In-depth News Features | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

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  Thailand's 'Death Railway' emerges after years underwater 31.08.2026 5мин

  Traces of the infamous "Death Railway" have resurfaced in Thailand after more than four decades underwater, revealing relics of the Japanese structures built by forced labor during World War Two — and offering a rare and fleeting glimpse into one of the conflict’s darkest chapters. In May, NHK World visited the site with a villager who grew up along the tracks... just before rising water submerged them once again.
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  Heavy rain — What to watch out for when evacuating on foot or by car 13.08.2026 3мин

  Make sure to evacuate early. It is dangerous to evacuate on foot or by car in the middle of a flood. Here are some important points that will help keep you safe.
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  Japanese know-how and Fourth of July fireworks 12.08.2026 5мин

  This year's Fourth of July was one for the history books. Across the United States, millions gathered to mark a major milestone: the 250th anniversary of the Declaration of Independence. The nation celebrated with parades, barbecues, and spectacular fireworks. Some of the brightest displays that lit up the night sky featured a little Japanese know-how…and NHK World went behind the scenes to find out more.
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  World Cup legacy for New York kids 10.08.2026 4мин

  The World Cup brought soccer's biggest stars to the United States. Now, one nonprofit organization in New York City is trying to ensure the tournament has a lasting impact, creating opportunities for future talents. NHK World’s Inoue Yuki reports.
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  The man who identified Hiroshima's American dead 05.08.2026 5мин

  Twelve American prisoners of war died when their own country dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. An 8-year-old survivor of the blast would spend more than four decades ensuring they were not forgotten.
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  Safe sport for all: A Japanese boxing legend's next fight 04.08.2026 9мин

  The five-division world champion learned to navigate professional boxing by thinking for herself and delivering results. After the historic Hall of Fame induction, Fujioka Naoko is channeling that hard-earned experience into research to make sport safer, and more accessible for all. NHK World's Hattori Naoko explores how one of Japan's greatest boxing pioneers is redefining what it means to leave a legacy.
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  South Korea's defense industry steps onto the global stage 03.08.2026 6мин

  South Korea is emerging as one of the world's key players in the defense industry. Conflicts in the Middle East and Ukraine are driving demand for weapons as Seoul pursues an ambitious goal of becoming one of the world's top four military exporters. NHK Seoul Bureau correspondent Yamashita Ryota examines the weaponry, companies and strategy behind that push.
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  Rubio on Iran, China and Japan: 'Iran is begging for a deal' 24.07.2026 11мин

  US Secretary of State Marco Rubio says Washington has no regrets about taking military action against Iran — and may even have waited too long. In an exclusive interview with NHK, he warned that Tehran faces economic collapse unless it agrees to a deal and pointed to Japan's capabilities as countries seek to protect shipping through the Strait of Hormuz. This interview took place in the Philippines on July 23. Comments have been edited for clarity and brevity.
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  Jean Reno: The immigrant's son 16.07.2026 9мин

  French actor Jean Reno has been touring Japan with a one-man play drawn from his own life. Alone onstage, acting and singing, he revisits his childhood as the son of immigrants, the struggle to balance his work and his children, and how his memories of his parents still shape him. NHK World's Rodrigue Maillard-Belmonte sat down with Reno to learn the story behind his story, and find out why he chose to explore his personal history now.
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  Japanese cinema captivates new global audience 15.07.2026 6мин

  A new generation of Japanese filmmakers is emerging across a wide range of genres, their work winning critical acclaim at film festivals around the world. The recognition follows the success of directors like Koreeda Hirokazu and Kitano Takeshi, who have been captivating global audiences for decades.
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  Japan EV startup drives Philippines e-jeepney shift 13.07.2026 2мин

  Millions of people across the Philippines rely on the jeepney — a colorful, open-air minibus — to get to and from work. But in recent months, they’ve had a harder time finding the iconic vehicles, with soaring gasoline and diesel prices forcing many jeepney drivers off the road. But where the traditional mode of transit has stalled, a Japanese startup has seen a big opportunity.
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  Why New York's bodega cats are big business drivers 29.06.2026 6мин

  The secret to a successful business in New York City might have whiskers and paws. Walk into many of the city's 10,000 corner stores known as bodegas, and you might find a "bodega cat" beckoning customers like a live version of a Japanese lucky "Maneki-neko" figure. From an orange tabby making an extra 400 dollars a day to a feisty feline that took on a health inspector, NHK World's Inoue Yuki went behind the storefronts to meet some of the hardest-working (and cutest) shopkeepers in the Big Apple.
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  How the US, China and Singapore see Indo-Pacific security 25.06.2026 8мин

  Officials and experts gathered in Singapore at the end of May for one of Asia's most influential security forums. This year's Shangri-La Dialogue unfolded against a backdrop of growing uncertainty. As crises in Europe and the Middle East continue to demand US strategic attention and resources, governments across the Indo-Pacific are increasingly questioning Washington's long-term commitment to the region. NHK spoke with a former senior US official, a Chinese expert and a former Singaporean diplomat who attended the forum. Some of their views differed sharply, but all three agreed on one point: the future of regional security will depend not only on military deterrence, but on whether major powers can manage intensifying competition without allowing it to escalate into confrontation.
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  Amazon basin mercury crisis echoes Japan's Minamata tragedy 19.06.2026 6мин

  Seven decades have passed since the devastating effects of Minamata disease — caused by mercury poisoning — were officially recognized in southwestern Japan. The tragedy affected thousands of people and their families with a legacy that continues to cast a long shadow. A similar crisis is developing on the other side of the world, among indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest. Driven by soaring gold prices, illegal mining that uses mercury in the extraction process is spreading rapidly, polluting the waters from where local people source fish as a dietary staple.
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  Why Japan is obsessed with 3D bubble stickers 09.06.2026 4мин

  Pokemon cards, Purikura photo booths and capsule toys all began as trends before becoming fixtures of everyday life in Japan. Now, businesses are wondering whether 3D bubble stickers could be next. The puffy stickers are surging in popularity among children and adults alike. Retailers struggle to keep them in stock as shoppers embark on "sticker patrols" to hunt for inventory and companies cash in.
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  How wig making in Thailand helps cancer patients and prisoners 04.06.2026 4мин

  Cancer patients in Thailand are finding comfort ― and confidence ― through an unusual network of support: donated hair, prison workshops, and free handmade wigs. Human-hair wigs can cost hundreds of dollars in Thailand, putting them out of reach for many patients already struggling with medical bills. A former nurse is trying to change that.
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  Japan recruits foreign bus drivers amid worsening labor shortage 01.06.2026 5мин

  As Japan heads into another busy tourist season, bus companies across the country are struggling to keep the wheels turning with driver shortages forcing route cuts and service reductions. Increasingly, they are turning to foreign recruits who can come to Japan on skilled worker visas. The new arrivals undergo comprehensive training to eventually qualify as full-fledged drivers capable of operating safely and communicating with passengers.
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  Gold fever is destroying the Amazon rainforest 25.05.2026 7мин

  As gold prices have quadrupled over the past decade, miners across the globe are scrambling to cash in. But the boom has cast a dark shadow across South America's Amazon rainforest. Illegal mining has spiraled out of control in Peru, where more than 40 percent of exported gold is sourced unlawfully, according to an official government survey. Methods used to extract the precious metal are inflicting severe damage on the environment ― including mercury contamination ― and harming local communities. An NHK World crew traveled to the front lines where authorities are trying to crack down on illegal operations.
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  Myanmar crisis deepens as global focus fades 18.05.2026 8мин

  A senior United Nations monitor who has authored multiple reports on Myanmar since a 2021 military coup upended its fragile democracy is warning the country is sinking deeper into crisis. Tom Andrews served as Special Rapporteur on Myanmar for six years and finished up in the post in April. He now holds the same position covering Cambodia but says he wishes he could have done more for the people of Myanmar. In a frank interview with NHK World, Andrews details a nation in despair as attacks on civilians increase and the international community turns its attention to other global conflicts.
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  Japan's business manager visa dilemma: crackdown, or discouraging foreign entrepreneurs 05.05.2026 8мин

  Japan has tightened the requirements for its business manager residence status, which allows foreign nationals to start businesses in the country. The move was driven by multiple concerns, including misuse of the visa. While the crackdown aims to restore trust in the system, experts say it also risks pushing legitimate foreign entrepreneurs away from Japan. NHK World's Ekuan Koji listens to voices of those involved to explore this unfolding dilemma.