Direct Talk

Director Seto Momoko's animated film "Dandelion's Odyssey" won the International Federation of Film Critics' award at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. She talks about her creative philosophy.

Leading Japanese dancer and choreographer Kondo Ryohei served as director of the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Deaflympics in November 2025. He talks about the potential of physical expression.

In June 2025, Kobayashi Yoshitsugu published a trailblazing paper, illuminating the evolutionary process of large tyrannosaurs. He explains how such research helps us consider the future of humanity.

The architect Sejima Kazuyo has won global attention for her delicate style, breaking from the norm to achieve free, open spaces. She explains her architectural philosophy.

Yoshioka Hideto has led the international NGO Japan Heart for over 20 years, providing free medical support in developing nations. He shares plans to establish a hub for pediatric care in Cambodia.

Katayama Mari has earned international acclaim for her self-portraits with hand-sewn objects she made herself. She talks about her creative origins and producing work that challenges social norms.

Hiraoka Kasumi is in the international spotlight after winning an award at the VerticalMovie Festival 2025. She talks about combining social commentary with fantasy-inspired storytelling.

Otani Sho is the first Japanese professional to be named Nature Photographer of the Year by the prestigious International Photography Awards. He talks about capturing the beauty of tiny sea creatures.

Ito Junji is a horror manga artist renowned worldwide for his intricate artwork and unique vision, which earned him a place in the prestigious Eisner Awards Hall of Fame in 2025. What inspires him?

In 2025, Ohtake Makiko won a NASA award for significant accomplishments relating to Solar System exploration science. She talks about investigating the birth of our planet and moon.

Fujimoto Akio's film "LOST LAND," about Rohingya siblings in a refugee camp who embark on a perilous journey, was honored at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. He talks about his passion for filmmaking.

Matsumoto Toshihide delivers toothbrushes to children who fled Myanmar and live in evacuation shelters that lack proper medical facilities. He talks about protecting their lives through oral care.

Ichiko Aoba puts distinctive, whispery vocals over floating, classical guitar melodies. We explore why her music captivates listeners around the world, despite being sung in Japanese.

In 2025, Yasuda Kan won the Isamu Noguchi Award, given to artists who embody a spirit of innovation, global consciousness, and commitment to cultural exchange. He talks about the power of sculpture.

Ushioda Kazuya's realistic art has been winning top prizes in international competitions. He tells us about creating his detailed portraits, and the thought that goes into each one.

In her acclaimed novels, author Julie Otsuka draws on the experiences of her Japanese-American family, preserving stories that were once nearly forgotten.

Enami Noriyuki won the coveted Double Gold Award at the world's most prestigious marmalade-making competition in 2020 and 2022. He talks about the secrets of his craft and his tumultuous journey.

In 2024, Ishigami Junya received the prestigious Austrian Frederick Kiesler Prize for Architecture and the Arts. He talks about his groundbreaking work and ponders the meaning of architecture.

Muta Yoca is an artist whose vibrant, dynamic pieces are based on the Kutani-yaki style of ceramics. We speak with Muta about her global popularity and how she creates art unburdened by convention.

Malaysian journalist Ian Yee investigates social issues and hidden crimes. He's revealed child prostitution and drug trade networks, showing the power of independent media. Hear his vital insights.

Activist Satish Kumar returns to Hiroshima after 60 years to meet Kiriake Chieko, a hibakusha and member of the Nobel Peace Prize-winning organization Nihon Hidankyo, and younger advocates for peace.

In October 2024, Watanabe Naoko became the first Japanese woman to scale all 14 of the world's mountains that reach 8,000m above sea level. What drove her on this tremendous but perilous quest?

Imoto Katsuyuki is working to promote financial independence among ethnic minorities in conflict-torn Myanmar by teaching them agriculture. He talks about what is needed to support them.

For over three decades, human rights activist and former political prisoner Bo Kyi has been fighting for Myanmar's democratization from his base in Thailand.

Kabuki has a 400-year history. Kabuki actor Nakamura Kazutaro is carrying on the tradition and he has achieved great success in Spain blending Kabuki and Flamenco. What is the future he envisions?

Erika Colon is the artistic director of a choir for children with hearing and visual impairments. The group's aim is to make music accessible to all. She talks about developing a new form of music.

Farwiza Farhan founded NGO "HAkA" to save Sumatra's rainforests. She trains locals as rangers, uses drones and satellite data, and works with authorities to stop illegal logging and protect nature.

Hara Kazuo is the first person from Asia to win the Golden Ring Special Edition prize at an Italian film festival that explores the dark side of movies. He talks about his vision for documentaries.

In 2024, Chiba Tetsuya was the first manga artist to be awarded Japan's Order of Culture. Famous for the boxing manga "Ashita no Joe," Chiba is now working on stories about his childhood in the war.

René Redzepi, a top chef, is known for his innovative cuisine, which combines Nordic ingredients with fermentation techniques. He shares insights on shaping a sustainable future for the culinary world.

Taejun Shin applies the five constant virtues of Confucianism in providing microfinance services to women in rural Asia. We learn how he balances running a business with helping people.

Kofi Bazzell-Smith teaches manga drawing at college and is known as the first professor of manga practice in the US. He is passionate about manga as an art form with cinematic characteristics.

For over 150 years, Yamamoto Yasuo's family has made soy sauce in wooden barrels. This traditional method is close to dying out, but Yamamoto intends to keep it alive for future generations.

Known for work that explores the traces of time's passage, photographer Ishiuchi Miyako has won numerous honors, including the prestigious Hasselblad Award. She shares insights about her photography.

Julian Sedgwick is an award-winning British author of novels for teenagers. His work is inspired by his love of Japan and the resilience of its people since the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

Aoki Kenta of the certified NPO SALASUSU has helped tackle human trafficking and poverty in Cambodia for over 20 years. How is Japan's "Lesson Study" method used to reform Cambodia's public education?

Baseball glove craftsman Shigeaki Aso's custom-made gloves have been worn by legendary players. His dedication to craft has earned him the title of "Glove Guru" in the MLB.

Tomita Hiroshi is the founder of a company that specializes in detecting underground cavities. He discusses how his technology is reducing risks and mitigating damage from all sorts of disasters.

Makihara Daizoh is drawing attention from around the world for crafting timepieces that embody a Japanese aesthetic. He talks about the appeal of analog watchmaking in the digital age.

Hikikomori, first seen in 90s Japan, is now a global phenomenon. In France, Tadaaki Furuhashi brought awareness and treatment, with rising cases due to social anxiety and unemployment.

A Cambodian film director who survived Khmer Rouge persecution talks about the deep meaning of keeping tragic memories alive through filmmaking to pass on a message of love and peace.

Haraguchi Akihisa leads One Village One Product in Japan to provide products from villages in Kyrgyzstan, contributing to local incomes among the stagnant economy by selling around 700 items.

Yasuda Junichi directed "A Samurai in Time," a playful film made on a shoestring budget that became a word-of-mouth hit. Yasuda, who is also a rice farmer, gives us the behind-the-scenes story.

Nakajima Hiromitsu makes supportive devices for world-class para-athletes such as gold medal-winning wheelchair tennis player Kamiji Yui. He talks about helping them perform at their best.

Cannon Hersey, grandson of the Pulitzer-Prize-winning author John Hersey, shares about his art, heritage, and why he has visited Hiroshima over 35 times while contemplating the meaning of memory.

Mayunkiki is an artist with Ainu root and began to disseminate Ainu culture. In recent years, her unique view of the world has been attracting interest not only from home but also from abroad.

Japanese American director Matthew Ozawa has been pushing the boundaries of opera throughout his career. He won acclaim for drawing on his own heritage, to free Madama Butterfly from stereotypes.

Yamauchi Anna offers fertility support in East Asia, where speaking about pregnancy is still regarded as taboo. Sharing her experiences of miscarriage, her services are expanding women's choices.

Afuso Michie is a Japanese-Brazilian woman who runs a center in Kanagawa Prefecture that offers Japanese language classes and other services which help foreign residents find their footing.

92-year-old sake brewer Noguchi Naohiko has made significant contributions to the sake industry over his seven-decade career. He talks about carrying on old traditions while innovating new ones.

Miyagawa Eriko, a bilingual producer of SHOGUN, the highly acclaimed 2024 historical drama TV series set in Japan 400 years ago, talks about portraying Japan authentically in Hollywood.

Goto Masashi runs a platform linking coffee farmers and buyers directly, ensuring stable incomes despite market volatility. We asked him about the future of coffee amid climate change and challenges.

Indonesian product designer Singgih Susilo Kartono has launched initiatives to revitalize deserted villages by producing unique products utilizing local natural resources such as bamboo.

Sotoo Etsuro, Japanese sculptor at Sagrada Familia, has worked 47 years, interpreting Gaudi's vision and advancing the Basilica's completion, connecting past and future through sculpture.

French judoka Clarisse Agbegnenou, a medalist at three consecutive Olympic Games and advocate towards a society where women can thrive more, continues her athletic career even after giving birth.

An American journalist and author reports on nuclear victims' stories. Fallout, her masterpiece, explores how John Hersey's Hiroshima uncovered hibakusha experiences under GHQ's intense scrutiny.

Kajita Mami, a former physics researcher, created a crime prediction system after being robbed in Italy. With world-leading accuracy, it is used by Brazil's police. Can it lead to a crime-free world?

Dr. Akiko Iwasaki has devoted her career to studying vaccines, to ward off infectious diseases. She talks about breakthroughs in understanding Long COVID, and the importance of diverse voices in science.

Murase Hidehiro trains search-and-rescue dogs to save lives in disaster areas around the world. He talks about the importance of having dogs that are specifically able to respond to disasters in Asia.

In 2024, Miyakoshi Akiko won a New York Times' Best Illustrated Children's Book Award. We see how she creates art, using charcoal and watercolors. And we discover the inspiration behind her work.

Since 2021, Yoshida Hirofumi has been principal guest conductor of the Odesa National Academic Opera and Ballet Theater in Ukraine. He talks about what he hopes to convey through music amid conflict.

Sekiguchi Itaru helped to restore the pipe organ at Notre Dame in Paris, following the cathedral's fire in 2019. He tells us about his work, including the tuning and voicing of these instruments.

Akasaka Yogetsu, a priest with an international following, is known for combining beatboxing with Buddhist mantras. He talks about Zen philosophy and the spirit of "living in the here and now."

Asakawa Chieko develops innovative products that transform the lives of the visually impaired. Asakawa, who is blind herself, introduces her greatest project yet: an AI suitcase.

In 2024, a team led by Saito Kentaro won the bronze trophy as well as a special prize at the prestigious Montreal International Fireworks Competition. He talks about what fireworks mean to him.

Mizushiri Yoriko won the Silver Bear in the short film competition at the 2025 Berlin International Film Festival. She talks about her passion for creating animations that evoke a sense of touch.

Filmmaker Soda Kazuhiro, whose latest work won the Best Movie Award at a film festival in 2024, tells us about the "observational" documentary style he has been championing for 20 years.

Nagasaka Mago makes art with discarded smartphones, computers, and other e-waste from the slums of Ghana, then uses much of the proceeds to give back to the community. He talks about his vision.

Kimura Masahiko is a legend of the bonsai world who has won the Prime Minister's Award, one of the industry's highest honors, 27 times. He talks about creating original works that break the mold.

Yoshida Miyako performed around the world as a Royal Ballet principal dancer, and is now a top artistic director in Japan. She explains the challenges Japanese ballet faces on the international stage.

Nakahara Sachiko translates the looks of popular Japanese anime and manga characters into costumes for live-action adaptations. She talks about making an impact on the global stage.

The pianist Sumino Hayato is winning international acclaim for a style that blends various genres, while remaining rooted in classical music. He tells us what he hopes to communicate through his art.

In 2020, Kitajima Masaaki published the world's first paper on how the spread of COVID-19 could be tracked by monitoring wastewater. He talks about making an impact on infectious disease control.

The majority of Niger, in Africa, is occupied by the Sahara, and desertification is a major problem. Oyama Shuichi introduces his method of increasing vegetation using household waste.

Ishikawa Mao is an award-winning photographer who has been documenting the lives of people in Okinawa for 50 years. She talks about what she wants to express through her work.

Yoshida Katsuji investigates unexplored caves around the world, and won the Uemura Naomi Adventure Award for his achievements in Laos. He talks about the appeal of cave exploration.

World-class stuntman Obikane Nobuyuki won an Emmy Award for his work on the hit historical TV drama series "Shogun." He talks about his techniques for achieving realistic, thrilling action.

Shimomura Yoko created music for many of the world's most popular video games, and was recently awarded a BAFTA Fellowship. She explains how she writes music that captivates players.

Hayashiya Tsuruko is breaking new ground by reinterpreting the Japanese art of classic rakugo comic storytelling from a woman's perspective. She talks about her message for modern audiences.

Kurosaki Yu is a blacksmith specializing in Echizen cutlery, a 700-year-old Japanese craft. His knives are sought after by chefs in Japan and overseas. He talks about achieving ultimate sharpness.

Matsuo Takahiro has gained international recognition for installations that fuse light with cutting-edge technology. He talks about how he creates his one-of-a-kind light art.

Tsuji Masachika is working on using sounds that birds dislike to keep them away from airplanes and prevent bird strikes. He talks about seeking ways for wild animals and humans to coexist in harmony.

Nail artist Kawajiri Mei is acclaimed by global fashion icons and artists for her boundless imagination and unique sense of humor. She tells us about the source of her inspiration

Kadota Shunji has been working for many years to empower people with disabilities to live independently. His efforts have helped shape policies around the world. He talks about his journey so far.

Inoue Hiroko is the president of an NGO that has been running exchange programs for young people from Israel, Palestine, and Japan for 20 years. She talks about their goals and her hope for peace.

In 2025, Otani Akira's book "The Night of Baba Yaga" won the UK's prestigious Dagger prize for crime fiction in translation - a first for a Japanese author. She talks about the inspiration behind her work.

Umemoto Ayaka is captain of the Japan women's national deaf volleyball team. She and her teammates, who include her twin sister Sayaka, are aiming for the gold at the 2025 Tokyo Deaflympics.

Atsuko Okatsuka is a US-based stand-up comedian with fans all over the world. She tells us why she pursues comedy, and talks about finding humor within the hardships of life in a minority group.

Amblyopia is a condition where vision in one eye doesn't properly develop. Ishigaki Yo has created a device that improves vision through gaming. He talks about designing products that benefit society.

Ito Satomi has designed costumes for many top-tier figure skaters from Japan and overseas. She shares her passion and inspiration for her craft.

In the choir division of a major gospel event, held in New York in May 2025, TiA led a group of 86 Japanese singers to victory. She tells us about the significance of gospel music.

Hosono Hitomi's botanically themed ceramics are highly acclaimed and held in museum collections across the world. She talks about her intricate designs and unmatched technique.

In July 2025, Hayashi Hisashi became the first Japanese winner of a prestigious German award for the best board game of the year. How does he design games that captivate players around the world?

In July 2025, Ibuki became the first Japanese winner of the world's most prestigious magic competition. He talks about his swift rise to success, and explains how he comes up with original tricks.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Muhammad Noor works to unite stateless Rohingya refugees through digital language preservation and creating digital IDs, offering vital support to their community.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ekberg Satoko started a business making Fair Trade verified paper from banana stems in Zambia, which is helping support farmers and create jobs. She talks about her approach to reducing poverty.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Ogata Yhuko 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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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."

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Indonesian social entrepreneur Arief Rabik has launched an eco-business aimed at revitalizing forests and rural economies by planting bamboo with local residents.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Shoshana Stewart is President of Turquoise Mountain, established in 2006, which works to protect heritage and communities at risk around the world.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Independent animation creator Chen Lianhua describes his creative philosophy as indie animation gains new attention in China, where such programs have gathered major viewership.

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.

Chang-Haeng is a juggler who has performed in over 80 countries. He grew up in Japan, but his Korean heritage made him the target of vicious bullying. He speaks with us about his life and his art.

Naka Kotobuki runs a company producing peanut butter in the Khotang District of Nepal. She is cultivating the local peanut industry and creating a work environment where women can thrive.

Antoine Hubert, the world's biggest mealworm farmer is tackling the looming global food crisis by bringing insects as a new source of protein. His team invented an innovative farming technology.

Bella Galhos, a former East Timorese independence activist, shares with us her mission: what needs to be done for Timor-Leste to become a vigorous and stable society and attain financial independence.

Christopher Coutanceau, a French chef running a restaurant rated 3 stars by the most famous guidebook, proposes sustainable gastronomy respecting the limited resource of the planet.

In 2018 and 2019, Kon Hiyori won back-to-back second-place trophies in the women's openweight division of the Sumo World Championships. She's getting more people interested in sumo wrestling.

Professor Steve Brusatte is an American paleontologist teaching at Edinburgh University. He specializes in the evolution of dinosaurs, and he has named 15 new species.

Ties van der Hoeven is a co-founder of a Dutch firm of holistic engineers with a plan to regreen the Sinai Peninsula, dry land in Egypt. Ties believes regreening is an answer to tackle climate change.

Professor Jemma Wadham is a leading glaciologist who has spent the last twenty years examining glaciers in places as diverse as the Himalayas, the Andes and the Alps.

Olimpia Coral Melo Cruz helped pass regulation on "digital" violence that became law in Mexico. She was a victim of revenge porn where her former partner spread videos and photos of them having sex.

Amidst growing censorship of art and media in China, the performance artist Nut Brother has used his imaginative works to speak out against modern issues such as pollution and class differences.

Ota Akimi recently won multiple international awards for his documentary film on the Amazon rainforest. He talks about developing a style of visual storytelling that transcends borders and boundaries.

Explore the origins of Gundam!Tomino Yoshiyuki is the creator of "Gundam," an iconic sci-fi robot anime series. For over 50 years his work has explored the social issues facing humankind. He talks about his creative process.

Missing limbs, bruises, medical devices... The look-alike dolls for children with a unique appearance handcrafted by A Doll Like Me are helping to further an inclusive world.

When 16 elephants set off on a sudden journey from their home in China's Yunnan Province, elephant specialist Wang Bin mobilized to ensure that both humans and the elephants would remain safe.

Singer and actor Olivia Newton-John was awarded the Order of the Rising Sun by the Japanese government in 2021. She is also a cancer survivor and is working to raise awareness about cancer.

Mori Ryohei has developed a novel 100% nature-derived biodegradable plastic that is made without petroleum products. In 2020, his startup was selected to receive financial support from the U.N.

Brandon Farbstein is a Gen Z with disabilities, pushing for an anti-bullying law. Chosen as one of the "Most Influential Teens in the World," he currently works on inclusion strategies for companies.

Italian 100m sprinter Lamont Marcell Jacobs took gold in the Tokyo Olympics. How did the relatively unknown athlete train his mind and body to be crowned the fastest man in the world?

Over 3 years, a French Pianist Guilhem Fabre has run "uNopia," his own project in the aim of making classical music known and loved by audiences who don't normally have access to it.

Hanayagi Juraku's original Nihonbuyo performance film "Diversity of Japan ~MAI~" was premiered at the Japan Pavilion at Expo 2020 Dubai. He shares his passion for this Japanese classical dance form.

Joshua Miele designs accessibility tools for people with disabilities to interact equitably with the world. He explains how the pursuit of equal access has driven innovations for the benefit of all.

A transgender state senator is working to eliminate discrimination against not only LGBTQs but all people in a divided America. She aims to create a safe society where everyone can live with dignity.

Mitsubori Junichi is a confectioner who has made Wagashi (traditional Japanese sweets) in front of wowed audiences around the world, including at the prestigious Salon du Chocolat in France.

Leena Kejriwal is a photographer and artist. She blends art and technology to create awareness about India's child trafficking, using stencils, games and digital comics based on true stories.

Saito Eita is an executive at a Fukushima-based company that has developed the world's thinnest and lightest silk, which it supplies to luxury brands around the world. He shares his passion for silk.

Rationality has made society healthier and more peaceful, argues Harvard Professor, Steven Pinker. Now, in our era of fake news, we need institutions which bring back trust in evidence-based thinking.

Professor Ryad Alsous fled Syria in 2013 in the civil war as his life was in danger. He has set up a beekeeping project in the North of England, to help other refugees.

Ingrid Daubechies has collaborated with people from various fields to solve problems using innovative mathematical theory. Her recent art project was created to show that math is everywhere!

Kenneth Rimdahl came from Sweden to Chiang Mai, Thailand. There he discovered "miang," an edible tea made with leaves from local tea plants. Now his business helps protect the forests where they grow.

Jane Da Mosto is an environmental scientist living in Venice. In 2015, she founded WE ARE HERE VENICE, which draws attention to the health of the Venetian lagoon system.

To understand the problem of abusive policing in America, Georgetown University professor Rosa Brooks became a rookie cop herself, then founded a program to help recruits reimagine their profession.

Fujimoto Yasushi developed an ultra-high pressure cleaning machine that can remove unauthorized graffiti on walls with ease. He talks about his innovative, non-chemical, eco-friendly cleaning system.

A female entrepreneur formed a robotics team of teenage girls in Afghanistan. Undaunted by the Taliban's return to power, she struggles to change the future of Afghan women through digital literacy.

The logistics industry is suffering from a labor shortage amid the COVID situation. We feature an engineer who has developed a cloud robotic system aiming for collaborating between humans and robots.

Inata Miori has photographed holy sites worldwide. She was holding an exhibition in Kyiv when Russia invaded Ukraine. She talks about the sanctity of everyday life and what we can do to protect it.

Benoit Schumann, a professional firefighter, founded Project Rescue Ocean to make citizens aware of the environment and to take actions.

Matsuoka Satoshi oversees the operations of Fugaku, a Japanese supercomputer named for Mt. Fuji. It made global headlines when it succeeded in visualizing the aerosol dispersal of COVID-19.

Takahashi Tomohiro is a journalist who photographs disaster sites. Since the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, he's been traveling across Japan increasing disaster awareness and preparedness.

Yalitza Aparicio, indigenous Mexican and Academy Award nominee, strives for minority inclusion in the media, driven by childhood memories of television where no faces like hers were to be found.

Cofounding an organization which measures companies' impact on society, Jay Cohen Gilbert is working to reshape corporate culture to benefit all stakeholders, from workers to suppliers to communities.

James Wong is a popular botanist working in the UK. He is also an author and television presenter on gardening programs.

Hirabayashi Kei wants to break down the barriers between able-bodied people and those with disabilities. He shares his passion for stylish, accessible and inclusive fashion.

Pritzker Prize-winning Ban Shigeru is known for his commitment to disaster relief efforts, such as his work to improve living conditions at shelters. He talks about helping Ukrainian refugees.

A legendary New York actor and director best known for playing Connie in "A Chorus Line" now strives to create opportunities for Asian performers. She talks about racial diversity in American theater.

Rafa (19) is the founder of EwasteRJ, a nonprofit community organization tackling the e-waste problem in Indonesia. At 12, he became the youngest published Indonesian author with his book "E-WASTE."

Shirley Raines provides makeovers for the homeless in downtown L.A. Beauty services bring back dignity and hope to them. We ask her about her expanding organization and what's most needed today.

Okawa Yoshiaki is attempting to breathe new life into a 1,300-year-old Japanese music tradition. He traces his beginnings with the koto—a plucked string instrument—and reflects on its sound.

Thanks to Tinia's innovative approach, her 8-employee urban start-up in Brooklyn, New York, provides safe and nutritious fresh produce with no environmental impact.

Dutch shareholder activist Mark van Baal challenges the power of Big Oil and urges these influential companies to abandon fossil fuels and commit to a fossil free future.

After the Russian invasion of Ukraine, the author Boris Akunin condemned Vladimir Putin's aggression and began fundraising to help Ukrainians. Akunin says his actions represent the "true Russia."

Shinpuku Yoko was recognized by the World Health Organization on its 2020 list of "100 Outstanding Women Nurse and Midwife Leaders." She talks about her work to improve maternal health in Tanzania.

Victims of female genital mutilation reached 200 million. The UN has called for ending the practice, but it still continues. Waris Dirie is fighting to eradicate FGM through her own testimonies.

Generation Z computer wiz Avi Schiffmann uses his coding skills to confront global crises, with websites tracking the coronavirus outbreak and connecting Ukrainian refugees with temporary housing.

Award-winning chef José Andrés is the founder of World Central Kitchen, a non-profit organization supporting people in disaster areas with fresh food. He shares his passion for humanitarian work.

The esports market is worth $1 billion (USD) a year, and Tokido is a prominent figure in that world, having won multiple global fighting game championships. Hear about his life in gaming.

Awata Takaya and his international chain of udon restaurants have made the firm and flexible noodles a hit overseas. He talks about his localization strategy and business philosophy.

Like a sci-fi dream come true, a service using drones to deliver medicines was launched in Africa. This service that presents a challenge to the future of logistics has spread to Japan and the USA.

Deja Foxx created GenZ Girl Gang. The platform helped peers bond during isolation due to COVID-19. The network is leading to a more real connection today, as we exit the pandemic and tackle agendas.

Russian filmmaker Vitaly Mansky documented Putin's rise to power in 2000. His films reveal early clues to Putin's objectives in Ukraine and how Russia lost its way on the road to democracy.

Fukuda Naoki is a photographer the world's premier boxing magazine once referred to as the "undisputed champion." He talks about the technique and passion that goes into capturing critical moments.

Andrey Kurkov is a bestselling Ukrainian writer with Russian roots. We ask him about the current conflict and his novel set in the "grey zone," a space that neither Russia nor Ukraine controlled.

Giulio Bonazzi takes nylon waste such as fishing nets and carpets to recycle them into ECONYL(R) nylon. He is reshaping the fashion industry that's been behind with environmental measures.

Food waste is a major problem. A founder of a non-profit in Germany is tackling the issue by rescuing food destined for the dustbin.

Maeno Ould Koutaro studies the desert locust, a creature that has wreaked havoc on humanity since the dawn of civilization. His extensive field research has increased our understanding of the insect.

Miyazaki Kensuke paints murals in areas affected by conflict and poverty with the support of local people. He talks about his work in Ukraine and the power of art amid Russia's invasion.

Thai journalist Nalutporn Krairiksh is the founder of ThisAble.me, a website about disabled people and disability rights. A disabled person herself, she seeks a society of true equality for all.

Trendsetter Kerry Murphy co-founded a digital fashion house. Digital fashion is now mainly used by Gen Z for self-expression on social media and in the metaverse, but the market is expanding.

Dr. Firdausi Qadri is a Bangladeshi scientist specializing in infectious diseases such as cholera. In 2021 she was awarded the Ramon Magsaysay Award, the Asian Nobel Prize, for her work.

Kawaguchi Nobuhiro is trying to bring solar panels to parts of Africa that lack electricity, in order to supply schools and public facilities with power. He talks about changing lives in rural Africa.

Tamsin Mather's research into how mercury and other volcanic gases affect the atmosphere has triggered new exploration into the cause of mass extinctions of living organisms in earth's distant past.

A poet living in western Ukraine, created rap songs to call for resistance to Russian invasion. He speaks to the world for people to realize more about what is currently happening in Ukraine.

Orii Koji is a traditional craftsman who uses a special technique to develop unique colors on copper panels less than 1mm thick. He talks about what goes into creating beautiful copperware.

James Rebanks is a British farmer who runs a 600-year-old farm in the Lake District in the UK. He is also the author of 2 best-selling books and is a campaigner for sustainable farming.

Firzana Redzuan founded Monsters Among Us, the only youth-led child sexual abuse advocacy organization in Malaysia that aims to create a safer world for children.

Mountain climber Xia Boyu (73) lost both feet when he climbed Mount Everest for the first time. After 43 years, finally on May 14, 2018, he reached the summit of Everest.

Renowned yachtsman Horie Kenichi, 83, recently became the oldest person to complete a nonstop solo voyage across the Pacific Ocean. What compels him to set sail for the horizon?

In the era of #MeToo, intimacy coordinators play an important role in TV, film and theater, ensuring actors feel comfortable performing intimate scenes, while helping directors execute their visions.

Growing up in a Nairobi slum, Kenya's leading pro gamer didn't even own a pair of shoes, let alone a game console. Today, he uses his prize money to help slum kids find a better future.

Naomi Shimada is a successful model working in Europe. She has also been a campaigner for more diversity in the fashion industry and has co-authored a book about social media.

Tanabe Chikuunsai IV's bamboo art has been exhibited at the British Museum and other prestigious museums around the world. He talks about the creative possibilities of art installations using bamboo.

To avoid pollution, a business has started transforming the huge number of temple flowers discarded into the Ganges River into incense. It's a model of circular economy that respects local customs.

Polish veterinarian Radosław Fedaczyński is head of an animal shelter that is working to save animals caught up in the horror of the ongoing conflict in Poland's neighbor, Ukraine.

How and when will Belarus, long ruled by the iron hand of a dictator, achieve democracy? Svetlana Tikhanovskaya, the exiled Belarus opposition leader, talks to us from Lithuania.

Osa Yukie, who has many years of experience working in conflict zones around the world, is the head of an NGO that has been providing humanitarian aid to refugees from Russia's invasion of Ukraine.

Nagahara Chisato won third prize in an international competition for cheesemongers in 2021. She talks about the unique cheese that is developed in the agricultural region of Tokachi in Hokkaido Prefecture.

Ukrainian picture book creator Romana Romanyshyn co-founded the art studio "Agrafka." Despite the 2022 Russian invasion, she remains in her homeland to communicate the truth of war through her works.

The number of Vietnamese people working in Japan has been on the rise in recent years. And when a Vietnamese person in Japan is in need, Buddhist nun Thich Tam Tri is there to help, day or night.

Hayakawa Chie has garnered international acclaim for "Plan 75," a feature-length drama about senior citizens facing choices of life and death. She shares her experience of making the film.

Baseball team co-owner Jesse Cole has enhanced entertainment and family fun with his unique approach to presenting games. His team, the Savannah Bananas, has more followers than any Major League team.

Thai activist Patima Tungpuchayakul is co-founder of the NGO called Labour Protection Network. She has been saving workers victimized by the giant fishing industry that is exporting seafood worldwide.

Despite all obstacles, then-Director Bill Kramer led the Academy Museum to its successful opening in 2021. With his proven leadership, Bill became the new CEO of A.M.P.A.S. in July 2022.

Besides helping to revive the Tour de France Femmes for the first time in 13 years, Kathryn Bertine, former pro cyclist and CEO of an NPO, strives to eliminate gender disparities in the cycling world.

Kishikawa Masanori is a Shinto priest who has organized live painting events, anime collaborations and more at a 1,300-year-old shrine. He shares his vision of a shrine for modern times.

Robin Takashi Lewis developed an app to reduce consumption of single-use plastic bottles. He shares how he's creatively working on changing mindsets, one bottle at a time.

Ikehara Masaki's company takes detritus such as volcanic ash and seashells and transforms them into regional souvenirs. He talks about the potential of their proprietary solidification technology.

Matsuda Aoko won a prestigious international fantasy fiction prize in 2021 for one of her short story collections. She talks about her work and how it explores gender issues and feminist themes.

Sir Mark Lowcock, former UN Relief Chief, has worked for nearly 40 years in international development policy and global humanitarian issues.

Honma Mareki is part of an international project involving 200+ scientists that claims to have photographed a black hole, both in 2019 and 2022. Can a black hole truly be seen? Prof. Honma explains.

Mitsuta Haruo is the only craftsman in Japan specializing in "jizai okimono"—meticulously made, highly articulated metal figures of animals such as insects and crustaceans. He talks about his craft.

In India, sanitary products are uncommon. Saathi makes pads from banana fiber, supplying women who lack access. Co-founder, Kristin Kagetsu discusses sustainable solutions for menstrual issues.

In September 2022, Fabio Luisi was appointed chief conductor of the NHK Symphony Orchestra. He shares his thoughts about music and his work as a conductor thus far.

In 2022, Shinohara Tomoe's "The Leather Scrap Kimono" design won two awards at the prestigious ADC Awards in New York. She looks back on her career path and shares her passion for design.

Dewey Cornell created a threat assessment program to prevent mass shootings in schools. It catches signs that a student is troubled and can help resolve issues before violent behavior starts.

Yamamura Koji is the creator of numerous internationally acclaimed animated shorts; each of his films is groundbreaking in its own way. We spoke with Yamamura about his sources of inspiration.

Shibuya Źarny provides relief supplies and offers language and sewing classes in his native Myanmar, which is in a state of civil war following a coup. He shares his perspective as a former refugee.

Air pollution causes millions of premature deaths. Anirudh Sharma, from India, has developed a method of making ink from car emissions. What drives this self-described "chronic inventor"?

Watanave Hidenori is working on a project to track war damage in Ukraine amid the Russian invasion through digital maps that utilize satellite images. He talks about the power of digital tools.

Misawa Noriyuki is a shoemaker who produces traditional footwear as well as innovative artwork that uses shoes as a motif. He is always in search of the next "new shoe" that only he can create.

Mukengerwa Tresor Riziki is a music superstar in South Africa whose roots is a refugee fleeing the war-torn Democratic Republic of Congo. He challenges to eliminate the harsh conditions of refugees.

For close to 50 years, Miyazaki Manabu has been photographing wild animals entering human habitats using unmanned cameras he devised himself. He shares his thoughts on how we can coexist.

We feature a Japanese composer and pianist, Nakamura Tempei performing around the world. He has given numerous concerts in Ukraine over the past 13 years and plays prayers for peace of the country.

Since Natasha Ednan Laperouse died aged 15 in 2016 from a food allergy, her parents, Nadim and Tanya have campaigned to raise awareness and created a new law in the UK for better food labelling.

Mayuzumi Madoka is a haiku poet with a global outlook. When Russia invaded Ukraine, she invited people around the world to submit poems of peace. She talks about the power of haiku in times of crisis.

DeepL is highly evaluated by users worldwide for its very accurate AI translations. How can the development of AI help to solve the issues in modern society and how should we interact with it?

Chicago physician Zaher Sahloul founded an NGO to support people enduring war and natural disasters worldwide. It started in response to war in his homeland. Syria, and continues today in Ukraine.

Fu Jingliang, the 1st inheritor of Incense Culture, has been researching incense for over 30 years. Due to the pandemic, it drew the attention of Chinese.

Deaf since birth, Actor/Director Monique Holt is cast in many roles usually reserved for the hearing. She leads a movement to make the theater world recognize the potential of those with disabilities.

Maggie Aderin-Pocock is a popular space scientist and communicator working in the UK. She is also an author of several children's books, and worked on the James Webb Space Telescope.

Gamarjobat has performed in over 35 countries around the world. In 2021 he brought sporting pictograms to life during the opening ceremony of the Tokyo Olympic Games. He talks about the power of mime.

In civil war-torn Uganda, over 30,000 children were abducted and forced to serve as fighters. Follow Ogawa Shingo's quest to reintegrate former child soldiers into society through vocational training.

Thai restaurant owner/chef Phanuphon Bulsuwan uses a wide array of local ingredients for his dishes. He is also taking steps to combat food waste, both in his own kitchen and society at large.

Rewilding to revive lost species and restore nature. In the United Kingdom, an aristocratic couple's efforts are attracting attention. We talk to Isabella Tree, who is also a writer.

Executive Producer, Stephen Garrett, has had a 40-year career in the entertainment industry producing films and creating television drama in Hollywood and the UK for a global audience.

For over 50 years, Tamai Yoshiomi has provided educational support to children who have lost one or both parents. His outreach extends to Africa, where he raises leaders out of vulnerable children.

Jimmy Pham's vocational school in Vietnam provides young deprived people with hospitality training. He talks about the struggle for sustenance during the economic downturn caused by COVID-19.

Iida Masashige creates immersive video presentations for dome-shaped projection screens that hang overhead in planetariums and other theaters. He talks about his vision, themes and methods.

A Vietnamese Japanese engineer discusses the high-frequency ventilator he developed to save the lives of premature infants, but it has been considered difficult to put into practical use.

Mizutani Yoshihiro invented a cardboard bed for use in evacuation centers during natural disasters. He talks about what drives him in his quest to improve conditions at emergency shelters.

Richard Misrach, an eminent photographer who has been shooting deserts in the U.S. for half a century, discusses the split of America as he has been bearing witness it.

Kotchakorn Voraakhom is a Thai landscape architect known for designing public parks that combat flooding. In order to fight an unpredictable future, she uses nature as her blueprint.

Takahama Kan was awarded one of Japan's most prestigious manga prizes in 2020. She talks about overcoming alcoholism and how the experience ties into her internationally acclaimed work.

Marc Hull-Jacquin of Shelter Movers has rescued over 2,000 people fleeing domestic violence, providing 6 sanctuaries in Canada since 2016. He's fighting an increase in DV cases during the pandemic.

Rosemarie Garland-Thomson challenges stereotypes about people with disabilities. An advocate for human diversity, she explores how disabled culture and identity have evolved throughout history.

Since 2010, Gilles Delebarre has engaged himself as the director in "Démos," a music education program for children operated by Philharmonie de Paris for the sake of the unity in a local society.

Director Eric Khoo is one of Singapore's leading creators. His recent short film is making waves online. We speak to Eric Khoo, spreading an important message "love and humanity" through film.

Musician and scholar Chi Suwichan Phatthanaphraiwan, a member of the Pgaz k'Nyau (Karen) ethnic group in northern Thailand, advocates for ethnic equality and fosters cultural identity through music.

Wanda took part in the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, which was the resistance struggle to the Nazi regime. Nowadays, she protests against the politicians about some social matters from her experience of the war.

Nureehan Da-ouli, a female Muslim conservationist, strives to protect hornbills - the species that play a detrimental role in the survival of the forest and the livelihood of her community.

Akram Khan, the British dancer and choreographer, calls for urgent action to save the performing arts and to support young dancers, in the face of the UK's enforced lockdown.

Filmmaker Mansour documents the impact of wars in the Middle East on the people of Lebanon. When parts of Beirut were destroyed by a massive blast in August 2020 her cameras captured the aftermath.

Textile expert Olga Reiche is working with rural artisans to find ways to build a sustainable industry. Overcoming natural disasters and war through textiles, she shares her inspiring story.

Paul Miller, aka DJ Spooky: multimedia artist, composer and author. Miller creates music and art inspired by science and nature to motivate people to change the world.

Wasfi Kani is on a mission to share opera with the world. For the last 3 decades she had taken opera into prisons, and in 2016, she created a new opera house in the UK.

Columbia University's Christopher Emdin talks about his method of centering culture to engage young people in science and how the pandemic is creating an opportunity to transform education.

Sarah Al Amiri is both a minister and the science lead of the UAE's Mars probe mission, which successfully entered orbit in 2021. What is it that pushes her and her country towards space exploration?

Using 360-degree cameras, a South African virtual reality video creator is helping to preserve wild animals on the verge of extinction by dispatching documentary films.

Pianist Alice Sara Ott made her first recording in 3 years, as a reflection on life. Living with multiple sclerosis, she keeps a contemporary performance empowering her audience.

Anand Menon is Professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs at King's College London. He also directs the UK in a Changing Europe project which studies the effects of Brexit and its implications for the UK.

Maye Musk, dietitian, fashion model and mother of Elon, shares the secrets to flourishing in her 70s. Her independent spirit took her from struggling single motherhood to iconic status on billboards.

Tsuda Yuichi leads a project at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency that recently completed a mission to return subsurface samples of an asteroid to Earth. He reflects on the scientific milestone.

Pietro Bartolo is a doctor. For 30 years he treated refugees from Africa on the Italian island of Lampedusa. Now, as a Member of the European Parliament, he defends the rights of immigrants.

As a refugee, Omar Ahmad realized how the media portrayed the refugees differed from reality. Now as a citizen journalist, he hopes to deliver narratives, told from the refugee's perspective.

Torajan woman and leader of the world's largest body representing Indigenous Peoples, Rukka Sombolinggi has long championed indigenous rights in Indonesia with her passionate and fiery oratory skills.

Kagii Yasuaki talks about photographing underwater worlds in oceans across the globe, including his periodic trips to document submarine environments in the disaster-stricken Tohoku region of Japan.

Chicago-based stand-up comedian Saku Yanagawa talks about deconstructing American society from a uniquely Japanese perspective and honing his own comedic voice.

Journalist Maria Ressa is found guilty in a case seen as a test of press freedom. In a country where journalists are under threat, Ressa's case became symbolic and followed internationally.

Lual Mayen fled South Sudan and grew up as a refugee. He created a video game on that experience. Players on the 2021 online version will fund refugee camps. He now supports youths to learn IT.

British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes has spent his life in pursuit of extreme adventure, risked his life in some of the most ambitious expeditions ever undertaken and raised millions for charity.

In 2017, SIROCO became the first Japanese person to win a prestigious flamenco competition in Spain. What does flamenco mean to him, and how did he rise to the top of his profession?

Sirachai Arunrugstichai is a photographer and marine biologist based in Bangkok, Thailand. His photos are a sharp reminder to the world that the oceans and sea life must be protected.

ERTH, a social enterprise in Malaysia is founded by Mohamed Tarek which aims to reduce the environmental hazard caused from end-of-life electronics, also known as "E-waste."

A young Czech innovator is drawing attention in the desktop 3D printer market with his open-source approach. What kind of future will be brought to us by the printers evolving with worldwide users?

Chang Sung-un has created a way to solve child labor problems in Africa with the Solar Cow Project which suggests an innovative approach to easily solve the issue by utilizing natural solar energy.

Over 30 years, Alain Reynes has sought peaceful coexistence between human activities and reintroduced brown bears in the Pyrenees, a mountain range forming a natural border between France and Spain.

Ten years after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, film director Iwai Shunji talks about the stories behind projects such as "Flowers Will Bloom," the song for recovery he wrote.

Ten years after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, film director Iwai Shunji talks about the stories behind projects such as "Flowers Will Bloom," the song for recovery he wrote.

Renowned pianist Tigran Hamasyan talks about the beauty of traditional folk music and what it can do to connect people around the world.

Meet Jack Sim, also known as Mr. Toilet. His mission? Toilets for everyone. Around 2 billion people do not have access to proper toilets and sanitation. Jack wants to change that.

Mauro Colagreco has been called the best chef working today. Follow his journey to break new ground in sustainable gastronomy using only ingredients local to his chosen town of Menton, France.

World-renowned dancer, choreographer and director Bill T. Jones talks about creating his new socially distanced indoor performance, addressing the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism.

Mary Robinson, former Irish President, now leads the influential pressure group, The Elders, which is working with young people and world leaders to speed up action on climate change.

Doctor Waheed Arian arrived in the UK aged 15 as an Afghanistan refugee. Today he is the founder of a pioneering charity Arian Teleheal which helps save lives across the world.

Baybars Örsek, Director of the International Fact-Checking Network, is on a mission to stop the spread of false information. He talks about the importance of fact-checking and how it can empower us.

Imran Ahmed is the CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, a non-profit organization based in Washington and London, founded to highlight the increasing misinformation published online.

In 2019, Sasaki Rui was named winner of the Rakow Commission, a program put on by the renowned Corning Museum of Glass. She discusses her creations, which include works that use phosphorescent glass.

Singer-songwriter Sam Lee spent years collecting indigenous folk songs of the British Isles. He's turned his attention to nightingales, an iconic bird endangered by climate change and habitat loss.

At the start of the pandemic, Cynthia Choi co-founded an organization to report hate incidents against Asian Americans. The data it collects has empowered communities to raise their voices together.

The electric wheelchairs created by Sugie Satoshi feature superior performance and design, and are used by people in many parts of the world. We speak with him about the future of personal mobility.

Tanaka Kiyo is internationally recognized for warm, intricate children's books illustrated using copperplate techniques. She talks about the beauty of her craft and what children's books mean to her.

Amar Latif is a blind traveler and entrepreneur. In 2004, he created a travel agency, Traveleyes, determined to make the world more accessible for blind and visually impaired travelers.

At 15, Ann Makosinski from Canada invented a flashlight powered by body heat. She is now developing toys to help solve environmental issues. The young inventor tells us about her perspectives.

The efforts of a Nigerian who studied ballet on YouTube and runs a ballet academy in his back yard have attracted sympathy and support worldwide. He is now creating a unique African style of ballet.

Father Greg has rehabilitated thousands of ex-gang members in L.A. for 30 years. He runs a bakery as a base with members and has tattoo removal programs among others so they can re-enter society.

Kubota Ryo runs a biotech startup that is working with NASA to develop a device that can test for the eye problems to which astronauts are susceptible. Kubota shares his vision with us.

Doya Yuto started an apparel brand that sells fashionable items made in Ghana. His work supports local employment and the education of Ghanaian children. He talks about providing sustainable support.

Jan Johnson has dedicated her life protecting and running the Panama Hotel built in 1910. Hear her message to the future through the last luggage left by Japanese Americans taken to internment camps.

Many turn to extremism because of personal problems, not ideology. One-time white supremacist Christian Picciolini sees people as human beings first, to save them from hate groups.

Hori Takahide spent 7 years making the globally acclaimed animated feature film "Junk Head," doing everything from character and set design to cinematography, editing and music.

Kodo Nishimura blends his duties as a Buddhist monk with work as a makeup artist. He speaks from experience about overcoming adversity, being true to yourself, and what it means to be different.

Italian life mentor Massimiliano Sechi may have been born missing limbs, but nothing will stop this former top eSports player from enjoying the beauty of life and motivating others to do the same.

Otake Hidehiro has been photographing wild animals in the vast Northwoods forest for more than 20 years. He recently won a prestigious Japanese photography award. He reflects on his career so far.

Murakami Kiyoshi is applying the lessons he learned working at the U.N. to help his hometown's economy recover from a devastating earthquake and tsunami. He talks about his vision for the community.

Egawa Etsuko has worked as a makeup artist on many movies and TV shows, including the Academy Award-winning 2008 Japanese drama film "Departures." She shares her pursuit of ideal makeup artistry.

Kaneko Fumi was promoted to Principal of The Royal Ballet this year. Behind her captivating stage presence lie major injury and pandemic. She talks about overcoming setbacks and her passion for ballet.

Fujimori Terunobu became an architect at 45. His unconventional approach to design and use of natural materials have made him internationally in-demand. He talks about his architectural philosophy.

Internationally acclaimed Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie shares her belief that the realization of gender equality and a fairer world for all may take time, but they are achievable aims.

Former pro soccer player Tim Brown makes shoes using natural materials. His ambitions also include labeling shoes with their total carbon footprint. He speaks on seeking sustainability through shoes.

Emmy winning broadcast journalist, Lori Matsukawa fights hate crimes against Asians in the U.S. She holds webinars with a Seattle Japanese community and collaborates with the government to end racism.

Paszko launched a fake online cosmetic shop since the coronavirus pandemic began. Many women have faced abuse from partners during the lockdown. They could secretly send SOS messages through a shop.

After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, Kaneta Taio created a cafe that pops up at locations around northeastern Japan. There, survivors open up to him as he helps them process their grief.

Kajiya Yuriko is a principal dancer at the Houston Ballet in the United States. The coronavirus pandemic has been a struggle for artists in Japan, and Kajiya has worked to support them.

Sasha Filipenko's 2014 novel "The Ex-Son" foresaw the turmoil in Belarus today. Now temporarily out of the country, he continues to write while considering his return to his homeland, despite the risks.

Christina Koch, an outstanding female astronaut, who has made remarkable accomplishments in the traditionally male-dominated field of space exploration, could be the first woman to land on the Moon.

South Africa after Apartheid has a wealth gap within the black community, having only a few rich. S'bu Zikode with Abahlali baseMjondolo assists shack dwellers. His supporters surpass 100,000 today.

In a bestselling book, Jane Hyun highlighted barriers facing Asian Americans in the corporate world. Since then, she has helped businesses tap this talent pool by becoming culturally responsive.

Fawzia Koofi was the first female Vice President of Afghanistan's National Assembly. The Nobel candidate has been fighting for women's rights for 20 years as the Taliban takes over the country.

Since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, Miura Hiroshi has worked to revitalize local agriculture using renewable energy and create opportunities for strengthening the bonds of the community.

Olivier Baussan founded L'Occitane and has spent 40 years in Burkina Faso developing shea butter. He has helped create jobs, women's education and alleviate poverty in a sustainable way.

Kaczmarek starts her initiative to tackle period poverty realizing menstruation has been a taboo topic in Poland. She launched an online charity to distribute free sanitary products to women in need.

Murata Sayaka's novel about a convenience store worker was awarded Japan's most prestigious literary prize, and has been translated into over 30 languages. What struck a chord with readers?

We speak with Japanese anime director Hosoda Mamoru about his new work, "BELLE." His inspiration comes from "Beauty and the Beast," the internet and some changes brought about by the global pandemic.

A mother to a transgender son, Amber Briggle has brought national attention to the struggle for equal rights for LGBTQ children, speaking out at the Texas State Senate and elsewhere.

Abdul Baqi Samandar started schools called Kashana to offer free education for street kids. At his schools, they can study and learn basic knowledge and techniques to survive in society.

Tech2Peace is a seminar in which Israeli and Palestinian youth work together on tech-based projects. The cofounder, Palestinian Abeer Bandak, hopes that it can contribute to conflict resolution.

Thai winemaker Visootha Lohitnavy is attracting attention from the world for her authentic wine production in the tropics. Is there a hint here for sustainable winemaking in the age of global warming?

A global company that attracted attention for disinfecting a cruise ship contaminated with COVID-19 is dedicated to restoring disaster-stricken towns and homes and bringing hope to victims.

Yasui Hiromi has lived in Afghanistan for 20 years. She organized a free school for children and a handicraft workshop for women. We talk to Yasui Hiromi, who has dedicated her life to the country.

Only 16 people were selected as referees for the judo competition at the recent Tokyo Olympics. Amano Akiko was one of them. She tells us about the international appeal of this Japanese sport.

Antibodies are proteins that help us fight off infections. Tsukamoto Yasuhiro extracts antibodies from ostrich eggs for use in treatments to prevent infection from viruses such as COVID-19.

Lilianne Fan, founder of Geutanyoe Foundation, supports the Rohingya refugees in Malaysia. She provides them food and education, and empowers them to become leaders in their community.

In Tijuana, Mexico, college student Andrea Rincon created a mobile school for children stuck at the border with the US, raising the alarm on the educational crisis facing migrant children worldwide.

Yano Koji has been acting in China for about 20 years. He's gained overwhelming popularity, despite being a foreigner. We ask him about his success in the fast-growing Chinese entertainment industry.

Nakamura Hiroshi is known for innovative architectural designs based on careful observation of human behavior. His design for a waste center won an award in 2021. What is his vision for architecture?

Hoshi Kento is a social business entrepreneur who created Japan's first employment search website for the LGBT community. His dream is a world where no minority group has to face discrimination.

Rebecca Rockefeller co-founded the "Buy Nothing Project," that has 4 million members in 44 countries. The gift economy initiative gives and receives everything for free, reexamining consumer society.

We focus on an engineer who has developed an ice pack technology that can keep its temperature at -35 degrees Celsius for several days and take a key role in vaccine transportation amid the COVID-situation.

Hirata Kimiko, a director of an NGO that works on climate change issues, has been a fierce opponent of coal power in Japan. She was recently awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize.

The Ainu are one of the indigenous peoples of Japan. Kaizawa Toru is an Ainu artist who brings a contemporary sensibility to traditional Ainu woodcarving. He talks about his craft and creative drive.

For years, Fujita Chiyoko has worked to provide healthcare in Pakistan and Afghanistan alongside Dr. Nakamura Tetsu, the late founder of PMS. In 2021, she was awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal.

Lito enchants followers around the world with intricate scenes carved into leaves. Diagnosed with ADHD, he applies his focus and attention to detail to explore his own creative voice.

Douangmany Heuangkhamsene is a Lao social entrepreneur who helps the lesser-known ethnic women improve their social status by turning their traditional handicrafts into more contemporary products.

Otsubo Makoto develops technology that displays holographic images in midair through the reflection of light. Equipped with sensors, the images can be manipulated like a touchscreen, albeit touchless.

Tom Hovasse led Japan's national women's basketball team to its first-ever silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games. He talks strategy, tactics, and inspiring the team to reach new heights.

Adli Yahya founded Autism Café Project in 2016 to provide job opportunities for autistic youth. At the café, this team prepares food to give to communities in need.

Noor Shaker, a former computer scientist, is determined to contribute her expertise to society. She is now using AI to tackle and improve the expensive, time-consuming process of drug discovery.

With over 1.7 million subscribers on YouTube, the beautiful melodies and skills of guitarist Ichika Nito have entranced people worldwide. We learn more about his goal to create soul-stirring music.

The Japanese artist known as SHOGEN creates unique paintings in an original style that is inspired by Tingatinga, a Tanzanian school of painting. He shares the wisdom he learned in Tanzania.

Imada Miho was named one of BBC's 100 women of 2020. She talks about her passion to brew sake that embodies the distinct climate and agricultural heritage of her home prefecture of Hiroshima.

South Korean gynecologist Bak Seulgi addresses biases held in the country against women's bodies, speaking at schools and events in order to spread accurate information and protect women's health.

Venezuelan Glass Marcano became the first black woman conductor of a French orchestra at the age of 24. The vibrant energy of her music transcends the boundaries of gender, ethnicity and language.

The Biwa is a wooden lute traditionally used in Japanese classical music. Italian-born Doriano Sulis makes and restores Chikuzen-style Biwa, and is working to pass down his craft to a new generation.

Kojima Marina has been working since 2016 to rescue migrants and refugees from North Africa attempting a perilous Mediterranean Sea crossing. She talks about the front lines of humanitarian action.

Since 2000, Amy Herman, an art historian and lawyer, has been organizing "The Art of Perception," an educational program which uses art to develop people's observational skills.

Bertrand Piccard was the first man to fly around the world in a solar powered plane. He explains what that achievement means for the future of clean energy.

Heatherwick Studio is known for ingenious installations and extraordinary buildings. Its founder, designer Thomas Heatherwick shares his secrets and talks about its plans for Tokyo's Minato Ward.

Air pollution is causing health problems in Ulaanbaatar, the Mongolian capital. We speak with former Mongolian Minister of the Environment, Oyun Sanjaasuren, on its causes and solutions.

Apichatpong Weerasethakul directed "Uncle Boonmee Who Can Recall His Past Lives," winning at Cannes in 2010. He connects memories of oneself with society and politics, and is now focusing on Colombia.

Bangladeshi economist Muhammad Yunus won a Nobel Prize for creating a microcredit system for the poor. We speak to him about his new endeavor, "social business," that has him traveling the world.

Jokha Alharthi, the first Man Booker International Prize winner writing in Arabic, is also the first female Omani novelist translated into English. What message does her work have for today's world?

The Kobe Shu-Shin-Kan Breweries have been producing sake for over 260 years. We speak with president Takenosuke Yasufuku about how his firm makes sake with huge appeal both in Japan and worldwide.

Tomohiko Izutsu was on a path to work in space science research, but he changed course, and is now dedicated to revitalizing rural communities through space-themed events. What drives his mission?

In 2019, Sueko Nakamura directed a documentary about young women in Japan who've been in trouble with the law. She herself had a troubled adolescence that included time in a juvenile detention center.

Shin-ai-Juku is a Japanese NPO that's been providing support for foreigners living in Japan for over 40 years. Chief Director Mariko Takekawa talks about what's happening on the ground.

Kenichi Noguchi is a farmer who grows lotus plants. His lotus roots sell for $50 each, and are served in fancy restaurants the world over. We ask Noguchi what makes his lotus root so amazing.

Ryusen Hamono has developed a steak knife with excellent sharpness that has been carefully designed to be safe to use. President Koji Masutani talks about the work that went into crafting the blade.

Chi-chi Nwanoku is a world-famous double bassist from London and is founder of the Chineke! Orchestra, the first classical orchestra in Europe to be made up of majority black and minority ethnic musicians.

The next-generation transportation service called MaaS, is rapidly expanding worldwide. How will it change our lifestyle? Its founder, Sampo Hietanen, talks about the mobility future he envisages.

António Guterres, the UN Secretary-General, faces a new phase for the UN at its 75th anniversary in 2020. In the exclusive interview, he discusses the challenges and vision into the future.

Pianist Gohei Nishikawa was diagnosed with focal dystonia as an adult. Unable to use 3 fingers on his left hand, he performs using his other 7. How did he find his way back to the piano?

Levison Wood is a British explorer who traveled through 13 countries in the Middle East. He wants to challenge stereotypes about a region which is often presented negatively in the news.

For years, Keiko Itabashi has hosted a radio show about disaster preparedness in Miyagi Prefecture, an area that suffered grave damage in Japan's 3.11 disaster. What lessons does she have for her audience?

Hiroki Iwasa grows high-end strawberries in Miyagi Prefecture -- a region that was hit hard by the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami. How is he revitalizing the local economy and agricultural industry?

We talk with photographer Lekima Hung about his history and passion capturing and exhibiting photographs of marine plastic waste pollution in Vietnam to raise awareness about the issue.

Eko Supriyanto is Indonesia's leading choreographer and dancer. In February 2020, he received praise on a piece including female dancers from a divided Timor. Performances are planned around the world.

The seas of Fukushima Prefecture were gravely harmed by the 2011 nuclear disaster and its aftermath. For the past 9 years, Riken Komatsu has worked tirelessly to restore them and related industries.

Nihon Homespun blends silk, cotton, synthetic fibers and traditional washi paper into their sought-after wool fabrics. President Kanji Kikuchi talks about the homespun textile tradition.

Yi Seung-Jun is a South Korean documentary filmmaker. He talks about his motivations and the feedback for his recent short film about the ferry disaster which was nominated for the Academy Award.

Tourism is a vital source of income for Laos in Southeast Asia. A woman is now producing an entirely new form of tourism, agritourism, while keeping in mind how to improve the livelihood of farmers.

Anna Fasano is the president of Banca Etica in Italy. It finances projects meeting a strict ethical standard for the environment, human rights and social principles as it aims to change the world.

Renowned choreographer Twyla Tharp discusses her new book, which delves into her philosophy of aging and highlights the importance of moving our bodies to maximize our potential, whatever our age.

Yoshihiko Ishikawa has ascended to the elite ranks of the world's ultramarathon runners. He tells us how he got involved in this intense sport, and how he managed to rise to the top.

Myanmar in southeast Asia suffers from a lack of safe drinking water. Hisafumi Shogi works with locals to develop the water supply infrastructure. He talks about the road so far, and what lies ahead.

Hoang Yen Vo is a Vietnamese rights advocate. The center she runs helps people with disability, not for their physical needs, but their well-being. Her goal is to see them thrive however they live.

As Artificial Intelligence becomes part of our daily life, have we considered the ethical pitfalls? Computer scientist Sir Nigel Shadbolt on the new Institute for Ethics in AI at Oxford University.

Professor Alan Dangour is pioneering a new approach at the London School of Hygiene and Tropical Medicine to examine the impact of our changing diet on population health and on the planet itself.

Chef Sean Sherman revives the wisdom of his ancestors by applying Native American ingredients to modern cuisine. As an educator he uses food to bring indigenous culture closer to the next generation.

Koichiro Kobayashi has won gold at the Paraclimbing World Championships 4 times in a row. He works to help people who are visually impaired take up climbing. What does the sport mean to him?

A young Rwandan female entrepreneur has had success producing and marketing beetroot wine and providing stable employment for local women. The program follows her battle to succeed in business.

Houriya Taheri, the Middle East's first FIFA A-licensed women's soccer coach, speaks on what women athletes in the region, whose participation has been limited, need to help them spread their wings.

Albert Lin is an award-winning explorer and scientist from California who is innovating technology to uncover hidden stories of history from lost civilizations and ancient ruins all over the world.

Terumo is a Japanese manufacturer of medical devices such as catheter-based solutions for the treatment of coronary arteries. Company CEO Sato Shinjiro talks about reducing the burden on patients.

Popular among the Berliners, "Kreuzberger Himmel" serves dishes from Syria and Afghanistan. Tölke opened this restaurant to provide occupations for refugees. We asked his principle in helping them.

Takeuchi Masahiko runs and funds a nonprofit that builds schools for the blind around the world. Takeuchi himself is visually impaired. We speak with him about his life's work.

Bartender Gokan Shingo was named 2017 International Bartender of the Year. He talks about the secrets behind his signature cocktails and what he loves about bar culture.

For many foreigners living in Japan, the language barrier is hard to overcome. Choi Sungja is an advisor at a cafe where foreigners become chefs, communicating with Japan through their native cuisine.

Director Iwaisawa Kenji won the top prize at the Ottawa International Animation Festival for his 2019 feature film. He talks about his hand-drawn approach and what he hopes to convey through his work.

The unique Green School in Indonesia founded by John Hardy and his wife Cynthia aims for a sustainable future. Favoring a progressive education, children and parents gather from all over the world.

COVID-19 is taking the world by storm and the struggle with the invisible enemy continues around the world. We sat down with Kawaoka Yoshihiro, Japan's leading virologist for his insight on the issue.

Yoshitake Shinsuke is one of Japan's best known children's book authors, the winner of multiple international prizes. He finds inspiration in aspects of kids' lives that grown-ups tend to ignore.

Ceramic artist Kuwata Takuro is known for using experimental procedures to produce startling, one-of-a-kind work. He has exhibited all over the world. He talks about his creative process.

Professor John Edmunds has dedicated his career to studying the spread of infectious diseases, and is one of the scientists advising the UK government on how to control the pandemic of coronavirus.

With UN work experience, Mary Balikungeri returned to Rwanda after the 1994 genocide to support women who had suffered greatly. She believes women have a new role to play in her country's development.

Hagiuda Megumi imports and sells African roses from Kenya as part of an effort to contribute to women's employment in the region. She talks about what roses mean to her, and what drives her.

Italy, pulmonologist Sergio Harari is on the frontline when it comes to treating coronavirus patients in Milan, even since it was declared a red zone and its population placed in isolation.

Professor Warwick McKibbin warned in late February, how human and economic losses would soar if governments didn't react to COVID-19. He addresses cooperation measures to overcome the global crisis.

Bernd Gaiser, a co-founder of Berlin CSD, talks about why he encourages coming out of the closet and how he came to set up a multi-generational housing project for those of any sexual orientation.

Alexis Mena, an urban farmer in Brooklyn organized a food bank to address the food crisis in his community with a "bottom-up" strategy. He is creating a resilient community with innovative food system.

Extreme weather around the world is causing an increase in major natural disasters. We ask Ishii Mieko, a nurse who has worked in several disaster zones, about how to save lives.

Richard H. Kaszynski formed a global network to rapidly conduct clinical drug trials in order to fight against infectious disease pandemics. He talks about a promising drug candidate for COVID-19.

When the COVID-19 pandemic hit Malaysia, Rashvin Singh and his team at his social enterprise wanted to make a difference and began producing face shields to help frontliners.

Folding@home led by Dr. Greg Bowman seeks a cure for COVID-19 with distributed computing. The American molecular biologist talks about the prospects connecting millions of participants and their PCs.

Health psychologist, Professor Susan Michie is advising the British government on how to help people change their behavior in a pandemic so as to control the spread of coronavirus.

In 2020, the huge swarms of desert locusts have invaded to the countries in East Africa. Mr. Cressman continues to warn about outbreak and talks about the way we should deal with what the nature makes.

Dr. Rob Gore is fighting the pandemic and healing the community in NY. He founded KAVI, an NPO to end violence and urban trauma and to make a better future for his unborn son.

Fashion designer Morinaga Kunihiko creates technologically innovative styles that no one has ever seen before. He tells us what motivates his work, and discusses the untapped potential of clothing.

Social entrepreneur Nakamoto Chizu started up a brand that makes colorful bags out of African fabrics. She talks about her vision of providing stable employment to Uganda's single mothers.

As the coronavirus strikes the world, South Korea's corona prevention measures are recognized as a success. Professor Ki Moran, the chief of COVID-19 task force is leading the success with the government.

Japanese violinist Lena Yokoyama performed on the rooftop of Cremona's hospital, as a tribute to healthcare workers and patients struggling through the coronavirus emergency.

Taavi Kotka of Estonia, an IT powerhouse with 99% of its government services available online, speaks on how engineering will shape our technological future.

Khaled Reshad's day job is running a local medical clinic in Japan, but he also works to build hospitals and schools in his home country of Afghanistan. We speak with Dr. Reshad about his work.

Yamami Koji creates award-winning kaleidoscopes that rise to the level of art. What sort of wizardry goes into crafting optical instruments that surprise and delight the eyes?

Minister Audrey Tang's IT measures against COVID-19 greatly contributed to Taiwan's successful containment of the virus. She is also a leading force behind Taiwan's digital democracy.

With a long experience of tackling viruses, Rwanda is striving to curb the spread of COVID-19 in Africa. Dr. Vedaste Ndahindwa tells us about the efforts and background of its infection control team.

Yamasaki Nobuyoshi's company produces items like food trays and garbage bags using a sustainable limestone-based material. He talks about its potential as an alternative to paper or plastic.

Pastor Okuda Tomoshi has been working with homeless people for over 30 years, helping 3,500 get back on their feet. He talks about what is necessary to create a society where no one is left ignored.

Guillaume Gomez, Head Chef at the Elysée Palace, French presidential residence delivered meals to medical staff together with other chefs who had to close their restaurants during lockdown.

Ishii Katsuyuki heads a manufacturer of custom sports wheelchairs used by top athletes competing in the Paralympic Games. He talks about design, craftsmanship and the secret to the company's success.

Illustrations by Estonian artist Eiko Ojala have appeared in newspapers and magazines worldwide. His gorgeous paper-like graphic designs shine a penetrating light on modern society.

George Magnus is an economist, author and Associate at the China Centre, Oxford University. He believes that globalization is at a crossroads.

Nakajima Satoshi is a software engineer developing a free app for takeout orders that he designed to help businesses pushed to the verge of bankruptcy by the economic effects of the COVID-19 outbreak.

Nishimoto Yu-ki is an innovative practitioner of sumi-e (ink wash painting). His art -- which has incorporated video, CG and more -- is exceptionally dynamic, and he is always pushing himself further.

For 40 years, Gushiken Takamatsu has been excavating the remains of those who died in the Battle of Okinawa at the end of the Pacific War. He talks about lingering scars and the value of peace.

James Brining is the Artistic Director of Leeds Playhouse, north England. He endeavors to connect the community through theater.

Mitch Albom started his serial, "Human Touch," on April 2020. Proceeds from his e-book and audio that describe survivors in Detroit, funds his charity. He tells us more about hope for the future.

Buku Jalanan Chow Kit is a school co-founded by Siti Rahayu, who aims to provide education for poor and stateless children who live in the red light district of Malaysia.

Dominique Chen, known for his outstanding research in the field of information studies, talks about ways to achieve well-being through digital communications.

In 2013, Teshima Daisuke developed oral hygiene products that don't harm the body if swallowed. His innovative business model supports people with disabilities. We asked Teshima about his motivation.

Okahara Kosuke is known for award-winning photojournalism documenting the human condition in places like South America, Africa and China. He reflects on his humanistic approach.

With amazing economic growth in recent years, Rwanda has been pursuing a progressive ICT policy. The woman appointed Minister of ICT and Innovation at merely 35 talks about the future ICT offers.

Author of How Contagion Works, an essay on the science of infectious disease, physics PhD Paolo Giordano clarifies the issues we face and speaks on how to live in a post-pandemic world.

Saengduean Chailert, the founder of Elephant Nature Park in northern Thailand, has devoted her life to caring for Asian elephants that were wounded while made to work as performance animals or in logging.

Wada Atsushi is an award-winning animator who plays with the concept of "ma," or "the space in between," building tension through contrasting movement and the absence of movement. What inspires him?

Fukunaga Takeshi's latest film, which is about the indigenous Ainu of Japan, received Special Jury Mention at the 2020 Tribeca Film Festival. What inspires him to tell stories of minority communities?

Anoushka Shankar is a sitarist, composer and producer who has won many awards in the world music scene. She is the daughter of Indian musician Ravi Shankar. She is also a social activist and feminist.

Robin Hanbury-Tenison is one of the greatest explorers of his era, and has traveled to remote areas of the world, where he has witnessed huge changes to the environment in the last 60 years.

Osawa Shuichi is a baker who won the 2019 Mondial du Pain, arguably the world's most prestigious breadmaking competition. He tells us how he crafts his top-class bread.

Ogawa Yoko's novel "The Memory Police" was shortlisted for the prestigious International Booker Prize in 2020. What are the major themes and motifs that characterize her work?

Perrine and Charles Hervé-Gruyer, farmers in France, have quested for tomorrow's agriculture that reconstructs ecosystems, inspired by methods of ancient civilizations and latest scientific studies.

Earth Heir, a social enterprise in Malaysia is founded by Sasibai Kimis to empower the lives of marginalized communities, emphasizing on combining traditional craftsmanship with modern design.

Larry Littlebird, a Native American elder/storyteller, founded Hamaatsa, a place to reconnect with nature with indigenous wisdom, by listening to nature and to each other in this challenging time.

For 3 long decades, Vosot Ikeida has been a hikikomori, locking himself in his room and avoiding human contact. Now, he wants to do something about it. His answer? Communication and connection.

Yamada Mio empowers Rwandan women to rise up from poverty. She talks about opening a Japanese restaurant in the Rwandan capital and ongoing efforts to support the women during the COVID-19 pandemic.

A former German teacher who created a revolutionary system to provide people in developing countries with one-dollar glasses shares his thoughts on the meaning of sustainable social business.

A leader in the slow food movement, Paolo Di Croce speaks on how the current pandemic is changing the way we eat.

Jordi Faulí is the 9th head architect of the Sagrada Familia. He attempts to complete the building by 2026, 100 years after Gaudi's death. We look at the outlook during the COVID-19 pandemic.

In Ethiopia, one of the world's poorest countries, Samejima Hiroko founded a company that ethically produces high-quality leather handbags. She tells us the story of her unique products and business.

Akimoto Rina runs an online food market that directly connects farmers and fishers with consumers. She talks about her website and what she's doing to help food producers in the time of COVID-19.

GiGi's Playhouse supports people with Down Syndrome. 49 are in the U.S. and Mexico. 30,000 people use their program. We speak to founder Nancy Gianni as she continues her mission during COVID-19.

Fujiyama Taijyu is a practitioner of Tezuma, a uniquely Japanese art of illusion. He placed in the top 5 at the World Championships of Magic. We ask him about Tezuma's enduring appeal.

Hayashi Kaname has built Lovot, a companion robot whose main purpose is to encourage people to love -- just by being there. He explains how his pet-like creation can soothe us in these trying times.

Mr. Boyan Slat and his foundation's goal are getting rid of plastic waste from the oceans all over the world. They focus on developing technologies to achieve it. He adds support from people is key.

Dr. Anthony Back created a medical communication guide called Vital Talk. It helps practitioners better understand the emotions of patients and family, a matter of great importance in the COVID-19 era.

Saraya, a maker of health and hygiene products, has undertaken a massive "handwashing project" in Uganda that has helped to stop the spread of disease. We speak with company president Saraya Yusuke.

In 2020, Hiraide Kazuya received the prestigious Piolet d'Or mountaineering award for the third time -- the first such feat by a Japanese climber. What fuels his passion for ascending unclimbed routes?

Emmai Alaquiva discovers BLM also to the deaf and hard of hearing. He shows us this through his 59-second video "Unspeakable." He also talks about discrimination and the challenges ahead.

Dr. Blanche Wiesen Cook is a historian and an author of bestselling biography on Eleanor Roosevelt. In a time of global movements for human rights, we ask Dr. Cook how to achieve dignity for all.

Endo Ken is developing next-generation artificial limbs, including the world's best sports prosthetic and a robotic leg that reduces strain for those with disabilities. What is his vision for society?

Director Ladj Ly's film "Les Misérables" was a Jury Prize winner in Cannes Film Festival 2019. He tells us how we can overcome racism and poverty as BLM expands in France.

Londoner, Josie Naughton co-founded Help Refugees, a charity devoted to raising funds to help refugees and displaced people who are escaping war, persecution and poverty.

Lilian Thuram, a former football star who contributed to the victory of France in FIFA World Cup 1998, has fought with his foundation against racism through books, exhibitions and workshops since 2008.

Lee Ayu Chuepa, founder of Akha Ama Coffee and a member of Thailand's Akha ethnic minority, provides high-quality coffee to global consumers while protecting the livelihood of his community's farmers.

HARA is an illusionist who has performed live and on television in over 30 countries, winning numerous awards. We speak with him about how he strives to conjure up "magic that only I can do."

Graphic designer Shimada Tamotsu was chosen to design the official logo for the 2025 World Exposition to be held in Osaka Prefecture, Japan. What is the concept behind the eye-catching design?

Producer of hit musicals discusses how Broadway theaters should reopen safely and profitably in the COVID-19 era and respond to the Black Lives Matter movement by appealing to a more diverse audience.