Direct Talk

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  • NHK
  • Daily 19
  • Documentary

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2024
2024x1
A Brighter Future for Wheelchair Users: Oda Yuriko / Founder and CEO, WheeLog
Episode overview
Oda Yuriko has a disease which affects her muscles. She runs an app that offers fellow wheelchair users information about accessibility in the hopes of creating a world that works for everyone.
2024x2
Eliminating Educational Inequity for All: Miwa Kaito / CEO, e-Education
Episode overview
Miwa Kaito uses information and communications technology to help children in poverty around the world who lack access to adequate schooling. He shares his vision for providing educational support.
2024x3
Transforming Limitations Into Motivation: Nicolas Huchet / Founder of My Human Kit
Episode overview
We feature an engineer who is changing the world for people with disabilities like himself by making the blueprints of myoelectric prosthetic hands accessible to everybody on the Internet for free.
2024x4
Breaking the Cycle of Child Abuse: Dr. Bernadette Madrid / Pediatrician
Episode overview
Dr. Bernadette Madrid, a Filipina pediatrician, has brought medical, legal, social and mental health services together in a one-stop facility. Her aim is to raise awareness of child abuse.
2024x5
Effective Medical Care to All: Lalana Kongtoranin / Founder of the Let's Be Heroes Foundation
Episode overview
An organization in Thailand provides free medical care in out-of-reach rural areas and CPR free workshops to realize the effective medical care to all. Dr. Lalana Kongtoranin talks about her goal.
2024x6
Exploring New Possibilities for Sculpture: Nawa Kohei / Sculptor
Episode overview
Nawa Kohei's work has been shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre Museum. He talks about working with a range of materials and technologies to expand the possibilities of sculpture.
2024x7
Inclusivity Is Beautiful: Bernard Benzamin Nathan / Founder of Don Management
Episode overview
Bernard Benzamin Nathan founded Don Management, an inclusive talent agency in Malaysia, challenging beauty standards by diverse talents, and advocates positive societal roles beyond sympathy.
2024x8
Art Beyond Cultural Barrier: Chaz Guest / Artist
Episode overview
Prominent American artist Chaz Guest is embarking on a new challenge. He is focusing on Ai, indigo blue, used in indigo dyeing in Japan. The program conveys a message poured into his work.
2024x9
Breathing Life into Wood Sculptures: Otake Ryoho / Wood Sculptor
Episode overview
Otake Ryoho creates meticulously detailed wood sculptures modeled on the shapes of natural motifs such as animals and plants. He talks about his work, including a carving of a flower that "blooms."
2024x10
Fighting Extreme Heat: Eleni Myrivili / Global Chief Heat Officer
Episode overview
Stressing the need for awareness, Global Chief Heat Officer Eleni Myrivili leads the response to extreme heat that threatens lives and livelihoods worldwide. She outlines ideal countermeasures.
2024x11
Guardian of the Amazon: Alessandra Korap Munduruku / Amazon Environmental Activist
Episode overview
Alessandra Korap Munduruku, Amazon activist, fights for indigenous rights and environmental protection. We seek her insights as a mom and advocate how mining development threatens their livelihoods.
2024x12
The Spirit of the Shakuhachi: John Kaizan Neptune / Shakuhachi Player
Episode overview
John Kaizan Neptune is one of the world's leading players of the shakuhachi, a type of Japanese bamboo flute. He talks about making his own instruments and what the shakuhachi can teach us about life.
2024x13
A Brighter Future for Prisoners' Children: Indira Ranamagar / Founder of Prisoner's Assistance Nepal
Episode overview
In Nepal, prisoners' children often end up on the streets. Indira Ranamagar founded an NGO that cares for such children. In 2022 she was elected to parliament, where she works to improve their rights.
2024x14
The Pursuit of Gelato Perfection: Takada Satoshi / Gelato Artisan
Episode overview
Takada Satoshi has won top prizes in two different international gelato competitions. He reflects on his journey so far and talks about the gelatos that wowed the judges in Italy.
2024x15
Save Lives on India's Roads: Piyush Tewari / Founder & CEO of SaveLIFE Foundation
Episode overview
India tops traffic deaths. Piyush Tewari, driven by loss, founded an NGO for zero victims. He teaches first aid, improves roads and advocates laws easing legal fears. He tells us his lifelong mission.
2024x16
Fighting Stigma Through Music: Ronald Braunstein / Conductor and Founder of Me2
Episode overview
Accomplished conductor Ronald Braunstein founded an orchestra to help classical musicians with mental illness. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder himself, he wants to eliminate stigmas for all.
2024x17
No Fish, No Life: Sakana-kun (Fish Guy) / Marine Biologist
Episode overview
Sakana-kun (Fish Guy) is a self-taught marine biologist based in Chiba Prefecture. He speaks about his endless curiosity for new fish knowledge, as well as the crisis currently facing the planet's marine life.
2024x18
A Window into the Real Ukraine: Sasaki Ko / Photojournalist
Episode overview
Facebook Photojournalist Sasaki Ko traveled to wartime Ukraine alone and eventually made his way to the frontlines, capturing human moments along the way. He talks about what he saw on the ground in Ukraine.
2024x19
Slaughter-Free Meat for a Sustainable Future: Uma Valeti / CEO/Founder of UPSIDE Foods
Episode overview
Pioneering a cruelty-free method of growing meat through cell cultivation technology, former cardiologist Uma Valeti hopes to meet increasing global demand, while reducing environmental harm.
2024x20
A Cinema of Prayer: Tsukamoto Shinya / Film Director, Actor
Episode overview
Tsukamoto Shinya's film "Hokage" (Shadow of Fire) won the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at Venice in 2023. Tsukamoto's recent films focus on wartime stories. We ask him about his creative process.
2024x21
Educational Opportunities for Syrian Children: Nakano Takayuki / Founder and CEO, Piece of Syria
Episode overview
Nakano Takayuki heads an NPO that provides educational opportunities for children in Syria, which has been ravaged by civil war and huge earthquakes. He talks about what is needed to save schools.
2024x22
Museum for Period Equity: Vivi Lin / Period Equity, DEI and Human Rights Activist
Episode overview
Facebook Vivi Lin is the founder of The Red House Period Museum in Taipei. She aims to achieve period equity and DEI by helping people to understand menstruation, an issue that has been regarded as taboo in society.
2024x23
Trailblazing Diversity in Hollywood: Adele Lim / Director and Screenwriter
Episode overview
Malaysian filmmaker Adele Lim champions minority voices, crafting Hollywood films highlighting Asians and women. Fostering diversity, she actively nurtures Asian talent, shaping the industry's future.
2024x24
Negotiators Create Hope: Miriam Coronel-Ferrer / Peace Negotiator
Episode overview
Miriam Coronel-Ferrer was the chief negotiator in ending the Mindanao Conflict in the Philippines. She talks about her way of ending conflicts by defining problems and building relationships.
2024x25
All Children Are Beautiful: Kinota Braithwaite / Author, Educator
Episode overview
Kinota Braithwaite is an African-Canadian educator whose daughter was bullied because of her skin color. Braithwaite was inspired to create picture books that let all children know they are valued.
2024x26
Bringing People Together with Bamboo Lanterns: Mishiro Kenshi / Take-Akari Director
Episode overview
Mishiro Kenshi creates installations with ornate bamboo lanterns known as "take-akari." He talks about the potential of the craft, including his work to bring light to disaster-stricken communities.
2024x27
Making Disabled Children Smile: Morita Hirokazu / Chairperson, The Volunteers Group to Send Wheelchairs to Overseas Children
Episode overview
Morita Hirokazu heads an NPO which collects used children's wheelchairs and sends them to physically disabled children overseas. He explains the system and its 20-year history, and what drives him.
2024x28
A Winding Road From Zoology to Social Change: Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury / Professor of Zoology
Episode overview
Dr. Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury is a globally acclaimed zoologist who studies the effects of plastic pollution on aquatic life in Bangladesh. She talks about ways to effect social change.
2024x29
Guardian of the Forest: Emmanuela Shinta / Founder of Ranu Welum Foundation
Episode overview
Emmanuela Shinta, a prominent Dayak leader in Kalimantan, established the Ranu Welum foundation in 2014 to serve as a platform for her advocacy for indigenous rights and environmental conservation.
2024x30
Building a Transformative Museum for Asian Art: Yasufumi Nakamori / Director, Asia Society Museum
Episode overview
Yasufumi Nakamori, Director of New York's Asia Society Museum, talks about expanding the reach of Asian art, while recognizing the colonial roots of western museums and the importance of diversity.
2024x31
Better Healthcare, All Across Asia: Omura Kazuhiro / Assistant Professor, Otorhinolaryngology Department, The Jikei University School of Medicine
Episode overview
Omura Kazuhiro is an ear, nose and throat doctor. For the past decade, he has been offering his medical expertise outside Japan, primarily in Cambodia. We ask him how he trains top-notch doctors.
2024x32
Empowering People with Disabilities in Laos: Ishihara Yurina / CEO, Support for Woman's Happiness
Episode overview
Ishihara Yurina has created a workplace and farm in Laos to empower people with disabilities to be self-reliant. She talks about how she's trying to improve social welfare in developing countries.
2024x33
Revealing the True Horrors of the Atomic Bomb: Leslie Sussan / Anti-Nuclear Activist
Episode overview
Leslie Sussan became an anti-nuclear activist after discovering her father's films of victims of the atom bomb that filmed in Japan and long suppressed by the US military. Her work fulfills his legacy.
2024x34
Reviving Food Biodiversity: Helianti Hilman / Founder, Javara Indigenous Indonesia
Episode overview
Indonesian social entrepreneur Helianti Hilman is reviving her country's food biodiversity and helping farmers to bring their produce to market under her "Javara" brand.
2024x35
Adaptive Fashion for Everyone: Kadri Keung / Fashion Designer
Episode overview
We take a look at a fashion designer, Kadri Keung in Hong Kong, who is revolutionizing fashion by creating clothing specifically for the elderly and people with disabilities.
2024x36
Theater That Transcends Boundaries Part 1: Noda Hideki / Playwright, Theater Director, and Actor
Episode overview
Noda Hideki received the Distinguished Artist Award from the International Society for the Performing Arts in 2023. In this two-part interview, he talks about theater that transcends boundaries.
2024x37
Theater That Transcends Boundaries Part 2: Noda Hideki / Playwright, Theater Director, and Actor
Episode overview
Noda Hideki received the Distinguished Artist Award from the International Society for the Performing Arts in 2023. In this two-part interview, he talks about theater that transcends boundaries.
2024x38
Fighting Drought with Fruit Peels: Narayan Lal Gurjar / Founder and CEO, EF Polymer
Episode overview
Narayan Lal Gurjar has used discarded fruit peels to develop a polymer that allows soil to retain moisture longer. He hopes it will help to improve water availability in areas affected by drought.
2024x39
Bridging Rohingya Through Digital: Muhammad Noor / Founder of the Rohingya Project
Episode overview
Muhammad Noor works to unite stateless Rohingya refugees through digital language preservation and creating digital IDs, offering vital support to their community.
2024x40
Hydrogen to Change Society: Eniya Listiani Dewi / Fuel Cell Research Professor
Episode overview
We feature a scientist, Eniya Listiani Dewi, who is leading energy reform in Indonesia by aiming to create a sustainable society using "green" hydrogen produced from only natural energy.
2024x41
For the "Stolen Children" of East Timor: Galuh Wandita / Co-Founder and Director, Asia Justice and R
Episode overview
Human rights activist Galuh Wandita has led the initiative to track down the children "stolen" from East Timor during the Indonesian occupation and help them reunite with their birth families.
2024x42
Reflecting the Autistic Experience on Stage: Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt / Autistic Creative Consultant,
Episode overview
In New York City, autistic creative consultant Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt worked with the creators of a Broadway musical to authentically represent the lived experience of autistic youth on stage.
2024x43
Giving People Back Their Dignity on the Net: Anna-Lena von Hodenberg / Social Entrepreneur
Episode overview
In the face of growing Internet hate crime, Germany's first ever support group for victims of digital violence, HateAid, was established. We speak to its founder Anna-Lena von Hodenberg about her fight to re-establish online dignity.
2024x44
Apps for Ukrainian Child Refugees: Anastasiia Demchenko / Co-founder of YCO SVIT
Episode overview
Anastasiia Demchenko is part of a trio who developed two apps to support Ukrainian children who have fled their country amid war. They were awarded the 2023 International Children's Peace Prize.
2024x45
Bringing Smiles to Children in Need: Omune Kosuke / Clown
Episode overview
Omune Kosuke is an award-winning clown. As part of his work, he's been visiting hospitals and evacuation shelters in Ukraine to entertain children in need of support. He talks about what drives him.
2024x46
Community Recovery Through Furniture: Ashizawa Keiji / Architect
Episode overview
In the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Ashizawa Keiji founded Ishinomaki Laboratory, a furniture company now winning global acclaim that incorporates stories of the disaster in its designs.
2024x47
Supporting African Women with Surimi: Shiraishi Yuriko / Representative, Uminokuni Japan
Episode overview
Shiraishi Yuriko is working to popularize "surimi," a type of processed fish paste, in Africa. She talks about how her efforts are helping empower African women and improve their status in society.
2024x48
War and the Power of Music: Paul Chihara / Composer
Episode overview
Composer Paul Chihara was inspired by music he heard at the Japanese American internment camp where he spent his childhood during WWII. How did the war affect him, and what does music mean to him?
2024x49
Tourism Brightens the Future: Paras Loomba / Founder of Global Himalayan Expedition
Episode overview
Introducing the CEO of a company promoting eco-tourism by guiding travelers to the Himalayan Mountain region. They install solar power systems, supporting local energy needs for the community.
2024x50
A Helping Hand for the World: Takahara Miki / Deputy Nursing Director, Japanese Red Cross Himeji Hos
Episode overview
Takahara Miki is a nurse with long years of experience in conflict and disaster zones. In 2023, she received the Florence Nightingale Medal. She shares her thoughts on international relief work.
2024x51
Making Rehabilitation Programs More Engaging: Oka Yuki / CEO, Ubdobe
Episode overview
Oka Yuki uses digital technology to make tough rehabilitation programs more enjoyable for children with disabilities. He shares his vision for combining medical/welfare services with entertainment.
2024x52
Reinventing Taiwanese Papercraft: Zhang Xu Zhan / Artist
Episode overview
The artist Zhang Xu Zhan is receiving global acclaim for highlighting traditional Taiwanese papercraft. He fuses it with digital technology to create paper dolls, animated films and other works.
2024x53
Helping Ukrainian Evacuees Learn Japanese: Maksym Haichenko / Monoxer Employee
Episode overview
Maksym Haichenko has created a free Japanese language learning app for fellow Ukrainian evacuees at the Japanese IT company where he works. He talks about the development process.
2024x54
Saving as Many Lives as Possible: Inaba Mototaka / Medical Doctor, Project Leader of ARROWS
Episode overview
Inaba Mototaka is a doctor with the international NGO Peace Winds Japan and the leader of its airborne emergency response team, ARROWS. He talks about providing medical care in disaster areas.
2024x55
Learning From Human Library: Ronni Abergel / Founder of Human Library
Episode overview
The Human Library's human "books" share on topics they care about, like being transgender or surviving cancer, and those who "read" can ask them questions. We spoke with its founder, Ronni Abergel.
2024x56
Empowering Africa's Youth Leaders: Fred Swaniker / Founder, African Leadership Group
Episode overview
Born in Ghana, Fred Swaniker, lived across Africa and realized that good leadership is key to a nation's success. He built schools to nurture entrepreneurial leaders, training over 250,000 youth.
2024x57
Fighting to Make Sumo More Accessible: Steve Pateman / President, British Sumo Federation
Episode overview
Steve Pateman is fighting to make Sumo more accessible by encouraging individuals typically sidelined from sports to try it for free at his gym in the UK. We ask him how Sumo can change lives.
2024x58
Paintings for Peace in Gaza: Kamijo Yoko / Artist
Episode overview
For 25 years, Kamijo Yoko has been engaging with Palestinian painters and children. In May 2024, she held an exhibition of their artwork in Japan. She talks about her connection to the Gaza strip.
2024x59
Working to Heal Invisible Wounds: Kuwayama Norihiko / Psychiatrist/CEO, Frontline
Episode overview
For over 20 years, Kuwayama Norihiko has been providing psychological care to children traumatized by war in places such as Palestine and the former Yugoslavia. He talks about being there for others.
2024x60
Building Bridges Towards Inclusion: Elton Ilirjani / CEO, The HeadHunter Group
Episode overview
In this episode, we feature Elton Ilirjani, CEO of a company supporting LGBTQ+ inclusive workplaces, and a genderless model expressing his messages for living true to oneself.
2024x61
Deciphering the Language of Birds: Suzuki Toshitaka / Animal Linguist/Associate Professor, Research
Episode overview
Through research on the calls of the Japanese tit, Suzuki Toshitaka has proven that animals other than humans have language capabilities. He talks about pioneering the field of animal linguistics.
2024x62
Saving Lives with Toilets: Ishikawa Junya / CEO, Tasukeai Japan
Episode overview
Ishikawa Junya provides trailers with flush toilets to areas hit by natural disasters. He talks to us about sustainable disaster relief, and the importance of networks.
2024x63
Living Side by Side: Yamamoto Riken / Architect
Episode overview
Yamamoto Riken won the 2024 Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honor. For decades he has tried to use architecture to revitalize communities. Hear his vision for society and the spaces we build.
2024x64
Innovating Indigo - The New Japan Blue: Kaji Kakuo / Indigo Farmer and Dyer
Episode overview
Kaji Kakuo is revolutionizing the 400-year-old tradition of Japanese indigo dyeing, breathing new life into the deep hue known as Japan blue. He shares his thoughts on innovating indigo.
2024x65
Giving Trees a Second Life: Mira Nakashima / Furniture Designer
Episode overview
With her dedication to handcrafting, woodworker Mira Nakashima keeps her father, George Nakashima's legacy alive by creating furniture that holds the spirit of each tree she selects for her designs.
2024x66
Treating Childhood Cancer in Vietnam: Watanabe Kazuyo / CEO, Asian Children's Care League
Episode overview
For nearly 20 years, Watanabe Kazuyo has worked to improve childhood cancer survival rates in Vietnam and other Asian countries. She was even awarded honorary citizenship by a Vietnamese province.
2024x67
The Fine Line Between Strength and Fragility: Gonoi Rina / Former Ground Self-Defense Force Member
Episode overview
Gonoi Rina made global headlines by speaking up about the sexual abuse she suffered while serving in Japan's Self-Defense Forces. She shares her thoughts now that the case has been settled in court.
2024x68
For the Homeland - A Producer's Voice in Canada: Anna Palenchuk / Ukrainian Film Producer
Episode overview
Renowned Ukrainian film producer Anna Palenchuk relocated to Canada due to Russia's invasion. She now supports the Ukrainian diaspora while highlighting her homeland's situation to the world.
2024x69
Building for Eternity: Thomas Rau / Architect and Founder of RAU Architects
Episode overview
Architect Thomas Rau designed the Dutch Pavilion for the 2025 Expo in Osaka Prefecture. His Material Passport system tracks material data for reuse, getting global attention for a circular economy innovation.
2024x70
Saving Cambodia's Traditional Arts: Lomorpich Rithy / Festival Director of BonnPhum
Episode overview
To protect Cambodian traditional arts that were nearly wiped out by the Pol Pot regime, Lomorpich Rithy founded a festival called BonnPhum that combines modern pop culture and traditional arts.
2024x71
Dancing into the Future: Kanamori Jo / Dancer, Choreographer
Episode overview
Kanamori Jo is the artistic director of Noism, the first dance company in Japan with a permanent residency at a public theater. He discusses the importance of physical spaces for the performing arts.
2024x72
Highlighting the Lives of Individuals: Kim Insook / Artist
Episode overview
Based in South Korea and Japan, Kim Insook highlights diverse individuals through photography and video. She interacts with her subjects while looking beyond the labels society has given them.
2024x73
Changing the World with Disabled Artists: Matsuda Takaya / Entrepreneur/Co-CEO, HERALBONY
Episode overview
Matsuda Takaya heads a startup that turns the work of artists with disabilities into fashionable products and pays a portion of the proceeds back to them. He talks about their vision for the future.
2024x74
Saving the "Mother River": Niwat Roykaew / Chairperson, Chiang Khong Conservation Group
Episode overview
Thai environmental activist Niwat Roykaew has led the local movement to protect the Mekong River from massive development projects which are causing troubles to its environment.
2024x75
To Save Every Infant: Lee Jong-Rak / Pastor
Episode overview
Lee Jong-Rak is a South Korean pastor who has worked for the rights of mothers with unwanted pregnancies, overcoming criticism to establish the first "baby box" there to anonymously give up infants.
2024x76
Saving "Cinderella Species" From Extinction: Gerardo Garcia / Wildlife Conservationist
Episode overview
Wildlife conservationist Dr. Gerardo Garcia is using cutting-edge technology and engaging local communities to save "Cinderella species," which are endangered animals that are typically overlooked.
2024x77
Land-Based Aquaculture for Food Security: Yamamoto Toshimasa / Associate Professor, Okayama Universi
Episode overview
Yamamoto Toshimasa has developed a way to cultivate saltwater fish by mixing a special powder into fresh water, making aquaculture possible in inland areas. He talks about addressing the food crisis.
2024x78
Empowering Exiled Artists: Judith Depaule / Author, Co-Founder of Agency of Artists in Exile
Episode overview
Judith Depaule, Co-founder of the Agency of Artists in Exile in Paris, supports exiled artists by providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents and continue their creative work
2024x79
Reducing Poverty with Banana Paper: Ekberg Satoko / Social Entrepreneur
Episode overview
Ekberg Satoko started a business making paper from banana stems in the African country of Zambia, which is helping support farmers and create jobs. She talks about her approach to reducing poverty.
2024x80
A New Line of Defense Against Sexual Violence: Sakurai Masayoshi / CEO, Gawain
Episode overview
Through the use of personal alarms and community policing, Sakurai Masayoshi aims to reduce sexual violence in underprivileged areas. So far, he has provided support to about 17,500 women in India.
2024x81
Preventing Blindness Around the World: Shimizu Eisuke / Ophthalmologist
Episode overview
Shimizu Eisuke has developed an eye exam device that works as a smartphone attachment, making it possible to provide eye care anywhere. He talks about his goal of reducing global blindness by half.
2024x82
Shedding Light on the Global Water Cycle: Oki Taikan / Professor, Graduate School of Engineering, The University of Tokyo
Episode overview
In 2024, Oki Taikan was awarded the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize for his contributions to more sustainable water management on a global scale. He shares his research and proposals for the future.
2024x83
Exploring Humanity Through the Lens of Ancient Rome: Yamazaki Mari / Manga Artist, Writer, and Paint
Episode overview
Yamazaki Mari was honored with the Order of the Star of Italy for her contributions to the growth of Italian culture. She talks about creating manga comics that transcend time, space and borders.
2024x84
Landmines Become Seeds of Peace: Heng Ratana / Director General of CMAC
Episode overview
Having experienced the removal of landmines with Japan's assistance, Cambodia is now helping other countries with its demining technology. The leader of this initiative gives us his thoughts on peace.
2024x85
Raising the Asian American Voice: Jo-Ann Yoo / Community Activist
Episode overview
Jo-Ann Yoo is dedicated to advancing the wellbeing of Asian Americans, long overlooked and discriminated against, especially during Covid. She says it's time to kick down doors to demand their rights.
2024x86
Reimagining Traditional Cuisine: Peter Cuong Franklin / Chef/Founder, Anan Saigon
Episode overview
Renowned Vietnamese American chef Peter Cuong Franklin explains how growing up in Vietnam and then the U.S. inspired him to reinvent traditional dishes using innovative ideas and techniques.
2024x87
Dinosaurs Going Digital: Kawabe Soichiro / Paleontologist/Associate Professor, Institute of Dinosaur
Episode overview
Kawabe Soichiro is a paleontologist who works with one of the world's leading dinosaur museums in Fukui Prefecture. He has used digital technology to decipher the mysteries of dinosaur fossils.
2024x88
Finding Beauty in Rusting Iron: Hongo Shinya / Artist Blacksmith
Episode overview
Hongo Shinya is an iron forging artist who creates realistic, life-size animals by hammering iron countless times into shape. He talks about the message he hopes to convey through his work.
2024x89
Technology for Safer Childbirth: Ogata Yuko / Social Entrepreneur
Episode overview
Ogata Yuko has developed a medical device that can measure fetal heartbeat and send the results to a doctor remotely. The goal is to make childbirth safer in places without specialized OB-GYN care.
2024x90
Breaking the Poverty Cycle Through Education: Enomoto Megumi / CEO, Bridge for Lives in Mozambique
Episode overview
Enomoto Megumi opened free learning centers modeled on traditional Japanese temple schools to provide education for disadvantaged children in Mozambique. She talks about breaking the poverty cycle.
2024x91
Keeping Our Rivers Plastic Free: Gary Bencheghib / Environmental Activist, Founder of Sungai Watch
Episode overview
Gary Bencheghib, a French activist in Bali, founded Sungai Watch with 100+ members to clean rivers and turn plastic waste into new products. He tackles pollution cooperating with the local government.
2024x92
Lighting the Way with Architecture: Nagayama Yuko / Architect
Episode overview
In 2023, Nagayama Yuko won the prestigious iF Design Award in Retail Architecture for one of her store designs. Highly acclaimed for her use of light, she shares her thoughts on architecture.
2024x93
Theater Lights Up the World: Jean Bellorini / Theater Director
Episode overview
Jean Bellorini has taken in girls exiled from Afghanistan under the Taliban regime as actresses. He creates plays with them in the belief that cultural interaction is an essential part of theater.
2024x94
Reimagining Japan's Action Heroes: John Aoshima / Animation Director
Episode overview
With the 2024 blockbuster Ultraman: Rising, Animation Director John Aoshima introduced the iconic Japanese superhero to new audiences. He talks about bringing his heritage to the Hollywood screen.
2024x95
Renaissance Through Animations: Emmanuel Gérard / Director, la Cité de la tapisserie
Episode overview
Emmanuel Gérard established a collaboration between a 600-year-old French industry and Hayao Miyazaki's globally popular animations. The project's mission goes beyond Franco-Japanese cultural exchange.
2024x96
The Power of Persistence: Katalin Karikó / Nobel Prize-Winning Scientist
Episode overview
Katalin Karikó was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2023 for the development of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. But her research path was long and hard. She talks about her beliefs as a scientist.
2024x97
Preserving Biodiversity With Botanical Art: Yamanaka Masumi / Botanical Artist
Episode overview
Yamanaka Masumi, a botanical artist at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kew Gardens in the UK, shares how her work promotes biodiversity and plant beauty amidst rising environmental challenges.
2024x98
The Lasting Impact of Agent Orange: Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong / Doctor
Episode overview
Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong has been tackling the link between health hazards such as birth defects and the spraying of Agent Orange by the U.S. military for over 50 years since the Vietnam War.
2024x99
Unlocking the Full Potential of Athletes: Yanagawa Yoshimaro / Coach, Ikuei University Wrestling Team
Episode overview
Yanagawa Yoshimaro manages a budding college wrestling team that recently produced two gold medal winners in women's wrestling at the Paris Olympics. He talks about his unique coaching methods.
2024x100
Modern Puppetry With a Magic Spirit: Basil Twist / Puppeteer
Episode overview
Renowned puppeteer Basil Twist talks about his inspiration from Japan's traditional puppet theater, experiments with abstract puppetry, and his work on a hit stage adaptation of "My Neighbour Totoro."
2024x101
Finding a Voice for Japanese Literature: Sam Bett / Japanese-to-English Translator
Episode overview
Sam Bett has translated books by Kawakami Mieko and other popular contemporary Japanese authors. He talks about Japanese literature's popularity and why the world is embracing it now.
2024x102
Changing the World Through Words: Wago Ryoichi / Poet
Episode overview
Fukushima-based poet Wago Ryoichi, who experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake, has received international acclaim for his collection about his disaster-stricken hometown. He talks about his poetry.
2024x103
Communicating the Power of Taiko: Miyuki Williams / Taiko Drummer, Mugenkyo
Episode overview
Miyuki Williams lives in Scotland and is co-founder of Europe's longest-established Taiko group, Mugenkyo. This year, she is celebrating their 30th Anniversary with performances across the world.
2024x104
Never Give Up on Nuclear Abolition: Mimaki Toshiyuki / Co-Chair, Nihon Hidankyo
Episode overview
Mimaki Toshiyuki is co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo, winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. He talks about surviving the Hiroshima bombing and the group's work to achieve a world without nuclear weapons.

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