Culture Crossroads

Bara Kyoushitsu in Kani City, Gifu Prefecture, is a preschool designed to eliminate the number of foreign children who stop attending school because they don't understand Japanese.

RAMUNE, a descendant of Japanese emigrants to Brazil, is a performer of rakugo, Japan's traditional storytelling. Performing in multiple languages, she helps foreigners experience Japanese culture.

In a stand-up comedy club in Tokyo, people from all over the world try out bilingual jokes. For James from Australia, comedy has changed his life, helping him find a place where he feels he belongs.

Ukrainian musician Kateryna gives concerts all around Japan playing the bandura. Russia's invasion prompted her to support displaced people in Japan, hoping her music will bring peace to her homeland.

More and more foreign students come to Japan to become certified auto mechanics and find long-term employment. We follow one such student, a young woman from Myanmar who pursues her Japanese dream.

Is there a meal you'll never forget? People with international roots living in Japan take you on a tasty exploration of the dishes that brought timely emotional support in their lives.

Yotsukaido City, Chiba Pref., has Japan's largest Afghan population. Language and religion create difficulties for women at schools and hospitals. This program shows people who go all out to help.

This episode introduces Japan's unique volunteer fire corps composed of local residents who often arrive at a disaster scene before professional firefighters. A Thai reporter visits Sano City.

What preparations are needed to protect children in the event of a disaster? This episode considers not only their physical safety, but also their mental well-being during stressful evacuation.

Japanese high-tech toys, fusing advanced technology and "kawaii" culture, are booming, even in education and space exploration. Through a Chinese woman at a toy maker, we look at their global advance.

Panic, isolation, evacuation shelter life, community cooperation, network support... Foreign workers living in the Noto Peninsula area describe their experience of the major January 2024 earthquake.

Japanese fermented foods have a long history, but sake and miso producers face problems as eating habits change. A "fermentation designer" is aiming to bring Japan's fermented culture to the world.

Local foreign residents have been helping people stricken by the Noto Peninsula Earthquake through ongoing support activities, starting with an emergency curry kitchen and meeting changing needs.

A supermarket is attracting attention for its handling of both halal food for Muslims and common Japanese foodstuffs. What is the new kind of communication created by such food culture differences?

In Edogawa City, where 40% of Tokyo's Indian population resides, a cultural exchange program gives Japanese residents the chance to visit Indian homes as well as facilities run by Indians.

In response to a serious labor shortage, Japan's taxi industry is hiring more and more foreign drivers. The program introduces the efforts being employed by both the government and taxi companies to facilitate this.

A popular cafe in Osaka Prefecture offers international dishes on a day-by-day rotating basis. This helps the foreign residents who prepare them, called "one-day chefs," to get involved in Japanese society.

With shops offering foods from around the world, Tokyo is famous for its variety of culinary options. But are the choices broad enough to cater to those who don't eat animal-based foods? A devout vegetarian Hindu, reporter Chinmaya Dikshit seeks an answer to that question. We follow him as he takes a look at the latest efforts to better accommodate plant-based dietary habits in Japan's capital.

Evacuation during a natural disaster can be especially difficult for the elderly and the disabled. We learn ways to support them to ensure that no one is left behind when a disaster strikes.

Why don't you join us as a disaster relief volunteer and contribute to the recovery of the stricken areas? The program introduces how to participate, the types of work required and essential items.

Thai language reporter for NHK WORLD-JAPAN Chairat Thomya visits the district of Taro in Miyako City, Iwate Prefecture. It was part of the region ravaged by the tsunami of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake. Through talking with the residents of Taro who've experienced the tragedy, Chairat looks to find out how people can live with and pass on the memories of natural disasters.

Giving birth and childrearing come with many worries, which can be magnified for mothers living in a country not their own. Luckily for those in Japan, Tsubonoya Tomomi, a seasoned nursery school teacher, founded an NPO devoted to helping non-Japanese moms overcome cultural and language barriers. We follow Tomomi in her work and learn about the philosophy behind her efforts.

Learn how to ensure safety while having fun on the beach in summer. Knowledge of the rip currents that can wash you out to sea and the meaning of lifesavers' flags may even save your life.

Every summer, several typhoons approach Japan and make landfall. By understanding the way they move and the power of their rainstorms, we can learn how to protect ourselves and our possessions.

A major earthquake in Tokyo 100 years ago claimed about 105,000 lives. Walking today's streets with an urban disaster prevention expert, we consider what lessons we can learn from that catastrophe.

Over one and a half years have passed since Russia invaded Ukraine. Through a monthly radio show NHK WORLD-JAPAN's Russian language broadcasting offers opportunities for Russians in Japan to talk about their thoughts and emotional struggles. We revisit people who appeared on the program – a mother and daughter running a restaurant and a musical composer – to ask about their current situation.

"A second home for everyone—that's the concept," says Ren, a Vietnamese guesthouse owner in rural Nagano Prefecture. Her warm personality attracts people from around the world. She also runs a beloved Vietnamese noodle shop on the weekends. It provides a welcoming spot that contributes to a more comfortable community. The positive relationship between Ren and the locals continues to grow.

If you keep a dog or cat, have you ever thought what you'd do in the event of a disaster? Do shelters accept pets? How should pet owners prepare? We'll learn from a case study applied in Kumamoto.

We look at the special factors that enable NHK WORLD-JAPAN to provide accurate, up-to-date information whenever a disaster strikes, including emergency reporting drills conducted by the news floor.

Actor Fujiwara Momona has been a wheelchair user since childhood. In a society that tends to limit how people with disabilities live their lives, what world does this budding actor hope to build?

Safety pictograms are incredibly useful tools for learning about disaster hazards without the need for words. Learning the key points of their colors and designs will surely help you protect yourself.

Have you ever had a meal you'll never forget? We asked people with international roots living in Japan to tell us about the flavors that will forever remain in their hearts.

The power of the tiny 17-syllable poems called haiku resonates worldwide. In 2021, an effort was made to share thoughts via haiku in many languages, with the theme of "Life." What kind of thoughts do people express in the midst of conflicts, disasters and the COVID-19 epidemic? The organizer, poet Mayuzumi Madoka, presents a selection of the more than 1,000 haiku submitted from 36 countries.

Japan is one of the countries in the world with the highest concentration of volcanoes. What happens when a volcano erupts? What should we be careful of? The specialist known as "Mr. Magma" explains.

"17 Syllables Unite the World: Haiku in the Pandemic," broadcast in January, featured haiku poems written in various languages on the theme of "Life." In this sequel, Mayuzumi Madoka, a leading haiku poet, discusses the appeal and potential of haiku with a researcher on Japanese literature who writes haiku in Russian.

When a disaster strikes, a long and unusual life begins. Let's study the ways to keep your evacuee life healthier, such as preventing infection, maintaining oral hygiene and mental care issues.

The many people who provided support in the Tohoku region after the devastating 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake included a refugee from Myanmar. And today, people who did not experience the quake directly are searching for what they can do to help and are trying to dispatch updates on the stricken areas in a new way. The program reports on 3 people who continue to provide care and support.

Strict voluntary quarantine of smallpox sufferers was required in Iwakuni domain in the Edo period to protect the lord. Compliance was encouraged by a generous compensation policy that provided rice.

Let's unravel the history of masks in Japan! Dr. ISO introduces various ideas and innovations, including masks for silver mine workers and masks to block toilet odors.

In his diary, the 19th Prime Minister of Japan, Hara Takashi, described in detail how his health did not recover for nearly 6 months after his bout of Spanish flu.

With the rise in foreign trade in the late Edo period, menacing infectious diseases entered Japan. But it's also true that Westerners introduced the latest medicines and doctoral spirit of devotion.

More than four months have passed since the Russian invasion of Ukraine began. In May, Anastasia Monakova, a Russian-language reporter for NHK WORLD-JAPAN, visited an anti-war-themed exhibition held in Tokyo. On display were works by seven artists from Ukraine, Russia, Belarus and Japan. What are their perspectives as they continue to create their works and communicate through them?

A Japanese symbol of summer, cumulonimbus clouds have the power to cause heavy rain, thunderstorms, hailstorms, tornadoes, etc. Learn about them to protect yourself from sudden weather disasters!

What should you do when an earthquake occurs? Learn how TV and cell phone alerts work and the correct actions to take in different situations, such as when cooking at home or riding on a train.

Iwate is the prefecture with the largest number of natural disaster monuments. We meet people who pass on the lessons of past disasters in this region that was devastated by the 2011 tsunami.

Machi and Theresa are a lesbian couple living in Kyoto Prefecture. They were officially wed in Theresa's native US, but as their union isn't legally recognized in Japan, the two aren't family under the law. Thanks to donor insemination, Theresa became a mother, but Machi cannot officially be the child's parent. We follow the couple's efforts to overcome obstacles in their pursuit for marriage equality.

A disaster management expert provides useful tips for overcoming the various problems women have to face when staying at an evacuation shelter and recommends essential items to prepare.

The fact that Japan is very dry in winter greatly increases the risk of fire. We learn tips for preventing fires occurring and how to respond effectively when a fire breaks out.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN Indonesian language reporter Aji Rokhadi retraces the stories of Southeast Asian youths who had been sent to study in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb fell. He speaks with two Indonesian siblings whose father was a survivor of the tragedy and a Japanese woman who spent time with him after the bombing.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN Indonesian language reporter Aji Rokhadi retraces the stories of Southeast Asian youths who had been sent to study in Hiroshima when the atomic bomb fell. He speaks with a Malaysian-born scholar who does research on the lives of those students, and meets a Japanese former school teacher who continues to honor their memory.

Snow is beautiful, but it can also create very dangerous conditions. What is the best way to walk on icy roads and what precautions should drivers take? A Thai reporter shares his experience.

How can we associate better with COVID-19? Let's find the key by learning about the history of the infectious diseases Japan has experienced.Drawing Yokai, supernatural creatures like goblins, together to get rid of an epidemic was a typical way to provide relief in the Edo period (1603-1868). Dr. ISO shows examples such as Amabie.

When homes are lost or when danger comes, community-run evacuation centers are there. But who's eligible? What about provisions? And what are the rules? We'll take a closer look to find the answers.

A popular Japanese tourist spot, the Great Buddha at Todaiji Temple, is said to be constructed because of a major outbreak of smallpox. Dr. ISO explains why it occurred in the Nara period (710-794).

A 1995 earthquake caused widescale destruction across Japan's Kansai region, resulting in the creation of a small broadcast FM station. We examine the role of such local broadcast systems.

Girls brought up protectively in good families in the Heian period (794-late 12th) basically stayed socially distanced. Dr. ISO talks about the "zoning concept" of Japanese people.

In a disaster, with concerns over infectious disease or personal privacy, at-home evacuation is a consideration. We look at how to prepare your home and what supplies you need to have on hand.

In the wake of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, the song "Flowers Will Bloom" was created in support of those affected by the disaster. Now, ten years later, it is reborn in 11 languages with performances by artists such as May J., Ono Lisa, and Morisaki Win who generously offered their voices. Can the song carry its prayer of hope across the globe? Join us as we learn the story behind the song's inception, look at the disaster area today, and introduce messages from around the world.

During the Edo period (1603-1868), many infections were named after something popular at that time, for instance songs or a sumo wrestler. Dr. ISO introduces distinctive cases.

When disaster strikes, finding accurate information can be difficult. We'll show you how foreign residents of Japan can swiftly and easily access vital information avoiding rumor and inaccuracy.

The Gion Festival in Kyoto Prefecture, which goes back to the 9th century, is a festival to provide hospitality to the God of Plague. Dr. ISO explains how Japanese have traditionally associated with epidemics.

The earthquake, tsunami and resulting nuclear accident of 2011 caused unprecedented damage. We have an in-depth discussion with foreign residents of Japan on their feelings and actions at the time.

There was business self-restraint in the Edo period as well, especially with restaurants, inns and teahouses. Dr. ISO also refers to the episode of self-restraint when the shogun became ill.

Benefits existed in the Edo period, too. For example, 7.5 kilos of rice was given to each backstreet tenement house, and importance was placed on speed. Dr. ISO explains why they could have done so.

What did people do in pre-modern times before vaccines were developed? In Japan, notices were displayed. Dr. ISO shows unique examples such as "Jo-zake ari," meaning "We have high-quality sake."

Ten years after the Great East Japan Earthquake, NHK's song for recovery "Flowers Will Bloom" is reborn in 11 languages, thanks to artists from around the world. Following "Flowers Will Bloom Beyond Borders," aired in February, this program offers insight on the performers' memories of the disaster, their feelings about the song, as well as the unexpected positive impact it had on people in Syria.

This episode looks at the situation in Japan today as glimpsed through the activities of long-term resident Haroon Qureshi from Pakistan. As Secretary General of one of Tokyo's several mosques, he offers a helping hand to the homeless and poor regardless of race or creed, including those hit hard by the COVID-19 pandemic. His compassionate attitude has engaged the hearts of young Japanese.

Almost 5 months after the coup in Myanmar, the turmoil is ongoing across the country. Hoping to help Myanmar's citizens, people in Japan started aid projects. From university students conducting weekly street-side fundraising to a woman setting up a "babysitting for Myanmar" service, and an entrepreneur promoting fair trade by importing Myanmar coffee, we look at this grassroots-level form of support.

Water has great power in rainstorm, typhoon and flood conditions. We introduce the dangers of walking in running water and provide hints on how to escape when you are trapped in buildings or cars.

In Japan, around 50,000 children with foreign roots have limited Japanese skills and find it difficult to understand regular school lessons and adapt to them. A "free school" founded by an NPO in the suburbs of Tokyo caters for such children wanting to enter high school. What support is required to make their wish come true?

Summer in Japan is seriously hot. Both the temperature and the humidity rise very high, leading to the risk of heat illness. This episode introduces in detail how to recognize, treat and avoid it.

A documentary released in 2021 is based on 5 years of interviews with young Turkish Kurds who have grown up in Japan. Their repeated applications to obtain refugee status have failed, making it hard for their dreams of higher education and employment to come true. Director Hyuga Fumiari shares his thoughts on producing "TOKYO KURDS" and explains how it has affected his view of Japan today.

Municipalities provide evacuation centers for natural disasters of level 4 or higher. A home camping simulation includes useful advice on bedding, toilets and emergency food preparation.

Major disasters can cause many injuries, and it may be difficult to get an ambulance to come as fast as usual. We introduce effective first aid for fractures, bleeding and cease of respiration.

We meet Peru-born entrepreneur Okamura Albert. From his unique life experiences that include work at the Tokyo Regional Immigration Services Bureau came the wish to provide support to foreign nationals in Japan. He founded a firm that helps them with complicated procedures related to life in Japan, such as obtaining a visa status. His long-term goal is to foster a society all can share, regardless of nationality.

When a major natural disaster occurs, public transportation may stop, making it hard for commuters to get home. We will learn how we should act, based on the measures taken by Shibuya City in Tokyo.

It's a good idea to prepare an emergency backpack for use after a natural disaster. An expert advises us on what and how much to pack, and where to keep it at home ready for immediate access.

Japan has yet to officially recognize same-sex marriage. For binational spouses, this makes things even harder. We examine the issue from the perspectives of a Japanese-American gay couple kept apart by entry restrictions in Japan, and two women living together in Kyoto Prefecture - one US-born and the other Japanese - who wish to have kids but are worried because their marriage isn't recognized.

We received a question from a Chinese listener living in Shanghai who had visited Japan. He was impressed by the convenience and efficiency of the Tokyo transportation system despite the vastness of the city. Reporter Duan Wenning is from China. She interviews a professor at the University of Tokyo who is a "Traffic Jamologist" and offers tips on how to deal with traffic congestion. She also introduces initiatives undertaken by transportation authorities to alleviate overcrowding, starting with the rush hour. Would you rather stand up for your commute or pay extra and use your time more effectively? Do you want to stay fit and healthy? Let's take a closer look at new modes of transportation in Tokyo, and hear some answers to these questions.

Tokyo will host the Olympic and Paralympic Games in 2020. Momentum for international exchanges is now gathering in various parts of Japan. Many local governments have named themselves as host towns of participating countries and regions in a bid to promote international exchanges and to help revitalize local economies.

Are you ready if disaster strikes? Find out what you need to do by watching the program "BOSAI: Be Prepared." Japan has a long experience in dealing with disasters, and has developed the idea of "BOSAI" - disaster preparedness. When disaster strikes, clear, accurate and prompt information is needed. But foreign residents of Japan often encounter problems due to language and communication gaps. A case study of a community of Brazilian residents in Japan that was hit by flooding offers insights.

Track athletes from South Sudan have been training in the city of Maebashi since November 2019 to prepare for the Olympics and Paralympics. The city decided to play host to the athletes in response to a request from the Japan International Cooperation Agency, or JICA. Due to the long civil war in the country, South Sudan lacks adequate training facilities. People in Maebashi are also helping the athletes by raising funds through crowdfunding and by selling goods like T-shirts. The city says it hopes its host town experience will encourage more local people to become involved in international exchanges in the future.

Saga Prefecture was registered as the host "town," or community, for Thailand in 2018. That came after a Thai TV drama was filmed in the prefecture. There was a huge increase in the number of people from Thailand visiting Saga. They wanted to see the locations where the drama was shot. Saga's Yutoku Inari Shrine has become a must-see place for fans of the drama. A priest at the shrine has been studying the Thai language so he can welcome visitors. The shrine also offers fortune-telling slips written in Thai. A nonprofit organization called "Sawadee Saga" was launched in 2018 to offer support services to Thai tourists. It provides pamphlets in Thai and arranges for volunteer interpreters to help tourists. The prefecture has started a new project together with organizations like "Sawadee Saga." They help Thai students find jobs with the aim of supporting those who want to live in Saga.

This time, we answer a question from Pakistani Mehar Abdul Sattar Salfi: "What do office workers in Japan wear to work?" Our reporter is Urdu broadcasting announcer Bilal Khan, who is also from Pakistan. Although suits have long been the norm in Japanese companies, a growing number of businesses are adopting a flexible dress code. But picking out clothes for work each day can be a real headache, so shopping sessions with a professional stylist are gaining popularity. In contrast, some people have no problems with putting together an outfit, including a hair stylist who can dress for a year using just a dozen items of clothing, including tops and bottoms, who claims that a smaller wardrobe can improve both finances and emotional health.

The city of Maizuru in western Japan is the host town for the national Olympic wrestling and judo teams of the central Asian country of Uzbekistan. The ties between Maizuru and Uzbekistan date back to the end of World War II, when about 575,000 Japanese were interned in many parts of what was then the Soviet Union. Some of them were sent to Uzbekistan. They helped to build the Navoi Theater, in the country's capital city of Tashkent. The theater is greatly loved by the Uzbek people. Maizuru was where many former Japanese POWs could once again stand on Japanese soil. The host town program enables the young people of Japan and Uzbekistan to learn about the culture and history of each other's country -- including the unexpected historical link between them. This is helping them to develop new forms of cultural exchange.

Tsurugashima City, Saitama Prefecture near Tokyo became Myanmar's host town in 2017. Since then, the citizens have been deepening their direct interactions with Myanmar. And now, they're preparing to welcome young judo athletes from Myanmar -- with food. Some restaurant owners created original "host town dishes" that combine Myanmar ingredients and local specialties of Tsurugashima. Will these culinary experts be able to win the hearts of Myanmar athletes? One reason that Tsurugashima became the host town is a scholarship set up by the city's 97-year-old resident, Imaizumi Seiji. He fought in Southeast Asia during World War II, as a soldier. Imaizumi says he could survive, thanks to kind help of the people in Myanmar. After the war, he launched a scholarship for students from Myanmar out of gratitude for kindness of the people in the country. Nearly 200 students from Myanmar have studied in Japan on the scholarship, which has contributed a lot to bilateral exchanges.

This time, we answer a question from carpet designer Abdelilah Boubchir, a resident of Algeria, who wants to know about Japanese carpet making and the history. Our reporter is Karima Elsamny, an Arabic broadcast announcer from Egypt. In Okayama Prefecture's Kurashiki area, local Igusa rush grass is used to produce Hanagoza mats and Igusa carpets called Kurashiki Dantsu. Both were once exported overseas. Made of dyed Igusa rush grass woven into patterns, Hanagoza mats were especially popular. Igusa can absorb moisture and thus be used in hot, humid Japanese summers. We explore the appeal of rugs and carpets designed for the climate of Japan.

This program rediscovers the charms of Japan based on the personal interests of ambassadors to Japan. In the first episode, Myanmar Ambassador Myint Thu, who first stayed in Japan as 3rd secretary 20 years ago, visits Kitakyushu, his second home in Japan. He introduces Japan's only Myanmar-style pagoda and enjoys local food specialties. He also finds a low-cost water purification system he wants to introduce to Myanmar where people start to pay attention to environmental pollution amid economic development, and demonstrates his karate skills.

This time we focus on 2 communities in southern Japan's Kagoshima Prefecture. Mishima Village was registered in 2018 as the host town of Guinea. Its ties with the West African nation began in 1994, when Mamady Keita, a player of the "djembe" hand drum, performed there. Keita had said he wanted to communicate with children in a Japanese village. He has since kept in touch with local kids. Mishima has a djembe school, and the drum is the village symbol. We cover this unique cultural exchange. People from the public and private sectors on Okinoerabu Island are tackling the issue of marine plastic waste. In 2019, the island became the host town of the Caribbean island nations of Dominica and Grenada. People from those countries visited Okinoerabu for an environmental meeting also attended by researchers studying the issue. Local schoolchildren impressed the experts with their study of microplastics.

People from the public and private sectors on Okinoerabu Island in Kagoshima Prefecture, are tackling the issue of marine plastic waste. In 2019, the island became the host town of the Caribbean island nations of Dominica and Grenada. People from those countries visited Okinoerabu for an environmental meeting also attended by researchers studying the issue. Local schoolchildren impressed the experts with their study of microplastics. We learn how the people of Okinoerabu and these 2 nations are dealing with this issue.

This episode focuses on a Thai community in Saitama Prefecture, north of Tokyo, to see how the coronavirus outbreak is impacting their lives. Staying positive, the group has been making facemasks for the community, but many are worried over health and financial issues. We get advice from a doctor whose clinic specializes in services for foreigners, as well as from an organization that created a video to help Thai people claim financial support from the Japanese government.

The COVID-19 has affected everyone, especially for foreigners. For example, the situation coincided with Ramadan. Most years it's a time when Muslims fast during the day, joining friends and relatives after sunset to share a meal. However, self-isolation made it impossible. For another example, Bangladeshi community in Japan made up a network to help with each other. In this program, we focus on Muslim and Bangladeshi communities to have a look at their efforts to overcome the difficulties.

Over 300,000 foreign students are currently in Japan pursuing studies and looking for work after graduation. However, like many others, they too are being severely affected by the coronavirus pandemic. This program focuses on the efforts of a Japanese language school and an employment agency as they take on new approaches to help students from abroad overcome the crisis.

Pandemic-era Japan's foreign residents are more isolated than ever. We look at the efforts of Kalakasan, a group empowering immigrant women, and a teacher who supports foreign students in Yamaguchi Prefecture.

Japan is prone to natural disasters, so the government provides various types of hazard maps. What kinds of dangers are around you? Disaster prevention specialist gives potential life-saving tips.

When disaster strikes, you need to flee from danger, but where to, how, and what should you take? Walking around downtown Tokyo, learn about effective evacuation strategies.

In this episode, we answer a question from a viewer living in Russia, "Can you tell me what is happening with plastic waste in such a technologically advanced country?" Our reporter is Russian broadcast announcer Anastasia Monakova. Japan is advanced in separating and recycling trash, but it also produces a significant portion of the world's plastic waste. To reduce waste, shops started charging for plastic shopping bags in July. But the amount of plastic waste generated by households is increasing due to COVID-19. We visit Kamakura, which was the first city in Japan to make a "zero plastic waste" declaration. In addition, bioplastics are attracting attention as they are kind to nature and recyclable options. Some are made from plant-derived materials and some are decomposed by microorganisms. We visit the laboratory of Professor Iwata Tadahisa of the University of Tokyo, who is a leader in this field. We cover the professor's work at the forefront of bioplastic research.

Would you know what to do in an earthquake in a crowded city? Learn the keys to survival in the life-or-death 72-hour period after an urban earthquake through a hands-on tour at SONA AREA TOKYO.

This time, we respond to a request from a viewer in Pakistan who wants to know about kite-flying in Japan. Our reporter is Bilal Khan, an announcer in our Urdu broadcasting division. A kite-flying event is held all over Japan to offer wishes for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. By attending the event, Bilal learns about the unique meaning of kites in Japan. Japan's kite-flying culture goes back to the 8th century. It experienced a boom during the 17th century and then developed differently from region to region. Bilal visits Niigata Prefecture where a huge kite battle will take place. He experiences a culture of unique large kites with a 300-year history and meets a craftsman who makes kites using traditional techniques. Bilal tries to make and fly a kite himself. How are kites unique in Japan? And will his kite fly?

Vietnamese traditionally visit their ancestors' graves in January and February, before the Lunar New Year. Now that their country is enjoying economic growth, some families are purchasing elaborate gravesites for their loved ones. In this episode, we answer a listener's question about graves in Japan: "How do Japanese show respect for their ancestors? Have things changed?" Vietnamese announcer Phan Quynh Hoa talks about the situation in Japan, where the overall population is growing older and graves are becoming more compact.

Listeners of our Hindi-language service asked about sports. Sumo is gaining popularity in India, and the Indian game of Kabaddi is gaining ground in Japan. So, we sent our Hindi-language announcer Viola Kawano to find out about the lives of sumo wrestlers and to catch up with junior and senior high students playing Kabaddi. The latter has become familiar enough to have been portrayed in a manga.

Last year, deadly tsunamis struck Indonesia. A listener from that country wrote to ask about tsunami preparations in Japan. An announcer from our Indonesian section, Sri Lestari, went to Sendai to find out how people are making use of the experience of the 2011 disaster.

A South Korean listener wrote to us to say, "The Tarako (salted cod roe) rice ball I had in Japan tasted great. Please explain how to make it and other Tarako dishes." We're happy to oblige. Our Korean language announcer Shin Euisoo visited a popular rice ball restaurant and a pasta place that serves "Tarako spaghetti." Listen in to learn about some must-try cod roe dishes.

A listener from China inquired about keeping mosquitoes in check in Japan. Our reporter Ron Monroe visits a mosquito expert to find out what really works. She also visits a company that invented pyrethrum coils more than 100 years ago to learn the origins of the material, now used around the world.

Russian listener Tatiana Dolzhanskaya says she wants to know what's new with robots in Japan. Our reporter is Russian announcer Anastasia Monakova, who introduces robots that address labor shortages in various fields and support the lives of the elderly as Japan's birthrate declines and society ages. She also interviews leading robot expert Professor Ishiguro Hiroshi about the android robot, ERICA that he created and its emotions and ability to carry out conversations. Learn about the history of ERICA's development and the potential for human co-existence with robots.

Arthur Kabugu Mathenge listens to our Swahili broadcasting and told us that, in Kenya, all garbage is deposited in one place without being sorted, leading to environmental problems. He wants to know about how Japan deals with garbage. Our Swahili broadcasting Kenyan announcer Martin Mwanje goes to Yokohama where he finds that representatives from Africa have visited the city government to learn about how Japan deals with garbage. Martin reports on a waste treatment plant, methods for recycling and incinerating garbage, and educational activities aimed at children. He also visits the town of Kamikatsu in Tokushima Prefecture which has no large-scale waste treatment plants but nevertheless achieved a recycling rate of 80%. What is their secret?

This time, Indian listener Subhash Chakraborty asks, "Do Japanese people wear traditional clothes like kimono? In what kinds of situations do people wear kimono?" Our reporter is Bengali broadcasting announcer Kanika Bhowmik from Bangladesh. She visits a kimono specialty shop where she reports about occasions when Japanese people wear kimono and learns to wear them. Then Kanika visits a shop where you can rent and get assistance in wearing kimono. This is very popular among foreign visitors. Finally, she meets a young woman who enjoys kimono in new ways and introduces new trends in wearing kimono.

How can we learn about disaster preparedness in Japan? This time, people from Myanmar living in Tokyo sent us a question. Our reporter is Director of NHK WORLD-JAPAN Burmese Language Broadcasting, Khin Aye Nge. Myanmar experiences fewer natural disasters so the people are not accustomed to preparing for them. Khin visits a monastery where people from Myanmar living in Japan gather. Along with them, she visits a facility to learn disaster preparedness and experience simulated disasters. What is their first reaction? In addition, a specialist from the local government checks the monastery for earthquake and fire preparedness. What kind of advice does she give and what do they discover? We offer suggestions for the first steps toward disaster prevention and countermeasures.

This time, an Iranian listener asks, "What role does traditional calligraphy play in the lives of modern Japanese people?" Even today, most elementary schools in Japan teach children how to use a calligraphy brush for practicing the correct way of writing characters. Also, handwritten New Year's cards and envelopes for gifting money on special occasions are still popular in Japan. Recently, new forms of expressions have emerged, such as performances that combine music and calligraphy as well as those incorporating computer graphics. Our Persian language announcer Ali Noorani from Iran explores the appeal of Japanese calligraphy and how it continues to evolve.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN's Myanmar service receives hundreds of messages every month. Each one conveys affection for Japan and an interest in various aspects of the country. In this episode, Win Morisaki, an actor from Myanmar, introduces connections between the 2 societies that may not be widely known but run deep.

Listeners who get in touch with NHK WORLD-JAPAN's Indonesian service often want to know about Muslim lifestyles in Japan. Reporter Sri Lestari provides answers. She introduces some of the many initiatives that allow Indonesians of that faith to make close connections in Japan.

Model Maya Kazi presents Kanda Jimbocho, a double-sided town of old books and curry. As she visits old bookstores, Maya introduces her father's upbringing along with a brief history of Bangladesh. She finds a photo book of Rabindranath Tagore there. Having a father who was a great curry chef at home, Maya also explores the various local curry restaurants to seek her comfort food. Kanda Jimbocho was a place for Maya to connect to both her Japanese and Bangladeshi background.

Foot races are reaching new peaks of popularity in Thailand. So, it's no surprise that people there would like to know about running in Japan too. Sutthiporn Bunchuay, from NHK WORLD-JAPAN's Thai service, introduces a popular race as well as high-tech Japanese shoes.