurching from one crisis to another. It lost its president to impeachment following a months-long scandal over an ill-fated martial law declaration, and is now beset by infighting over who should replace him. With campaigning underway for a snap June election, the party finds itself in disarray against an increasingly emboldened opposition.
NHK World's A
