NHK Documentaries

The brain was once thought to be the body's control tower, issuing commands to the other organs. But scientists are discovering that communication flows between all the organs in our bodies. They transmit messages that can boost immunity, improve memory, strengthen bones and even lengthen lifespan. Innovative treatments are being developed to harness the power of this hidden network. But what happens when there's a communication breakdown? We look for clues using the latest technology.

In this episode of "THE BODY," we focus on a pair of small, often-overlooked organs: the kidneys. When people think of the kidneys, one thing probably comes to mind - the role they play in producing urine. But they are key nodes in a vast, internal network of organs that constantly communicate with one another. And some of the messages the kidneys transmit help control blood pressure and maintain the body's supply of oxygen. They have a significant influence on human health. We use cutting-edge imaging technology to explore the power of the kidneys to determine how well – and how long – we live.

In this episode of "THE BODY," we look at fat and muscle, organs whose importance is often misunderstood. Many people believe that fat simply stores energy and muscles just move the body. However, recent research has revealed that both organs have an unimaginable variety of functions. They discharge special substances that transmit vital messages throughout the body, manipulating desire, affecting immune function, enhancing memory and even fighting cancer. Using the latest research, we'll explore how their surprising power can protect us from deadly disease.

In August, 2018, the ABU Asia-Pacific Robocon was held in Vietnam. With the goal to come out victorious using their shuttlecock-throwing robots, teams from 17 countries and territories gathered from across the world for the 17th edition of the competition. However, many of the teams find their high-tech robots being affected by the extreme heat in Vietnam. Who will overcome all obstacles and rise to the top in the chaotic finals?

Songs from across Asia rang out at this year's General Assembly of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU). From Japan, Eir Aoi performed [IGNITE].

99% of human blood vessels are said to be capillaries. With age, these tiny tubules break, becoming hollow "ghost" vessels that cause wrinkles in the skin. Scientists are now finding they are also tied to higher risks from age-related ailments, including osteoporosis and Alzheimer's disease. Using the latest in biological imaging and super-high-resolution 3D CGI, this program delves into the mechanism behind broken capillaries. It also examines how to slow down or even repair the damage to help people live longer, healthier lives.

When the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake, also known as the Kobe Earthquake, struck in 1995, more than 400 children lost one or both parents. NHK has followed these children into adulthood, documenting how the tragedy has shaped their lives. A woman who was orphaned at 12 has lived for 23 years with a longing to join her late mom and dad. A young man, just an infant when his parents and sister died, has struggled with the feeling that he must make up for their lost lives. Another young man dedicated his youth to his younger twin brothers, determined to nurture and protect their family bond

Meet Makoto Kotani, a jovial 34-year-old man without a care in the world. He is a social butterfly with invitations flooding in for dinner and drink parties and has reportedly gained 20kg from his gourmet lifestyle. People come asking for his advice on everything from family relationships to lack of self-confidence. Makoto Kotani is also a homeless man. Why do so many people want to spend time with him? The program director spent 10 days on the streets with him to find out what makes this man so special.

Orcas are huge and powerful. That's why they're called the Kings of the Sea. But not a lot is known about the habits of orcas in the waters off Hokkaido Prefecture's Shiretoko Peninsula. Here they gather in great numbers and engage in a puzzling display, arraying themselves in straight lines. Using drones, underwater sound equipment, satellite transmitters, and other tools, marine researchers and NHK undertake an in-depth investigation over 2 years. They learn that the nutrient-rich waters off the coast of Shiretoko make the area a magnet for orcas. And the key to their mysterious behavior might be found in their highly developed social intelligence and strong family ties.

The World Heritage "Hidden Christian Sites in the Nagasaki Region" preserve the memory of the Christians who observed their faith during 250 years of religious prohibition. Many of these sites are in the Nagasaki area, where the Virgin Mary was particularly venerated. The secrecy of their faith is evident in objects of worship, including a seashell bearing a human-like image and statues of a Buddhist deity. Both were proxies for images of Mary. These Christians held onto their faith despite the threat of oppression and death, believing that Mary was life. We look at what the prayers of these people can tell us today.

In Japan, many rivers are known for their clear, beautiful water. But the Choshi River is so free of dirt and sediment that you can "see the unseeable." Creatures and plants far below the surface that would not be visible in other rivers can easily be viewed. What's the secret behind the Choshi's amazing clarity? Join us as we explore the geology and ecology of this remarkable river.

More than 150 years ago, Tokyo was called Edo. It had the highest population of any city in the world, surpassing both London and Paris. But how did the world's largest city come to emerge in a remote corner of Asia? Clues are coming to light not only in Tokyo but also around the world. One drawing shows the castle surrounded by a water-filled moat, which turns out to be a crucial element that enabled Edo to expand further. Let's experience the mystery and wonder of Tokyo 150 years ago.

More than 150 years ago, Edo, the forerunner of Tokyo, had the highest population of any city in the world. But it was ravaged by large-scale fires more frequently than any other major urban center. Yet after each conflagration, Edo rose from the ashes like a phoenix. We'll take a look at how the city managed to overcome such huge disasters and continue to grow.

2018 marked the 30th anniversary of My Neighbor Totoro and Grave of the Fireflies. Sadly, it was also the year Isao Takahata, one of the great masters of Japanese animation, passed away. Isao Takahata and Hayao Miyazaki formed STUDIO GHIBLI so they could create their masterpieces. This program will give you an up-close look at some of the studio's most famous films along with the music of STUDIO GHIBLI that continues to have multi-generational appeal. Songs are performed by popular J-pop stars and artists who have worked with STUDIO GHIBLI over the years. Treat yourself to fun and moving performances that pay homage to your favorite STUDIO GHIBLI films, hear rare stories about Hayao Miyazaki, and learn about the history of Isao Takahata and how he became one of Japan's greatest treasures.

An extraordinary journey tracing the footsteps of early Homo sapiens leaving Africa, reaching the easternmost end of the Eurasian continent, and developing unique culture there. The latest paleoanthropological findings and CGI created by top game creators should stun the viewers.

What is involved in creating a groundbreaking film that documents the latest paleoanthropological findings? This film will shed light on the talent, research, and scientific discoveries that made Out of the Cradle possible.

Robots were created to transform the workplace. Now, they're revolutionizing the way humans communicate. Asian researchers believe robots will soon serve as intermediaries to communicate between elderly dementia patients, autistic children, and their families. But could introducing robots into our homes have unintended effects like hurting family ties or making us lose touch with our humanity? To find out, we traveled around Asia.

Hidetoshi Nakata first made his name on the soccer pitch, as a member of Japan's national team and pro teams in Italy. Now, he's working in a different field, spreading the allure of Japanese sake around the world. Sake has been riding along with the boom in Japanese cuisine. Exports have doubled over a decade. To boost those numbers, Nakata has visited more than 350 breweries and founded a company that promotes Japanese culture through sake.

In February 2019, several months before Emperor Akihito's abdication, a painting went on exhibit at the Imperial Palace in Tokyo. It was a portrait of the Emperor and Empress Michiko. The portrait was painted over the course of nearly 4 years by Hiroshi Noda, a master of realistic painting. During the final 6 months before the portrait was completed, our cameras visited Noda's studio and carefully documented his process. Noda has known the imperial couple for 3 decades, and he grappled with the challenge of depicting the humanity and sense of presence they have maintained, in close connection to the Japanese people as the symbol of the nation. The program depicts the completion of the first and only portrait of the imperial couple.

Villagers in the upper reaches of China's Yangtze River once depended on the "Sky Cradle" gondola to cross a deep canyon, though now they have a bridge. The program documents tradition encountering change.

ULTRA-TRAIL Mt.FUJI is Asia's biggest trail running race against the background of Mount Fuji, and more than 2,500 competitors from 40 countries and regions gathered to take on the challenge. The 165-kilometer course takes them through mountainous terrain and forested foothills, with a cumulative altitude gain of 8,000 meters. More than 30 cameras captured the spectacle from multiple angles, including from the air. Tune in to experience some of the highs and lows of this thrilling event.

"Mobile Suit Gundam" is a science fiction anime about a war-torn future where humanity has colonized outer space. Over the decades Gundam has become one of Japan's most iconic media franchises. But when the original series debuted in 1979, ratings were low, and it was initially deemed a flop. So how did Gundam become beloved by generations of people? What was the making of "Mobile Suit Gundam" - the beginning of this cultural phenomenon - like? We spoke with the people who were there to hear the inside story.

This annual ceremony for world peace commemorates the 1945 atomic bombing of Hiroshima. People from around the world gather to pray for the souls of the victims.

This annual ceremony for world peace commemorates the 1945 atomic bombing of Nagasaki. People from around the world gather to pray for the souls of the victims.

The Vaganova Academy in Russia is the world's leading ballet school. Meet its graduating boys' class as they rehearse for a show at the Mariinsky Theatre and audition for the top ballet companies.

The Vaganova Academy in Russia is the world's leading ballet school. Meet its graduating boys' class as they rehearse for a show at the Mariinsky Theatre and audition for the top ballet companies.

In April 2019, 52-year-old Mitsuhiro Iwamoto, who is totally blind, succeeded in crossing the Pacific Ocean in his sailboat. This program documents both his spectacular achievement of being the first blind person to make the brutal 55-day voyage, and the life experiences that led him there. When he lost his sight at age 16, Iwamoto contemplated suicide but was saved by a seemingly impossible dream: to sail across the Pacific Ocean. 6 years before this documented success, he had attempted a crossing with a popular newscaster that ended in failure when their boat collided with a whale. On this successful voyage, Iwamoto teamed up with Japan-based businessman Douglas Smith. The two of them set sail from San Diego, California and arrived, without any stops in between, at Onahama Port in Fukushima Prefecture. The entire journey was filmed using 3 fixed cameras placed strategically on the boat in addition to one hand-held camera.

In the mid-1920's, during the so-called "Taisho Democracy," people in Japan were embracing political liberalism and Western ideas, and enjoying unprecedented freedom. But just 10 years later, nationalism and militarism were on the rise and the country was rushing toward war - urged on by a nationalist newspaper called The Nihon Shimbun. Why did this one media outlet have such a profound influence on political life in Japan?

On the first of May 2019, the Reiwa era dawned in Japan and Emperor Naruhito ascended to the throne. As a young man, the Emperor studied at Oxford University and married an up-and-coming diplomat, Masako Owada. Empress Masako became the first Empress of Japan to have had a previous career. Drawing on rare footage and interviews with people who know them, we consider what may lie ahead for the new Emperor and Empress.