Today's Close-Up

For our first episode of 2022, we interviewed two internationally prominent figures. One is Maria Ressa, the Philippine journalist who received the Nobel Peace Prize last year. She referred us to the famous phrase "Silence is complicity," but what does it mean as democracy stands at a crossroads? The other is Katrín Jakobsdóttir, the prime minister of Iceland — the world's most gender-equal country. We asked her for her thoughts on what needs to be done to realize true gender-equal society. Guests: Maria Ressa (Journalist) Katrín Jakobsdóttir (Icelandic Prime Minister)

January 17, 1995, a magnitude-7.3 earthquake strikes the southern part of Hyogo Prefecture, Western Japan, leaving 6,434 people dead. Twenty-seven years on, many survivors who experienced the disaster are aging. In their stead, a younger generation is coming forward to share their own stories. We follow the inner turmoil of these young survivors as they confront losses that have been haunting them their whole lives. Guest: Wago Ryoichi (Poet)

Cybercrime gangs around the world are flourishing during the pandemic era. They are benefiting from a sharp increase in the number of people putting their personal information on the internet for online shopping, and a rise in out-of-work, computer-savvy people who have the skills that can help them carry out their scams. Experts in Japan say individuals, businesses and public institutions are increasingly coming under attack from phishing and ransomware schemes, and they warn that anyone could fall victim. NHK ventured into the murky underworld of the dark web to find out more. Guest: Arai Yu (Executive Security Analyst, NTT DATA)

An AI-equipped robot checking on people at night in a nursing home, a sensor detecting unexpected behavior in elderly residents at night, another sensor predicting the need for restroom assistance, and much more. These are some of the technologies already in use at nursing homes for the elderly in Japan. A shortage of labor is driving the digitalization of care, but there are some challenges, including cost and a lack of digital literacy among workers. How can we use digital technology to make both caregivers and recipients happy? We took a look inside some care facilities to find out more. Guests: Waki Mie (Representative Director, Organization for Prevention of Care Leave) Miyamoto Takashi (Board member, Social Welfare Corporation Zenkoukai)

In February 1972, the Asama Sanso incident captured the attention of Japan. The country watched on television as the radical militant United Red Army took a hostage at a mountain lodge and exchanged fire with police. Following the incident, most URA leaders were sentenced to death but Yoshino Masakuni was given life in prison instead. The presiding judge told him to devote the rest of his days atoning for his crimes. NHK has recently gained access to Yoshino's private papers. What was his role in the incident? Why did he join the group? We examine the regret and anguish he has experienced over the course of the past fifty years. Guest: Otani Kyoko (Lawyer)

The devastating 2011 earthquake and tsunami upended the lives of countless people across northeastern Japan. Many of them were young people who struggled to process their experience of the disaster and its aftermath, and who coped by bottling up their thoughts. We've interviewed some who are now opening up to their families in candid conversations about that fateful day.

The devastating 2011 earthquake, tsunami and nuclear accident at Fukushima Daiichi power plant changed the lives of countless people. In this episode, we focus on Ukedo Elementary School in Namie Town, Fukushima. All ninety-three children who were there at the time had to evacuate outside the prefecture and have been separated ever since. With the ruins of the school serving as an official memorial to the disaster since last year, we asked them to share with us their feelings about what they have been through. Guest: Kanebishi Kiyoshi (Professor, Kwansei Gakuin University)

With no end in sight to the war in Ukraine and major infrastructure such as TV broadcast towers being attacked, journalists in the country are struggling to report what is really happening. NHK was allowed to film a makeshift studio being used by public broadcaster Suspilne under the strict condition that its location remain secret. We take a look at the battle against disinformation tactics. Guest: Tsuchiya Motohiro (Professor, Keio University)

North Korea has alarmed the international community with a flurry of missile launches, and now appears to be preparing to resume nuclear tests. Some experts believe Pyongyang's quest for enhanced military power is a result of the conflict in Ukraine, which has caused a split at the United Nations Security Council, and reaffirmed Pyongyang's conviction that nuclear weapons are essential for deterring an attack by a stronger power. Others suggest leader Kim Jong Un sees military might as key to forcing the US back to the negotiating table. NHK asked a series of experts what the world can expect from Pyongyang in the months and years ahead, and what role Japan can play in an increasingly fraught situation. Guest: Isozaki Atsuhito (Professor, Keio University)

Renowned manga artist Fujiko Fujio (A)* died in early April at the age of 88, leaving behind a vast body of work that includes some of Japan's most beloved children's cartoons. But he also made comics for adults that grappled with the meaning of life and depicted the dark side of human nature. Those who knew him say he was interested in shining a light on the weaknesses that define us. What was the reason for this fascination? We take a look at his life to better understand the person behind the artist. *A is stylized in a circle. Guest: Okuda Eiji (Actor/Director)

Have you ever said or heard the expression, "You are a girl, so you should be more like this, or like that?" It has long been clear that sexism, however well intentioned, has serious repercussions for the person on the receiving end. The latest nationwide survey has revealed that nearly half of the female high school students in Japan feel their activities have been restricted because of their gender. We listened to some of them to find out what needs to be done in schools and society in general. Guests: Muramatsu Yasuko (President, Japan Association for Women's Education) peco (Fashion model) ryuchell (TV personality)

Businesses across Japan are increasingly touting the "No. 1" credentials of their products and services, typically putting up signs in shopfronts or posting ads on websites. But a closer look reveals that these ubiquitous claims are often based on dubious surveys carried out by polling companies that manipulate their data to produce a desired outcome. The claims have become so commonplace that experts believe they're losing their impact on consumers and undermining trust in all advertising. NHK consulted a range of experts to see how the industry should respond. Guest: Taniguchi Yu (Editor-in-chief, Sendenkaigi magazine)

It's been 50 years since Okinawa was reverted to Japan from U.S. control. Using documents and reporting, NHK has recreated the downtown Okinawa of 1972 in a virtual reality space. Seven young people travel back in time to experience what life was like in Okinawa back then. They meet residents and ask what they thought about the reversion. Guests: Gori (Garage Sale) Morimoto Shintaro (SixTONES) Tamashiro Tina (Actor) Shinjo Kazuhiro (Okinawan-born editor)

Have you ever tried 'karaage,' or Japanese style fried chicken? These days, there are lots of options. The number of specialty shops in Japan has increased 10-fold in the past decade. NHK traveled around the country to find out why. What we learned sheds light on how people in modern Japan are prioritizing a stable lifestyle over quick wealth. We also invited a cooking expert to the studio to show us how we can recreate the specialty shop taste in our own kitchens. Guests: Kokami Shoji (Stage director, Author) Horie Sawako (Cooking expert)

A tiny creature experts say poses a huge threat around the world has been reproducing in large numbers in Japan. It's the Argentine ant, a native of South America. As their numbers grow explosively, they can seriously affect our lives and the natural ecosystem. We take a look at some local efforts to prevent harm and damage by this invasive species. Guest: Goka Kouichi (National Institute for Environmental Studies)

Growing interest in gut health has spawned a field of research that continues to make important discoveries about how previously little-understood microbes shape the well-being of the whole body. It shows how unbalanced diets and other lifestyle habits can damage them and potentially expose us to ill-health and disease. Japanese researchers studying the intestinal bacteria of 1,800 subjects identified five types of composition that can indicate health conditions. We asked experts what kind of foods and daily habits people should embrace to improve their gut health and live healthier, happier lives. Guest: Naito Yuji (Professor, Kyoto Prefectural University of Medicine)

Months into the Russian invasion of Ukraine, another, invisible war is becoming apparent — the war in cyberspace. As Russia had launched cyberattacks on Ukraine's infrastructure before the invasion, Ukraine responded with its newly formed IT Army, calling for volunteers from around the world. More than two hundred and fifty thousand people have already joined, targeting Russian government functions and private companies with DDoS attacks and other tools. However, the civilian volunteers risk breaking the law in their own countries and even harming innocent people through the attacks. We take a look at the risks connected to this new type of warfare. Guest: Tsuchiya Motohiro (Professor, Keio University)

Japan's seafood culture is famous around the world. But the range of fish available to consumers represents just a fraction of what can be found in local waters, and the most popular options are largely imported. This makes them vulnerable to fluctuations in global supplies and ever rising costs. The trend has prompted some businesses to embrace unused and often cheaper varieties of locally caught fish. The growing appreciation for once overlooked sea creatures is a boon for Japan's struggling fishers, who can now sell their bycatch direct to customers through a range of online services. We spoke with one expert, who gave us tips on quick and easy ways to cook with unfamiliar fish. Guest: Ueda Katsuhiko (Former Fisheries Agency official)

Higher than average temperatures and a shorter rainy season mean people across Japan face a heightened risk of heatstroke this summer. But many don't know how to recognize the warning signs. We go through some common misconceptions about the condition and learn how to protect ourselves during the dog days of summer. We also take a look at projects using cutting edge technology to monitor heatstroke risks. Guests: Hosokawa Yuri (Associate Professor, Safety and Performance Optimization Laboratory, Faculty of Sport Sciences, Waseda University) Miyake Yasufumi, M.D. (Director, Trauma and Resuscitation Center, Teikyo University Hospital) Saita Kimiharu (Weather forecaster)

The killing of former Prime Minister Shinzo Abe has revealed previously overlooked ties between politicians and the Family Federation for World Peace and Unification, formerly known as the Unification Church. Dozens of senior members of the Kishida administration, including Cabinet ministers and vice-ministers, have acknowledged some kind of connection to the religious group or its affiliated organizations. The connections are also seen in lawmakers from both ruling and opposition parties. NHK interviewed key figures from the group to find out more about these relationships. Guest: Tsukada Hotaka (Associate Professor, Joetsu University of Education)

Japan's music idols once occupied a world far removed from their fans, who could only watch them on television or up on stage. In recent years, however, social media and livestreaming have bridged the gap between performers and their fans and created a greater sense of familiarity. That shift has prompted some in the industry to question what role idols should now play. Idols are said to symbolize the values of their era. Our crew went behind the scenes to observe the production of some new idol groups. Guest: Maeda Yuji (CEO, SHOWROOM)

In the past, most organ transplants were from dead donors or between parents and children. But in recent years, medical progress has made transplants possible between people with no biological relation. Now, more than 40 percent of living-donor kidney transplants in Japan are between spouses. The new option provides a greater chance of improved health, but it also brings emotional challenges for both the donor and recipient. We follow three couples as they try to overcome their struggles. Guests: Miura Lully (Critic) Morozumi Kunio (Nephrologist)

A summit meeting was held for the first time between Japan and North Korea in September 2002, after which five of the Japanese nationals abducted by North Korea were able to return home. In an interview with NHK, the key negotiator revealed for the first time what happened behind the scenes. How was the historical summit realized even after Pyongyang said it would terminate the negotiations? Now, 20 years later, ties between Japan and North Korea are at a stalemate. We uncover some clues about how to break the deadlock from the lessons learned back then. Guest: Isozaki Atsuhito (Professor, Keio University)

The number of vacant houses is on the rise in Japan. Abandoned properties left to decay are potential arson risks for nearby residents. But now, investors—many of them young company employees—are buying these houses for low prices to renovate and rent out. Some local governments are even turning to them to help find affordable homes for the aged and people with low incomes. We look at how investors are finding ways to turn old homes into sources of income, and are solving social problems along the way. Guest: Nakagawa Hiroko (Writer specializing in real estate and housing)

At a UN General Assembly meeting in March, 26 countries from Africa were against, abstained, or absent in a vote to condemn Russia's invasion of Ukraine. It suggests Moscow's recent efforts to build ties on the continent have been bearing fruit. We examine how Russia is capitalizing on a power vacuum left by the west, with a mysterious mercenary group playing a key role. Guest: Abiru Taisuke (Senior Research Fellow, The Sasakawa Peace Foundation)

Grilled catfish with chili pepper. Crayfish simmered with garlic. These dishes aren't from restaurants in China, but Japan. A growing number of "authentic Chinese" restaurants are opening across the country, fueled by the arrival of young Chinese people who find Japan's relaxed lifestyle and work culture appealing. We look at how this trend could start a new era of Japan-China relations. Guest: Takaguchi Kota (Journalist)

Are you shifting away from plastic shopping bags to reusable alternatives? Perhaps turning to reusable cups at coffee shops? Practices you think of as eco-friendly may not necessarily be so. Moves are spreading to examine various products and services to establish if they are truly eco-friendly. And, in some cases, companies are being accused of "greenwashing," or simply appearing to be environmentally friendly. We look at what we can all do in our everyday lives to be properly green. Guest: Nakatani Jun (Lecturer, The University of Tokyo)

Consumers and companies across Japan enjoy a world where deliveries are often advertised as "free," and products are dropped to their door around the clock. But beyond this life of extreme convenience is another world, occupied by the truck drivers who work dangerously long hours for meagre pay, often putting their health on the line, and sometimes even risking their lives. Conditions are so bad that incidence of death from overwork are more than 10 times the level across all Japanese industries. Drivers say there's little they can do. They are squeezed between senders, who refuse higher delivery charges, and receivers, who also baulk at paying more. We surveyed some drivers about their working conditions, and asked experts how the industry can tackle this problem without bringing logistical operations to a shuddering halt. Guest: Shuto Wakana (Professor, Rikkyo University)

A machine maker based in Yokohama City found itself in the headlines in 2020 when police arrested the president and two other men for allegedly exporting a device that was subject to strict security controls. They maintained their innocence but were detained for almost a year. One man died during that time. It was only through rigorous testing by employees at the firm that prosecutors were finally convinced to drop the case. We examined how the investigation was distorted by the increasingly tense economic security environment around Japan. Guest: Hosokawa Masahiko (Professor, Meisei University)

Hot springs are an integral part of Japanese culture. Since ancient times, people have sought out the soothing waters of onsen hot spring baths for their power to restore the body and mind alike. But in recent years this practice has come increasingly under threat, with rampant exploitation of underground resources causing water levels to fall and temperatures to drop. While businesses are turning to deep drilling technology, it takes more than a hundred years for rainwater to seep down deep enough to create new hot spring sources. We bring you the latest report and talk with an expert about how to prevent these finite supplies from drying up. Guest: Takizawa Hideo (Director, Hot Spring Research Center, Japan)

Electricity bills are soaring due to Russia's invasion of Ukraine and for other reasons. Partly in response, the Japanese government has said it wants to extend the operational life of existing nuclear power plants and increase the number of reactors. This is despite declaring after the 2011 Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant disaster that it would not consider such a policy. With Japan aiming for carbon neutrality by 2050, the policy shift has pros and cons for its citizens. We invited experts from both sides of the debate to discuss the merits of turning back to nuclear power. Guests: Yamaguchi Akira (Director, Nuclear Safety Research Association / Chair, Nuclear Energy Subcommittee, Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry) Oshima Kenichi (Professor, Ryukoku University / Chairperson, Citizens' Commission on Nuclear Energy)

The animated film "Suzume" is turning into a huge box-office hit in Japan. In the movie, 17-year-old Suzume "locks out" sources of natural disasters across Japan before they occur. What's causing all the buzz is that places she visited are where actual disasters happened. Why has the film captivated the imaginations of so many people? We asked the director about the power of narrative.