Direct Talk

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  • NHK
  • Daily 19
  • Documentary

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2023
2023x1
Becoming Your Best Self: Bitoh Tomomi / Personal Trainer, Ultramarathon Runner
Episode overview
Bitoh Tomomi came in second place in the women's race of the 2021 Marathon des Sables, a 250km multi-stage run across the Sahara Desert. She talks about her passion for pushing her limits.
2023x2
Grandpa's Magic Brush: Shibasaki Harumichi / Painter, Watercolor Instructor
Episode overview
Shibasaki Harumichi has a YouTube channel where he makes all sorts of drawings and paintings — and teaches viewers how to make them, too. Fans have given him an affectionate nickname: Grandpa-sensei.
2023x3
Remembering LGBTQ+ History: Lisa Power / LGBTQ+ Campaigner
Episode overview
Lisa Power has been an LGBTQ+ campaigner for over four decades. She is also a trustee and supporter of Queer Britain, the first LGBTQ+ museum in the UK.
2023x4
Breaking Barriers for Accessible Society: Shani Dhanda / Disability Activist
Episode overview
Shani Dhanda is a British disability activist. She was born with brittle bone disease. The barriers she has faced motivates her to make the world inclusive for disabled people.
2023x5
Communication Through Music: Soma Yoyoka / Drummer
Episode overview
Music is the first language of teenage drum prodigy Soma Yoyoka. When a video of her playing a Led Zeppelin song went viral, Yoyoka and her family moved to the US to pursue her dreams of making music.
2023x6
Nothing Is Impossible: Nimsdai Purja / Mountaineer and Former Soldier
Episode overview
Nimsdai Purja MBE is a ground-breaking mountaineer from Nepal. Formerly a Special Forces soldier, he is now setting climbing records on the world's highest and toughest peaks.
2023x7
Save the Reefs, Save the Oceans: Kinjo Koji / Coral Farmer
Episode overview
As global warming threatens destruction of the world's coral reefs, Kinjo Koji has managed to transplant farmed coral into the ocean, and get it to thrive there. He told us about restoring the reefs.
2023x8
A Bridge Between Humans and Nature: Takasago Junji / Nature Photographer
Episode overview
Takasago Junji won the Natural Artistry prize at the 2022 Wildlife Photographer of the Year competition. He shares the story behind his three-decade career and his love and respect for nature.
2023x9
Online Education, Without Compromise: Hoshi Tomohiro / Head of School, Stanford Online High School
Episode overview
Hoshi Tomohiro is the head of Stanford Online High School, which has in recent years been ranked among the top college prep schools in the US. He shares how to unlock every student's potential.
2023x10
Connecting People Through Ballet: Kusakari Tamiyo / Actor, Former Ballerina
Episode overview
Kusakari Tamiyo was a guest performer with a Russian ballet troupe for many years, and has friends in both Russia and Ukraine. She talks about her efforts to support Ukraine's national ballet company.
2023x11
Art for Change: Chuu Wai / Artist
Episode overview
Chuu Wai, a young Burmese artist residing in Paris, created her artworks with traditional women fabrics as canvases. Through her works, she expresses a hope for the citizens trapped in Myanmar.
2023x12
Leaving Our Homeland: Hamed Amiri / Writer
Episode overview
In 2000, Hamed aged 10, had to escape from Afghanistan with his family. He has now written a successful book and co-authored a play about his family's story and their 18 month journey to safety in UK.
2023x13
Living with Wild Geese: Kurechi Masayuki / President, Japanese Association for Wild Geese Protection
Episode overview
In 2022, Kurechi Masayuki received the Ramsar Convention Award for Wetland Wise Use. Kurechi tells us about his five decades of conservation work with migratory birds and their habitats.
2023x14
A More Inclusive Society Through Sport: Arimori Yuko / Former Marathon Runner
Episode overview
Olympic medalist Arimori Yuko has been supporting athletes with intellectual disabilities through her work with the Special Olympics movement. She talks about her mission to promote social inclusion.
2023x15
Fighting Hate With Comedy: Jiaoying Summers / Stand-up Comedian, Comedy Club Owner
Episode overview
Jiaoying Summers confronts racism with her comedy. Living in the U.S., she has a billion views on social and speaks of the misunderstanding toward Asians. She explains the power of laughter.
2023x16
Transforming Society Through Philosophy: Markus Gabriel / Philosopher
Episode overview
Markus Gabriel, the world featured philosopher, became the youngest ever professor at the University of Bonn, Germany, at the age of 29. We interview him about his new challenges as a philosopher.
2023x17
Songs of Hope for Ukraine: Nataliya Gudziy / Singer-Songwriter, Bandura Player
Episode overview
Amid Russia's ongoing invasion of Ukraine, Japan-based Nataliya Gudziy is supporting relief efforts through her music. She talks about her native Ukraine and the power of music and culture.
2023x18
An Invite From a Prison Restaurant: Silvia Polleri / Founder and Manager, Restaurant InGalera
Episode overview
Silvia Polleri, founder of the world's first restaurant inside a prison, brings customers to this unusual location for a delicious meal, setting the stage for social change both in and out of prison.
2023x19
Breaking Down Doors: Syed Saddiq / Co-Founder of MUDA
Episode overview
Syed Saddiq, one of Malaysia's youngest politicians, was Asia's youngest elected cabinet minister at just 25 years old. Using social media, he advocates youth involvement in shaping the nation.
2023x20
What Is Peace?: Steve Leeper / Peace Activist
Episode overview
We focus on Steve Leeper, the first American who had served as chairman of the Hiroshima Peace Culture Foundation and has long been calling out how nuclear weapons have had disastrous consequences.
2023x21
Promoting Fish Growth with Light: Takahashi Akiyoshi / Professor, School of Marine Biosciences, Kita
Episode overview
Takahashi Akiyoshi developed a way to make fish grow faster by exposing them to a certain color of light. He talks about overcoming setbacks and innovating ground-breaking fish farming technology.
2023x22
Water Is Life: John DeYoung / Founder and CEO of Vivoblu
Episode overview
Former street kid John DeYoung, who developed easy-to-handle water purification filters, now delivers 'water for life' to Ukraine as well as to developing countries. He explains his mission.
2023x23
Bringing Peoples Together: Louis Martin / Founder of Refugee Food
Episode overview
Louis Martin founded Refugee Food, an association that trains and employs refugee chefs. It promotes refugees' culinary know-how and supports their integration process within their host country, France.
2023x24
Exploring Our Sunken History: Yamafune Kotaro / Maritime Archaeologist
Episode overview
Yamafune Kotaro has developed a methodology for the 3D modeling of underwater archaeological sites. He talks about how the technology has changed the field of maritime archaeology.
2023x25
Hope Just a Bike Ride Away: Wyson Lungu / Social Entrepreneur
Episode overview
In Zambia, a country where many live in farming villages without access to paved roads, Wyson Lungu has sold over 3,000 bicycles to residents through a deferred payment system, helping them earn more.
2023x26
Equity Through Budgeting: Shari Davis / Co-Executive Director, Participatory Budgeting Project
Episode overview
Shari Davis encourages young people and minorities to take part in deciding government and school budgets. The process, participatory budgeting, helps strengthen communities and revitalize democracy.
2023x27
Art To Create a Stir on Social Issues: Sel Kofiga / Artist
Episode overview
Much of the used clothing sent to Africa is discarded. A Ghanaian who conveys this reality through art talks about sustainable ways for the consumer society to address clothing.
2023x28
Flying High from Fukushima: Muroya Yoshihide / Air Race Pilot
Episode overview
Fukushima-based Muroya Yoshihide is the first person from Japan to win the Red Bull Air Race World Championship. He talks about promoting aviation culture and his efforts to give Fukushima a boost.
2023x29
The Power of Dyslexic Thinking: Kate Griggs / Founder, Made By Dyslexia
Episode overview
Kate Griggs is CEO of global charity "Made By Dyslexia," founded in 2015. She believes that society needs to redefine what it means to be dyslexic and focus more on the strengths of dyslexic thinking.
2023x30
Women at the Extremes: Felicity Aston / Polar Explorer & Research Scientist
Episode overview
Felicity Aston is a record-setting explorer who leads scientific expeditions to the North & South Poles. She was the first woman to ski solo across Antarctica and is a champion of female adventurers.
2023x31
Turning Weaknesses into Strengths: Takeda Sana / Illustrator, Comic Artist
Episode overview
Takeda Sana is an Eisner Award-winning artist known for her comic books. She shares how she developed her signature drawing style, which has been described as "breathtakingly gorgeous."
2023x32
Bringing Diversity to the World of Ballet: Cassa Pancho / Founder and Artistic Director of Ballet Bl
Episode overview
Cassa Pancho is the founder and artistic director of an award-winning dance company in the UK called Ballet Black which she started in 2001, aged 21.
2023x33
To Stand on Your Own Feet: Sunita Danuwar / Founder of Shakti Samuha and Sunita Foundation
Episode overview
Sunita Danuwar, of Shakti Samuha and Sunita Foundation, works to educate women from human trafficking and promotes economic independence. Her passion comes as a victim of human trafficking herself.
2023x34
Empowering Children Everywhere: Nadine Kaadan / Author and Illustrator
Episode overview
Nadine Kaadan is an award-winning children's book author and illustrator from Damascus in Syria. She promotes diversity and inclusivity in her many books and is published in several languages.
2023x35
Living Alongside the Bird of Yambaru: Nagamine Takashi / Veterinarian
Episode overview
For over 20 years, Nagamine Takashi has been working to protect the Okinawa rail, a bird species native to the Yambaru area of Okinawa Prefecture. He talks about the importance of saving animals for the future.
2023x36
Joyful Moves to Counter Parkinson's: David Leventhal / Program Director, Dance for PD
Episode overview
Modern dancer David Leventhal co-created a dance program for people with Parkinson's. 20 years later numerous studies have proven that dancing slows the progression of the neurodegenerative disorder.
2023x37
Fighting Through Dance: Ahmad Joudeh / Dancer
Episode overview
Ahmad Joudeh, a dancer from a Syrian refugee camp, talks about his tumultuous life and the activities he has been working on to keep the Syrian conflict fresh in people's minds 12 years on.
2023x38
Robotics for a Happier Future: Furuta Takayuki / General Manager, Future Robotics Technology Center
Episode overview
Furuta Takayuki co-developed an intelligent mobility robot that won a prestigious international design award in 2021. He shares his passion for creating robots that help people.
2023x39
Enchanted by Yokai Monsters: Matthew Meyer / Yokai Illustrator
Episode overview
Japan-based illustrator Matthew Meyer has drawn over 500 varieties of yokai―supernatural creatures from Japanese folklore. We ask him about his fascination with the phenomenon of yokai.
2023x40
Returning the Benin Bronzes: Nick Merriman / Chief Executive of the Horniman Museum
Episode overview
Britain is re-evaluating its past and that battle is playing out in museums across the country. Nick Merriman explains why the Horniman Museum is returning its entire collection of Benin bronzes to Nigeria.
2023x41
Support That's a Part of You: Nakamura Noburo / CEO, Nakamura Brace
Episode overview
Nakamura Noburo is the CEO of a prosthetics manufacturer that pioneered the use of silicone in making insoles. He explains the many ways his company offers support for disability and illness.
2023x42
The 15 Minute City: Carlos Moreno / Professor, IAE Paris Sorbonne Business School
Episode overview
Scientist Carlos Moreno's radical proposal to cut global warming is taking off worldwide. He wants cities reshaped as neighborhoods so that we live and work within a 15-minute walk or cycle ride.
2023x43
For Victims of the Gold Rush: Yuyun Ismawati / Co-founder, Nexus3 Foundation
Episode overview
Indonesian environmental activist Yuyun Ismawati, co-founder of the Nexus3 Foundation NGO, has been tackling the mercury poisoning issues caused by illegal gold mining practices.
2023x44
Saving Migrating Birds From Extinction: Sacha Dench / Biologist, Conservation Without Borders
Episode overview
Sacha Dench is an Australian biologist. Through flying around the world on a paramotor she has drawn global attention to species of birds whose numbers are decreasing.
2023x45
A Hong Kong Photojournalist in Ukraine: Kure Kaoru / Photographer & Journalist
Episode overview
We feature Kure Kaoru, a Hong Kong photographer who experienced the democracy movement. Now, in Ukraine, he is photographing local people and addressing the threat of authoritarianism to the world.
2023x46
My Story, and Mine Alone: Oda Tokito / Professional Wheelchair Tennis Player
Episode overview
Oda Tokito is a professional wheelchair tennis player who took the world by storm when he made his first Grand Slam singles final at just 16 years old. He says adversity has only made him stronger.
2023x47
The Path to Pastry Perfection: Takahashi Moe / Pastry Chef
Episode overview
Takahashi Moe was a member of the Japanese team that won the top prize at the 2023 Pastry World Cup. She reflects on the experience and talks about the desserts concocted by the team.
2023x48
Taking Out the Trash Together: Fukuda Keisuke / President, Green Bird
Episode overview
Fukuda Keisuke heads an NPO that has been organizing volunteer cleanup events in Japan for over 20 years. He talks about his efforts to bring communities together.
2023x49
A Dream Back to Tang Dynasty: Xu Ge / Founder of the Tang Dynasty Court Music Restoration Organizati
Episode overview
The Tang Dynasty Court Music Restoration Organization was founded in 2014 at the initiative of Xu Ge, in 2023, the soundtrack of hit Chinese animation gains attention of the younger generations.
2023x50
Giving Shape to People's Prayers: Katoh Gizan / Buddhist Sculptor
Episode overview
Katoh Gizan's works have fetched substantial sums at auctions in New York, earning him an international reputation. He talks about making sculptures for temples damaged in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.
2023x51
A Story Beyond Boundaries: Geetanjali Shree / Novelist
Episode overview
The first Indian author to win the International Booker Prize talks about crossing "boundaries," a major message of her novel, and how her first language Hindi serves as a source of her imagination.
2023x52
Innovating the Art of Fermentation: Sasaki Yotaro / Chef, Brewmaster, and Rice Farmer
Episode overview
Chef Sasaki Yotaro is known for his unique fermented dishes and doburoku, an unfiltered sake he brews from rice he grows himself. He talks about the craft that goes into creating world-class cuisine.
2023x53
Ukraine - The Children's Inner Battle: Oksana Lebedeva / Founder of Gen.Ukrainian
Episode overview
The founder of a Ukrainian NGO describes its efforts to bring together children who are hesitant to talk about their traumatic war experiences in order to help them heal their mental scars.
2023x54
Education at Hand: Luis von Ahn / Co-Founder & CEO of Duolingo
Episode overview
Luis von Ahn created the most used educational app, Duolingo. The app teaches 40+ languages on a smartphone to its 72 million monthly active users for free. He aims to make learning available to all.
2023x55
The Power of the Pen at Times of Despair: Orhan Pamuk / Writer
Episode overview
Turkish Nobel Laureate Orhan Pamuk says the havoc caused by the 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake is related to Turkey's culture and national traits, and he explains his belief in "the power of the pen."
2023x56
Unity and Healing Through Singing: Gareth Malone / Musician & Choirmaster
Episode overview
Gareth Malone teaches singing to people in places where it is uncommon but where the inspiration and unity of music is most needed. He uses choral singing to empower, heal and connect people.
2023x57
How to Win a Grammy: Masa Takumi / Composer, Arranger
Episode overview
At the 65th Annual Grammy Awards, Masa Takumi won Best Global Music Album. This was the culmination of a life goal that Takumi moved across the world to Los Angeles in order to achieve.
2023x58
Cafes Where Ordering Takes Time: Okumura Arisa / Founder, Slow Order Cafe
Episode overview
Okumura Arisa created the Slow Order Cafe, a pop-up concept staffed entirely by people who stutter. She talks about her speech impediment and the vision behind her project.
2023x59
Reviving Spirits of Ailing Backs: Marcus John / Founder of Back to Healing
Episode overview
Marcus John founded "Back to Healing," a non-profit that empowers people living with ailing backs called scoliosis. He is a director who expands support by mixing fashion, art, medicine and technology.
2023x60
An Architect's Mission: Mori Toshiko / Architect
Episode overview
In 2021, architect Mori Toshiko won the prestigious Isamu Noguchi Award. She has received global acclaim for her ability to serve society and humanity while respecting the natural environment.
2023x61
Standing with the People of Sudan: Kawahara Naoyuki / Doctor/Founder, Rocinantes
Episode overview
Kawahara Naoyuki has been providing medical assistance and more to people in Sudan for nearly 20 years. He talks about the ongoing armed conflict and what he hopes to accomplish with his activities.
2023x62
Creating a Future With Bamboo: Arief Rabik / Senior Advisor, Environmental Bamboo Foundation
Episode overview
Indonesian social entrepreneur Arief Rabik has launched an eco-business aimed at revitalizing forests and rural economies by planting bamboo with local residents.
2023x63
Dancing like Anything is Possible: Nakarai Shigeyuki (Shigekix) / Breakdancer
Episode overview
Nakarai Shigeyuki is a world-class breakdancer touted as a gold medal contender in the upcoming Paris Olympics. He shares his passion for breaking and discusses its unique appeal.
2023x64
Support for the Suffering: Osa Yukie / Chairperson, Association for Aid and Relief, Japan
Episode overview
Osa Yukie, who has many years of experience working in conflict and disaster zones around the world, is the head of an NGO that is providing aid to victims of the Feb. 2023 Turkey-Syria earthquake.
2023x65
Promote the Joy of Reading: Horiuchi Yoshimi / Founder of Bookworm Foundation
Episode overview
Horiuchi Yoshimi is running a library in a small city in Northern Thailand. She is blind, yet she has the passions about reading and believes it can change lives for the better future.
2023x66
Returning Flags To Heal Wounds of War: Keiko Ziak / Co-Founder, OBON SOCIETY
Episode overview
Keiko Ziak is a co-founder of OBON SOCIETY whose mission is to return flags which belonged to Japanese soldiers who died in World War II. She tells us why the wounds of war are finally being healed.
2023x67
Singing Together for Peace: Jenna / Gospel Choir Director, Songwriter
Episode overview
In 2022, Jenna wrote and composed a song called "The Symphony" as a prayer for peace in Ukraine. She talks about the song's success and her drive to bring the world together through gospel music.
2023x68
Science in Conflict Zones: Ella Al-Shamahi / Paleoanthropologist & Comedian
Episode overview
A specialist in ancient humans, Ella Al-Shamahi explores places understudied by science because of conflict and political instability. She balances this unique job with a passion for comedy.
2023x69
A Festival of Paper and Light: Takenami Hiroo / Nebuta Master
Episode overview
Takenami Hiroo is one of the premier makers of nebuta, the floats that are the main attraction of the Aomori Nebuta Festival. He hopes to share the unique appeal of nebuta with the world.
2023x70
Detecting Landmines Using Radar: Sato Motoyuki / Professor Emeritus, Tohoku University
Episode overview
Sato Motoyuki developed a mine detector that uses radar technology to visualize landmines. It's currently being used in Ukraine and other parts of the world. He talks about his work to clear mines.
2023x71
30 Years of Wildlife Filming: Gordon Buchanan / Wildlife Cameraman
Episode overview
Scottish filmmaker Gordon Buchanan is one of the most famous cameramen in the UK due to his 30 years filming of wildlife in some of the remotest areas of the planet.
2023x72
Hope in a Life Vest: Thami Schweichler / Co-Founder of Makers Unite
Episode overview
Amsterdam-based Makers Unite upcycles life vests once worn by refugees into bags and other products. They also hold workshops to help refugees find employment in the Dutch creative industries.
2023x73
Protecting Livelihoods amid War: Miyamoto Hideki / Structural Engineer/CEO, Miyamoto International
Episode overview
Russia's invasion of Ukraine has caused widespread damage, including destroyed houses, schools and hospitals. Structural engineer Miyamoto Hideki is working with local people to repair buildings.
2023x74
Architecture That Empowers Communities: Sho Yutaka / Architectural Designer
Episode overview
Architectural designer Sho Yutaka founded a not-for-profit architecture firm in Rwanda that is working to revitalize rural areas through the building of community centers and other projects.
2023x75
Sparking Young Minds with Movies: Kyoraiseki Saori / President, World Theater Project
Episode overview
Kyoraiseki Saori heads an NPO that screens movies for children in developing countries in the hopes of inspiring them to dream. She talks about how she wants to make a difference in their lives.
2023x76
The Art and Science of Squids: Nakajima Ryuta / Visiting Researcher, Okinawa Institute of Science an
Episode overview
In 2022, a research team at OIST announced that they had developed the world's first sustainable system for farming squid. Nakajima Ryuta, a member of this team, shares the secrets of their success.
2023x77
Kintsugi as a Way of Life: Kiyokawa Hiroki / Lacquer Art Restorer
Episode overview
Kiyokawa Hiroki is working to share the traditional restoration method of "kintsugi" with people in Japan and around the world. He talks about the spirit of sustainability behind the technique.
2023x78
Protecting Cultural Heritage in Conflict Zones: Shoshana Stewart / President, Turquoise Mountain
Episode overview
Shoshana Stewart is President of Turquoise Mountain, established in 2006, which works to protect heritage and communities at risk around the world.
2023x79
A Sauna for All Five Senses: Goto Netsuko / Aufguss Master
Episode overview
Goto Netsuko is an Aufguss master, the person in charge of circulating air and directing heat inside a sauna. She is one of Japan's best, a true ambassador for the natural sauna experience.
2023x80
Innovation for a Thirsty World: Maeda Yosuke / Social Entrepreneur/CEO, WOTA
Episode overview
Social entrepreneur Maeda Yosuke developed an innovative system that can turn wastewater into a water resource. We asked him about his vision and sustainable approach to solving water problems.
2023x81
Resonate Around the World! Bells of Peace: Birgit Stifter / Director, Friedensdorf International
Episode overview
Friedensdorf International takes sick and injured children from war zones to Germany for treatment and rehabilitation. Director Birgit Stifter explains its activities on a visit to Hiroshima Prefecture.
2023x82
The Thrill of the Fight: Kurahashi Kae / Japan Wheelchair Rugby Team Member
Episode overview
Kurahashi Kae was part of the Japanese wheelchair rugby team that took home the bronze at the 2021 Paralympic Games in Tokyo. Hear how she overcame a devastating injury to compete on the world stage.
2023x83
Documenting the Lives of Refugees: Komatsu Yuka / Photographer
Episode overview
Photographer Komatsu Yuka has been documenting the lives of Syrian refugees who fled to Turkey to escape the conflict in Syria, only to now once again find themselves displaced by earthquakes.
2023x84
Animating the Soul: Taguchi Tomohisa / Animation Director
Episode overview
In June 2023, a film directed by Taguchi Tomohisa won the Paul Grimault Award at Annecy, the prestigious international animation festival. Taguchi explains the creative process behind animated film.
2023x85
An Asian Way To Rebuild "Broken Courage": Chhim Sotheara / Psychiatrist
Episode overview
Cambodian mental health expert Chhim Sotheara tells us about his distinctly Asian methods of healing the many people said to be still suffering the psychological after-effects of the 1970s genocide.
2023x86
Building a Better Future for Refugees: Watanabe Kankolongo Sayaka / Founder, WELgee
Episode overview
Watanabe Kankolongo Sayaka is helping asylum-seekers in Japan, a country with a low refugee acceptance rate. Her organization helps match them with jobs that utilize their specialist skills.
2023x87
An Education Inclusive for Everyone: Jason Arday / Professor of Sociology of Education
Episode overview
Professor Jason Arday focuses on the UK education system in his work as a sociologist. He made history this year, when at 37 he became the youngest Black professor at Cambridge University.
2023x88
Murals Break Down Walls: Paola Delfín / Muralist
Episode overview
Mexican muralist Paola Delfín's paintings of women and plants are imbued with peace and anti-discrimination messages. Her mural in Kyiv after the 2016 Russian invasion of Crimea drew great attention.
2023x89
Clean Air for Everyone: Nalleli Cobo / Environmental Activist
Episode overview
At 9, Nalleli Cobo, her mom, and their community began battling toxic oil drilling. In 2020, LA Council passed the "Phase-Out" resolution. We talked to Cobo about her unwavering passion for the cause.
2023x90
Battle Against the Mosquito: Scott O'Neill / CEO, World Mosquito Program
Episode overview
Australian scientist Scott O'Neill, CEO of the not-for-profit group of companies World Mosquito Program, has worked to protect countless communities from mosquito-borne viral diseases such as dengue.
2023x91
Power of the Voices: Rene Silva dos Santos / Founder of Voz das Comunidades
Episode overview
Rene Silva dos Santos, a favela native, began the paper "Voz das Comunidades" at 11, sharing local views. He tells us how he underscores the crucial role of disseminating information from the favelas.
2023x92
Making Cultural Connections on the Stage: Koike Hiroshi / Director
Episode overview
For over 40 years, Koike Hiroshi, one of Asia's leading directors, has staged innovative productions with artists from around the world. He shares his thoughts on diversity and the creative process.
2023x93
Bringing Smiles to Ukrainian Children: Chujo Hideto / Director, Usmishka
Episode overview
Since Russia began its invasion of Ukraine, Chujo Hideto has been working to support children who have been traumatized by the conflict. He talks about how he hopes to make a difference.
2023x94
Education, the Right To Be Humans: Pashtana Durrani / Founder, LEARN Afghan
Episode overview
Afghan girls face educational barriers with the Taliban. Pashtana Durrani defies this by operating a covert school, nurturing their unyielding thirst for knowledge. She fights for a brighter future.
2023x95
The Feeling of Fearing the Unknown: Daisuke "Dice" Tsutsumi / Animation Film Director
Episode overview
In 2023, "ONI: Thunder God's Tale," Japan-born animation film director Daisuke "Dice" Tsutsumi's first film, won the prestigious Annie Award. He explains its "fear of aliens" theme and his own roots.
2023x96
Animation as an Anti-Anxiety Therapy: Chen Lianhua / Independent Animation Filmmaker
Episode overview
Independent animation creator Chen Lianhua describes his creative philosophy as indie animation gains new attention in China, where such programs have gathered major viewership.
2023x97
A Passion for Chainsawing: Okada Nozomi / Forestry Worker
Episode overview
In 2023, Okada Nozomi became the first Japanese person to win a gold medal at the World Logging Championship. She talks about achieving the feat just six years after first picking up a chainsaw.

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