Best Japanese documentary series

A chronicle of the creative process of the legendary Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, a passionate artisan, a steadfast trailblazer, and a father butting heads with his son…

BEGIN Japanology invites you into the world of Japanese culture, both traditional and modern, explaining how traditions evolved and the part they still play today in people's everyday lives.

New discoveries of dinosaur fossils are completely changing what we know about the animals that lived on our planet millions of years ago.

Host Peter Barakan delves into various aspects of Japanese culture; exploring practices, history, and modern innovations in such areas as ramen, rice, sushi, geisha, bonsai, and so much more. Local experts discuss their passions at fascinating length, and American Japanophile Matt Alt experiences the food, practices, and cultures in each episode in depth. Viewers will finish each half hour episode with a new understanding of an area of Japanese life through demonstrative videos and explanations, all delivered respectfully and true to the Japanese way of life.

To live is to eat. For people around the world in precarious and dangerous circumstances, eating itself is dangerous, precarious, and essential.

Documentary TV series examining the process of drawing manga from an insider's perspective. Urasawa Naoki no Manben is hosted by veteran manga artist Naoki Urasawa (Monster, Pluto, 20th Century Boys) and follows different artists each episode, watching them draw their manga from scratch and exploring what differentiates their styles.

Discover the secrets of Japan's railways, from the newest technologies and systems in use, to travel tips and must-see places.

Globe-trotting wildlife photographer and filmmaker, Iwago Mitsuaki, offers the best of a vast collection of cat footage he took in Japan. On this unique trip around the country, discover the lesser-known charms and customs of regions through the eyes of cats!

The Heisei Kamen Riders have passed through this era. It's time to pass that power down to the future. Rejoice at the birth of the new king!

An unusual documentary series that delves into human dramas through chance encounters with ordinary people at selected spots. Filmed over 72 hours in a single location, the show captures glimpses into people's lives as they open up and share their stories. Japanese Broadcast Version

Once you pass 1,000 meters, the water is completely devoid of light, and you have reached the deep ocean. Down here, temperatures plummet to 39 degrees Fahrenheit, and constantly stay near freezing. The pressures at these depths range from about 40 to over 110 times the pressure of Earth's atmosphere. We know more about outer space than the ocean floor. Want to learn more about the ocean? Start with this mind-blowing series! , narrated by ... David Attenborough

Find out everything there is to know about Japanese tradition, from food to culture, to objects and arts, and the people who are continuing it today.

Journeys in Japan provides an eye-opening look at the many unique places to visit in Japan. English-speaking visitors travel the length of the country, exploring the culture, meeting the local people, visiting historic sites and offering travel hints rarely found in guidebooks.

Tokyo: where both tradition and the latest trends coexist. Join us on a journey to discover the real Tokyo as we dive into its historic old towns and encounter many fun surprises along the way.

Reboot of the original Manben series from 2014-2017. Naoki Urasawa is returning to visit eight different manga authors, observe them in their daily work and discuss the creation of manga.

A show about the process of design, as well as how things are designed and made in Japan.

This program visits places across Japan to introduce the charms of their local daily life and festivals fostered by the nation's long history.

Our Planet still hides many mysteries. Why does the world’s largest gathering of whale sharks happen in just one special place off the coast of Mexico? What has it got to do with a meteorite hurtling through space? Why are komodo dragons only found where they are? How did one of the planet’s most exquisite rainforests become forgotten? From the strangest animals of Sulawesi, to the spooky creatures of the Mayan underworld; from the haunt of Pumas and the Mars - like high Andes, to a lost world in the African clouds and a war of Baboons: Mysterious Planet embarks on a series of epic journeys into the wild, across continents, through millennia, to uncover the answers to the mysteries that shape life.

Delicious food from Tokyo's markets! Learn about the amazing ingredients which are sourced from across Japan and sold at Tokyo's fresh food markets.

Proposes a new journey of Japan, and provides useful information to enjoy the adventure on a bike. Join us on the trip to see inside of Japan that you won't find in the guidebooks

A close-up look at cities worldwide, as seen by a walking tourist. Viewers visit places off the beaten path, meet ordinary people, and enjoy a travel experience that's only possible on foot.

Twenty years after their debut, join the beloved members of Arashi on a new journey as they showcase their lives, talents and gifts to the world.

The timeless heart of Japan's ancient capital. Against its rich backdrop of culture and tradition, today's Kyoto continues to innovate and inspire.

This travel show aimed at overseas visitors offers info on where to go, what to see, and how to experience Japan, like an expert.

J-MELO is a weekly Japanese music television program broadcast by NHK. It is recorded entirely in the English language. It began broadcasting on October 7, 2005. The program is available on NHK's World Service television station, Radio Japan, Digital Educational TV and on its Domestic General Channel.

Diggin' In The Carts shines a spotlight on the composers who created a style of music that has had an immense impact on modern pop culture. From the personal studios of these legendary composers, to the concert halls of Japan where symphony orchestras are performing their compositions to sold-out crowds today - the series will document how the music of video games was created, what inspired it, and how it evolved into its own cultural phenomenon. Peppered with commentary from some of modern music’s finest DJ’s, musicians and electronic producers from around the world, the documentary also shows the influence these Japanese composers had on the world - and the world of music.

Prominent Japanese wildlife photographer and filmmaker Mitsuaki Iwago loves cats of all shapes and sizes. So he's set out on a journey to film cats all over the world as they live their lives. Join him in a cat's-eye view of many diverse cities spanning the globe in a unique program that perhaps even your own cat will enjoy as well!

Three days in the life of...Stay in one location for 72 hours, catching glimpses into people's lives as they open up and share. NHK World English Broadcast Version

Explore the richness and depth of the Japanese language and discover how words and expressions reflect history, culture and the natural world.

TOKYO EYE introduces many fascinating aspects of contemporary Tokyo from the perspectives of both visitors and those who live in this diverse metropolis. Presented by Chris Peppler.

Former NASA rocket engineer Chad Zdenek takes apart some of the world's mightiest machines and uncovers their secrets.

Experience the magnificent story of evolution transcending time through cutting-edge computer generated imagery in high definition 4K.

A documentary series that focuses on first-class professionals from various fields.

The best of today's sumo! Enjoy daily highlights of this dynamic sport with background info and play-by-play commentary adding to the excitement!

"Trails to Tsukiji" is a show that focuses on Japanese food available at Tokyo's iconic Tsukiji Market where every kind of fresh food is gathered from around the country.

The next generation of Manzai duos compete in a fierce battle of wits and laughter, unleashing their best material for a chance at comedic glory.

Meet the real stars of Japanese animation. From crayons to CGI, discover the techniques and inspirations of some of Japan's most amazing animators.

NHK WORLD PRIME brings you a world of mainly documentaries, and more. Tune in to see special select programs on all sorts of topics and genres.

This programme highlights the supreme skill of Japanese engineers who compete to meet the challenge of exceptionally strict production standards.

Project X ~Challengers~ is a series of NHK documentary shows that focus on the great achievements in post-war Japan, ranging from science and technology to sports and social affairs.

Today, more never-before-seen images are being discovered throughout the world. Using this treasure trove of footage NHK has produced a unique history series, A Century on Film.

Japanese inventions are used and loved around the world. Through interviews and reenactments, go behind the scenes and discover how Japanese craftsmanship brought these top inventions into being.

Hard-hitting documentary series that takes an in-depth look at some of the political, economic, and social challenges that Japan and our world is facing.

Criss-cross Japan by rail. Enjoy an amazing diversity of nature and scenery across the four seasons, exploring both well-known and hidden Japan.

As emcees of a fictitious variety programme, Matsuoka Mayu and Ito Sairi interview people with fixations in everyday life to find out what is difficult for others to understand, but makes the person happy.

Sumopedia offers short videos to enrich your sumo experience. Learn about techniques, traditions, and famous wrestlers of the past. The rules may be simple, but the more you know, the more you see.

Two of Japan’s top creators come together for a special fireside chat. Hideaki ANNO, creator and director of the Evangelion series, and Hitoshi MATSUMOTO, producer of Documental and FREEZE, sit down to discuss their respective creative philosophy and approaches, the spread of their work abroad, their future creative endeavors, and more.

Various one off documentaries that have aired on the Japanese network NHK.

Kabuki is a world-class theater with a history of over 400 years, but is also exciting entertainment. What is the secret of its enduring attraction? Haruka Christine, Nakamura Kazutaro, and Ichikawa Somegoro guide us through the world of kabuki.

Director Satoshi Kon examines individual scenes from the movie "Perfect Blue"

Lunch ON! offers insights into working people of all kinds, by looking at their lunch. Discover what they eat as they strive to reach new heights!

This program aims to revive the invaluable words of renowned individuals from history using the vast audio and visual archives preserved by NHK, working towards the creation of the "Japanese Visual Archive."

This show delves into contemporary social and business topics in Japan, focusing on the journey of 'Samurai Companies' determined to astonish the world anew. It documents their endeavors rooted in a tradition of craftsmanship and provides an inspiring glimpse into their pursuit of global success.

People from around the globe who put down roots in Japan offer a glimpse into their lives and the hardships they face in Japanese society.

Content on-the-go! Diverse, innovative, immersive and smartphone optimized. Topics range from arts, crafts and ninjas to international celebrities!

Discovering what makes Japan cool! COOL JAPAN is a term that describes the growing international interest in Japan. From the worlds of fashion, anime, architecture to cuisine, the cultural aspects of Japanese society that have long been left undiscovered are starting to make a strong impact on global trends.

Take a deep dive into the beautiful world of Japan's top male idol groups from number one producer Johnny's in this revealing docuseries.

On this program, you will encounter leading-edge researchers and their work... including world-renowned researchers who will join us in the studio. It's the perfect way to keep tabs on what's happening across a broad range of science and technology fields in Japan! The program is hosted by a rotating lineup of "Science Watchers" along with Science Navigator Rena Yamada. Science Watchers are primarily university professors with expertise ranging from cultural anthropology to neuroscience. Each will appear on two broadcasts, bringing the perspective of their various fields to timely topics. You won't want to miss our Science Watchers' enlightening explanations of emerging developments in science and technology! The Science News Watch segment highlights a story that has caught the interest of the week's Science Watcher. This is followed by the presentation of the day's main topic, a feature called The Leading Edge. Science View will also cover Japanese manufacturing innovation. Michelle Yamamoto reports each week on one Takumi - a modern-day master of manufacturing innovation - on the J-Innovators segment. Beginning on January 8th, a 28-minute program will be broadcast each Sunday at 9:10 am JST, and rebroadcast every four hours for the rest of the day for a total of six broadcasts. NHK Program Site: https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/tv/scienceview

Human's first ancestors appeared in Africa about 7 million years ago. As these early humans began to walk on two legs, their hands were free to do a variety of tasks and their brain size increased dramatically. Soon the human race was on the road to developing advanced civilizations. However, during the course of this evolution, the "seeds" of disease were sown. THE ORIGINS OF DISEASE explores disease as mankind's destiny from an evolutionary perspective. This series takes a look at the condition of modern patients receiving state-of-the-art treatment, and delves several million years into the past to find traces of diseases' origins and how they evolved over time.

From Japan's most famous haiku locations, HAIKU MASTERS introduces Photo Haikus sent in from around the world with its unique take on the art form, creating the ultimate social haiku experience.

Hosted by Andrea Pompilio; magazine style intellectual aesthetic voyage, exploring art and philosophy in Japanese designs from antiques to high-techs, commodities and fashions.

Best Motoring International was an English compilation of various video clips from all three of the Japanese cars video magazines, Best Motoring, Hot Version and Video Special.

Japan has a long history of natural disasters. BOSAI explores how to overcome them and save lives with the power of science.

A look into the vast world of Japanese cinema, current and classic films, as well as interviews with leading players.