Today's Close-Up

One year since the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, over 270 people have died from disaster-related secondary causes. Poor conditions at emergency shelters and lack of healthcare are among the contributing factors. Experts say these reasons are the same ones that led to death in past disasters, and the country's failure to identify systemic issues means they will be repeated again in the future. We search for ways to improve Japan's natural disaster response system and look at how a lack of clear communication between the national and municipal governments is leading to problems.

2024, an election year in Japan, was a turning point in regard to the relation between elections and social media. NHK has conducted an online survey to find out how information voters obtained on social media affected their decisions. The results point to challenges for legacy media and the need for better media literacy. Together with experts, we discuss how to make better use of the new media when it comes to choosing our leaders.

We look at the world of counterfeit artworks and forged celebrity autographs, including that of baseball star Ohtani Shohei. While fake products are rampant in online trading, shockwaves have hit public museums in Japan over suspicious paintings purchased for as much as several hundred thousand dollars. We conducted an exclusive interview with a German art forger at the center of the controversy, and he revealed his ingenious methods. We also talked to experts and victims to hear their insights, revealing how technology like AI and forensic tools is being used to combat the rise of counterfeits.

"The images of the disaster are frightening." "I don't understand the lessons." These are the voices of young people living now in areas hit by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that devastated the Kobe area in 1995. A recent survey of over 2,000 residents in places that were affected 30 years ago found that while over 70% believe lessons should be passed down, many survivors struggle with how to convey them, and those who didn't experience the disaster are unsure how to absorb them. How can memories of the earthquake be transformed into meaningful lessons for disaster prevention? We explore this from the perspectives of schools, local governments, and a bereaved family member.

Japan has coughed and spluttered its way through winter this year, with average flu cases at a record high earlier in the season, and other infectious diseases spreading at the same time. In January, medical resources were stretched to the limit — at least one hospital was so overwhelmed with bedridden flu patients that it had to temporarily turn away all but critical cases. In this episode, we hear from an expert about how the coronavirus pandemic has changed seasonal patterns for infectious diseases. And we look at the looming threat posed by genetic mutations in another type of flu — avian influenza.

Microplastics are no longer just a threat to the environment — they're invading our bodies, too. A study published in 2024 went one step further, showing that microplastics in the human body can also increase the risk of death. The mounting problem stems from humankind's excessive consumption of plastic products, which eventually break down into tiny particles in the environment before entering our bodies. Corporate, national and international efforts to rein in plastic use have failed to tackle the problem. NHK reports on the latest medical findings. We also ask an expert how regulations can help, and what consumers can do to make a difference.

Ramen is one of Japan's most popular dishes, beloved by residents and foreign tourists alike. But rising ingredient and fuel costs are forcing many local shops to close. Other restaurants might hike their prices, but ramen businesses face a historic '1,000-yen barrier.' The dish has long been seen as an affordable comfort food and owners are reluctant to change that image. We look at how some shops are overcoming these difficulties and the innovative ways in which rural areas are preserving their local ramen culture.

Three years after launching its invasion of Ukraine, Russia is defying unprecedented sanctions and logging robust economic growth. The resilience has been driven by a major increase in military spending. The Kremlin's heavy investment in munitions production has not only bolstered the defense sector but also driven up earnings and consumption. In a manifestation of what one expert has dubbed "deathonomics," the government has also ramped up financial support for both soldiers and the families of those killed in battle. We consulted a Russia expert about the true impact of the sanctions, and asked what the world can expect next.

As families of people with mental illnesses battle in silence to care for their loved ones due to prejudice and a lack of understanding, Japan's support system is under scrutiny. More than 6 million people nationwide have been diagnosed with a mental illness. That's one in 20 of the population, and it's a number that's rising. We look at the options available to ease the burden on family carers, including home visit nursing care and stronger community connections.

Millions of Japanese people are using dedicated apps to find so-called spot work – short-term, one-off jobs that allow them to make extra income in their spare time. For some, it's a way to supplement earnings from their main employment. For others, such as homemakers and the elderly, it's a chance to earn some cash between other commitments. The growing market for spot work also benefits businesses that are finding themselves increasingly short-handed due to Japan's worsening labor crunch. But with benefits come risks. Workers complain the system is open to abuse and fails to offer sufficient protections. We spoke with a labor expert about the pitfalls in the spot work economy, and the ways people can use it to their advantage.