In-depth News Features | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Make sure to evacuate early. It is dangerous to evacuate on foot or by car in the middle of a flood. Here are some important points that will help keep you safe.

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

The Southeast Asian island nation of Timor-Leste, formerly known as East Timor, will celebrate 20 years of independence in May. The former leader who led the country in its early years spoke with NHK World about those difficult first steps, and his hopes for the future.

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

More than 80 years have passed since Japan occupied Singapore during World War Two, and historian Lim Shao Bin continues to search for answers buried in documents and war memorabilia — from a chapter of history that still shapes his country today. His work is deeply personal, driven by a conviction that confronting painful truths is essential to building lasting peace. At its core is a question: how can societies pursue peace without forgetting the past?

Twelve American prisoners of war died when their own country dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima. An 8-year-old survivor of the blast would spend more than four decades ensuring they were not forgotten.

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

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

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

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

A new generation of Japanese filmmakers is emerging across a wide range of genres, their work winning critical acclaim at film festivals around the world. The recognition follows the success of directors like Koreeda Hirokazu and Kitano Takeshi, who have been captivating global audiences for decades.

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

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

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

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

Across Asia, Generation Z ― born between 1997 and 2012 ― is no longer fighting alone. Driven by anger over corruption and inequality, young protesters are finding allies far beyond their borders. Through social media and shared pop-culture symbols ― including the Japanese manga "One Piece" flag ― their local struggles are increasingly linked with movements in Africa and South America.

It has been over a month since Australia introduced a sweeping social media ban, cutting anyone under the age of 16 from major social media platforms. While the government says millions of accounts have been deactivated, many teens in the country say they have found ways to get around the ban, rendering it ineffective.

Japan gave a helping hand to Sri Lanka, which is now emerging from its recent period of economic chaos. The leader of the strategically important South Asian island nation visited Tokyo and Osaka last month with the aim of deepening ties and promoting investment opportunities.

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

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

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

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

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

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

As US President Donald Trump's administration floods the public sphere with updates on its offensive against Iran, information is being circulated on an unprecedented scale — with much of it stirring controversy. NHK has examined the deluge of images, videos, and statements, searching for a coherent message.

Every year on March 11, Suzuki Miho prepares food for two children who left for school and never came home. The Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami in 2011 that struck northeastern Japan left 15,901 people dead and 2,519 missing — including Miho’s young son and daughter.

Visitors to Japan can put a popular tourist attraction back on their sightseeing lists with the re-opening of the Edo-Tokyo Museum. The facility has been closed for four years of renovations to improve exhibits, upgrade accessibility and offer interactive experiences.

North Korea's first congress of the ruling Workers' Party in five years was an opportunity for the leadership to assess its achievements, install new officials, and chart policy for the coming half-decade. Leader Kim Jong Un projected a conspicuous air of confidence at the February gathering as he touted successes across all sectors — including the economy, defense, and diplomacy. NHK World's Takeda Tomonari takes a closer look at the newfound air of self-assurance in Pyongyang — and whether it's warranted.

The symbolic Doomsday Clock is ticking closer than ever to midnight, driven in part by concerns about the resurgent specter of nuclear weapons. In New York City, an exhibition invited visitors to reflect on those dangers in an unexpected way — through art. The show, titled "Nuclear Injustice," brought together photographs, installations and sound pieces that invite reflection on the human and environmental consequences of nuclear weapons. One installation by Japanese American artist Alan Nakagawa drew particular attention, using sound to connect two places inextricably linked by the atomic bombing of Hiroshima.

Thailand's progressive Move Forward Party swept the popular vote in a general election earlier this month, pulling off an upset victory that some saw as a sign of disillusionment with years of military-backed rule. For party leader Pita Limjaroenrat, however, the path to power remains beset with hurdles. Pita recently sat down with NHK for his first interview with foreign media since negotiating a fragile coalition that's vying for control of Thailand's lower house. His remarks have been edited for brevity and clarity.

Growing up in a conservative family in southern Thailand, Ann Chumaporn spent years convinced the problem was her. It took time to understand that it wasn't ― and longer to do something about it. On January 23, 2026, she held a wedding ceremony with the woman she loves, in a country whose laws she helped change.

In a Chinese town on the border with North Korea, a cosmetic enhancement item plays a key role in the dramatic revival of trade between the two countries.

Chances are, you're reading this on a smartphone or PC. These gadgets are an essential part of daily life — but not without immense pain for some people. The Democratic Republic of the Congo is a major source of rare minerals used in all manner of modern devices. The industry is rife with human rights abuses, and many companies simply turn a blind eye in the name of profit. At least two in Japan are finding innovative ways to end the suffering.

Japanese wines are picking up international awards — but global traction is another story. In a climate defined by humidity and rain, producers are getting creative, taking cues from sake and whisky to carve out a distinct identity.

Award-winning Myanmar writer Ma Thida says reading and critical thinking are essential tools of resistance — and the foundation of any future democracy. Speaking during a three-city tour of Japan, the former political prisoner, now living in exile in Germany, reflected on post-coup Myanmar, where the military continues to entrench its power despite claiming a return to civilian rule.

South Korea's former president Yoon Suk-yeol has been sentenced to life imprisonment on charges of insurrection. The punishment was handed down on February 19 by the Seoul Central District Court and comes 443 days after his declaration of martial law plunged the country into political turmoil. NHK World editor-in-chief and former Seoul bureau chief Aoki Yoshiyuki examines what it means for South Korea's political landscape.

The atomic bombings of Hiroshima and Nagasaki are often taught as history. But for some young people in Japan, they are just as relevant today, and have become a reason to act. Touched by the stories of survivors known as hibakusha, they are choosing to step forward with new ways of keeping their messages alive.

It's been a year since dozens of countries got together to enforce a landmark ban on nuclear weapons, yet the goal of eradication seems as distant as ever. For the states that refused to sign the treaty—countries with nuclear arms and others under their protection—discussions to prevent further spread of nuclear arms are not progressing. That stalemate has prompted some to ask: If the world's most powerful countries can't even agree to slim their nuclear arsenal, what hope is there of abolishing the weapons altogether?

Over the 12-year period that followed World War Two, the United States tested dozens of nuclear bombs in the Marshall Islands. Residents of the Pacific nation are still grappling with the consequences. Now, however, they face a potentially greater threat.

An elementary school student in Japan has created a picture book about being assigned female at birth but identifying as a boy. The experience has instilled Ayano with a new sense of courage, and helped other people understand the struggle many similar children face in a society slow to support the LGBTQ community.

Nuclear disarmament is one of the key issues at the G7 Summit this week. It has become even more pressing in the wake of Russia's invasion of Ukraine, as well as emerging threats from China and North Korea.

A Japanese filmmaker has taken up the story of an atomic bomb survivor whose memory she is determined to honor. Director Kawase Mika wants her documentary "The Postman from Nagasaki" to remind the world that the nuclear horrors inflicted on Japan must never be repeated.

Activists calling for the abolition of nuclear weapons have long relied on the powerful testimonies of atomic bomb survivors, or hibakusha, to grow their movement. But with ever fewer people to offer that testimony, both the hibakusha and activists know those days are running out. NHK World's Yoshida Mayu speaks to different generations who have a common goal: a world without nuclear weapons.

Almost everyone is familiar with Pac-Man, the little yellow character that chomps its way around a maze with its signature "waka-waka" sound. This classic arcade game helped launch Japanese video games onto the global stage, blazing a trail for Mario and Pokémon. The iconic orb is celebrating its 45th anniversary, and it remains as instantly recognizable and beloved as ever. NHK World's Inoue Yuki explores a New York exhibition highlighting its lasting impact on gaming, design, and pop culture.

Young people in Thailand have grown up against a backdrop of political chaos and drama. They will have their say in shaping their country's future on February 8 at the House of Representatives election ― but as NHK World discovers, many are torn between security issues and hopes for reform.

Ernest Satoru Arai was 10 years old when the world entered the nuclear age. It was August 6, 1945 ― the young Japanese-American was in Hiroshima for schooling when US forces dropped the atomic bomb that devastated the city. Arai suffered severe burns and radiation exposure that have defined his life ever since. Now 91, he serves as a peace volunteer at the Hiroshima Peace Memorial Museum, sharing his harrowing experience with visitors from every corner of the globe.

Esports has transformed from a niche hobby into a global phenomenon. Players can log on and compete with rivals anywhere in the world, with major tournaments drawing massive audiences to a market already worth billions of dollars. While gaming has long been seen as the preserve of the young, a recent event in Tokyo challenged that stereotype.

Myanmar's military junta is pressing ahead with a disputed election, the first since the 2021 coup. The voting is being conducted in three regional phases, the first of which took place on December 28. The process is scheduled to conclude by the end of January. While the junta is aiming to use the ballot to legitimize its rule, intense fighting continues to prevent voting across large swaths of the country. From Japan, members of Myanmar's diaspora say voters face pressure and intimidation where polls remain open.

Rosalina Harada Mondragon has been waiting her whole life to be recognized as Japanese. She was born in the Philippines in 1940 to a Japanese father killed during the Pacific War. Rosalina is one of thousands of children to Japanese fathers left behind at the end of the conflict. Many became stateless. Eight decades later, 50 survivors are still fighting to be acknowledged by Japan.