In-depth News Features | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

Armed clashes between Myanmar's junta and resistance forces have continued despite a ceasefire that was agreed by the sides following a devastating earthquake in late March. Attacks by the junta appear to be impacting civilians at an increasing rate, with airstrikes taking a particularly heavy toll.

During the United Nations Human Rights Council session in June-July, the High Commissioner for Human Rights, Volker Türk, noted that military operations in Myanmar are continuing with reported attacks on schools, religious sites, and other protected locations.

Open-source analysis by NHK and international investigative group Myanmar Witness has found evidence that an airstrike on a school on May 12 – killing more than 20 children – was likely masterminded by the military.

The Kyiv Express is a night train connecting Kyiv, the capital of Ukraine, and Poland's capital city of Warsaw. Most of the Ukrainian passengers are women and children, because men of conscription age are banned from leaving the country. 

Some are fleeing conflict, while others are returning home to Ukraine, even just for a brief time. An NHK World crew boarded the Kyiv Express in March 2025 and found the train filled with people hoping for a better future.

Nobel Prize-winning author Kazuo Ishiguro attended the Cannes Film Festival in May for the premiere of the film adaptation of his debut novel, A Pale View of Hills. After the screening, the British author spoke with NHK about the fragility of memory and the power of art to build connections.

Fencing is engaging people across Japan, and a glove from the nation's mitt-making heartland is playing its part.

It has been one month since South Korean President Lee Jae-myung took office after six months of political turmoil in the country – and so far, he is taking a cautious approach as he works to rebuild public trust and bring about economic stability. NHK World's Aoki Yoshiyuki, a former Seoul bureau chief, checks in on public sentiment and examines the challenges Lee must meet to usher in a new era of calm and unity.

Matcha can do it all: Fixture of the Japanese tea ceremony, beverage of choice for social media's hip young things, and a mainstay in cafes the world over. But the boom is not without its challenges. Japan's farmers are struggling to meet demand while maintaining the standards and traditions that give the green powder it’s unquestionable allure.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad says global instability is rising. And few people are better placed to read the warning signs, or see a way forward. Not only did the 99-year-old navigate a host of crises during 24 years and two tenures in power, he also put his country on the path to prosperity—most notably through his "Look East" policy that sought to emulate Japan’s work ethic and technological prowess. 

NHK World’s Kitai Genki recently spoke to Mahathir in Kyoto, where he delivered a powerful cautionary speech.

More than three years of war between Russia and Ukraine have destroyed many friendships. But the gift of music can transcend borders and hostilities, as shown by a Russian pianist who continues to perform pieces by a Ukrainian composer with whom he has worked for decades.

The cost of putting a bowl of rice on the table in Japan continues to soar, despite the release of more than 200,000 tons from the national stockpile. Imported rice is playing an important role to meet demand as Japan looks for a long-term solution to the current shortage.

As the international community grapples with how to prepare for the next pandemic, the World Health Organization has adopted a new accord. The Pandemic Agreement addresses prevention, preparedness and response.

What happens if antibiotics stop working? The scientific world describes this threat to global health as antimicrobial resistance, or AMR. One study warns more than 39 million people could die by 2050 unless further measures are taken.
 
Scientists from Japan and the United Kingdom have teamed up in the race to find a solution.

NATO Secretary General Mark Rutte visited Japan in April ― six months after he took office ― seeking stronger ties with the country. NHK World's Sugita Sachiyo had an exclusive interview with the political heavyweight who shared his insights on issues ranging from Japan's technological prowess to concerns about China.

Rutte also revealed his own personal connection with Japan. Sugita offers a firsthand account of the visit, followed by a transcript of the pair’s interview which was originally broadcast on April 10.

Many people in central Myanmar are struggling to survive following a devastating earthquake on March 28. Myanmar's military junta has put the death toll from the magnitude 7.7 quake at almost 3,800. But the United Nations says the real figure is likely much higher, and that the health risks for survivors have increased since the early arrival of monsoon season. 

The ongoing conflict between the military junta and pro-democracy forces has reduced the flow of vital aid to a mere trickle, as airstrikes continue despite the announcement of a ceasefire. 

International journalists seeking to get a clear picture of the situation on the ground are not allowed to enter the affected areas ― but NHK World is communicating regularly with residents.

Washington-based news outlet Radio Free Asia is an empty shell these days. The journalists are gone, their laptops and cameras jettisoned on desks stripped of all purpose. For decades, they've delivered uncensored information to millions of people living under oppressive regimes in Asia. But in March, US President Donald Trump cut funding to all broadcasters operated by the Agency for Global Media, leaving RFA's future hanging in the balance.

Pope Leo XIV was elected by 133 cardinals from all over the world – including the Archbishop of Tokyo, Cardinal Kikuchi Isao. The 66-year-old spoke exclusively with NHK on May 12, offering a rare glimpse inside the secretive conclave.

*The interview, translated from Japanese, has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Japanese people who once connected with British-French actor, model and singer Jane Birkin say they continue to rely on the strength and compassion she offered in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

"I'm finally getting on a boat tonight." These were the last words of a 24-year-old migrant who lost his life on the Mediterranean. He was speaking to his cousin in Kabul, some 3,500 kilometers away.

Vietnamese workers in Japan have been sending out SOS calls. All of them came to Japan under a visa category for skilled workers, and many now face serious problems under the current system.

A possible ceasefire may be on the negotiating table, but many ordinary Ukrainians will still maintain a deep mistrust of Russia. "My biggest worry is that if they resume their aggression after a truce, the sacrifices we make every day will be in vain," says Tetiana Vatsenko-Bondareva who lost her husband in the invasion. She's among many women and children who must live with the severe emotional and physical scars, long after the fighting comes to an end.

Gaza schoolgirl Roaa was fostering her passion for Japan and its language ― and then the conflict between Israel and Islamic group Hamas broke out.

The comic book "Myanmar, the last stand" is rekindling international interest in how people there are struggling with military rule. It has been four years since the junta seized control in a coup that limits artistic expression ― but thanks to the efforts of a French author and Hong Kong illustrator, it is connecting readers around the world who share democratic values, particularly in Asian countries.

An increasing number of male and female victims of sex crimes committed by Russian forces in Ukraine are coming forward to share their harrowing experiences. Their stories paint a horrible picture of life in occupied territory ― and as US-Russia ceasefire talks get underway, survivors fear their abusers may never be brought to justice.

*This report contains references to sexual violence and trauma that may be distressing for some readers.

Singer, actor, and global style icon Jane Birkin's death at 76 on July 16 was a particularly sad passing for many in Japan. She was most widely known for her personal and artistic relationship with late songwriter Serge Gainsbourg and the iconic Hermès Birkin handbag, but her work to support survivors of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and Tsunami earned her a special place in the hearts of Japanese.

The long decline of China’s once-booming property development industry is being felt nationwide, especially among workers who provide labor-for-hire. People who have left poor farming villages for jobs in urban areas are being hit hard.

A piano that was exposed to the blast and radiation from the atomic bombing of Hiroshima 80 years ago has made it on stage. A German playwright who was inspired by the instrument’s tragic story to write the piece in which the piano takes center stage has finally been able to see it for himself.

Oren Cass, the founder and chief economist of conservative think tank American Compass, believes that "making things matters" ― and that tariffs play a crucial role in rebuilding American industry.

The 41-year-old is not part of the Trump administration, but is closely aligned with key figures like Vice President J.D. Vance and Secretary of State Marco Rubio.

In late March, Cass visited Japan for the first time at the invitation of the Japan Foundation. He sat down with NHK deputy chief commentator Kaori IIDA for an interview in Kyoto on March 21. 

*The interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Immigration judges in the United States play a crucial role in hearing the cases of non-citizens and deciding their future. But as dozens get fired by the Trump administration, a retired court official – himself a third-generation Japanese American – is sounding a warning that people's rights are under threat.

The slowing Chinese economy is fueling employment concerns especially among young people. University graduates are struggling to find work and many have set their sights on jobs with the government or at state-owned companies.

The best and brightest want stability — and that means they are set to become cogs in the wheel of the powerful one-party Communist system.

A team from NHK-World takes an exclusive look inside the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant, which suffered a triple meltdown in the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake and tsunami. The disaster forced tens of thousands of people to flee their homes, and the decommissioning process is expected to carry on for decades.

The Akiruno area of western Tokyo is home to hillsides draped with hydrangea blooms in season. During early summer, the area attracts thousands of tourists who flock to see the flowers under a canopy of cedar and cypress boughs.

Just south of the crippled Fukushima Daiichi nuclear power plant lies the town of Tomioka, where residents were ordered to evacuate following the triple meltdown in 2011. Those orders have now mostly been lifted, but as people return, they've been saddened to find the town’s colorful azalea bushes were removed during decontamination work.

One young man has made it his mission to revive the symbolic blossoms in Tomioka and bring back the joy of spring.

As Japan's population shrinks, rural areas are facing a problem ― too many empty houses. An American fan of Japanese architecture is stepping in to preserve old homes, even if it means shipping them piece-by-piece across the country.

South Koreans reacted with anger and defiance when their President abruptly declared martial law earlier this month. The ensuing turmoil was captured in an iconic image that shows an opposition party spokesperson grabbing the rifle of a soldier amid chaotic protests outside the parliament building in Seoul.

Weeks later, Yoon Suk-yeol is suspended from duty following a successful move by the opposition to impeach him, but the reasons for his declaration remain unclear. Former NHK Seoul bureau chief Aoki Yoshiyuki considers some possibilities.

Landscape photographer Imai Go has a soft spot for sparrows. It's an interest that began four years ago when he captured some images of one of the tiny, delicate birds nibbling on cherry blossom buds.

Harris or Trump? The world's largest economy is heading to the polls on November 5th to choose its next leader. The outcome could have wide-ranging economic effects. An expert breaks down what to expect ― from the possibility of rising inflation to a deepening global divide. NHK World's Yanaka Marie interviewed Neil Shearing, Group Chief Economist at Capital Economics.

Myanmar's junta is pushing back with a new tactic after sustaining heavy losses in the western state of Rakhine. Military forces have found themselves cornered by the Arakan Army, an ethnic Rakhine armed group ― and in an effort to retaliate, the junta is allegedly recruiting Muslim Rohingya, from the stateless minority group. The tactic is regarded as a ploy designed to incite conflict between the Rohingya and the majority Rakhine population.

People across the Noto Peninsula were slowly recovering from January's magnitude-7.5 earthquake when a second disaster struck―in September, record rain caused extensive flooding across the region. 

Thousands are still living in evacuation facilities and temporary housing, unsure when they can go home. For many, the ordeal has been made a little easier with the support of Syrian man Salim Mazen, who has been driven to help by his own experience of upheaval.

The global popularity of Japanese food seemingly knows no bounds. Tourists are flocking to the country in record numbers to savor the cuisine ― but back home, finding the real deal isn't always easy. A legendary sushi master in the United States wants to change that by imparting his knowledge and skills to other top chefs, all while battling cancer.

Efforts to tackle homelessness in the Japanese city of Osaka are having knock-on effects that are resolving a series of other issues facing the metropolis – from illegally parked bicycles to abandoned dwellings.

Win-win solutions are being led by non-profit groups offering employment and shelter to people who have troubled backstories but still want to contribute to society.

George Bory is the chief investment strategist for the fixed income team at Allspring Global Investments. He recently visited Tokyo and spoke with NHK World’s Hirata Miyu and Esaki Daisuke about the potential impact of US President-elect Donald Trump’s agenda on the US economy in 2025.

The following interview has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Japanese mountaineers Hiraide Kazuya and Nakajima Kenro have posthumously received 2024's Piolet d'Or for the unprecedented feat of ascending the northern wall of Tirich Mir in Pakistan in 2023. 

The Piolet d'Or award is considered the highest honor in the climbing world. It is given to those who achieve imaginative and innovative climbing by scaling a mountain through new routes while using simple techniques. 
 
In July, 2024, Hiraide and Nakajima attempted to climb K2 — the world's second-highest mountain, using a route no one had successfully climbed before — and fell to their deaths. 
 
The two often said taking on a challenge was what drove them to be so bold.

A doctor from Myanmar has been caring for displaced people at her clinic in Thailand for three decades. She says since her native country’s 2021 military coup, the situation has dramatically worsened. 

Dr. Cynthia Maung is the founder of the Mae Tao Clinic, which was honored in 2002 with the Ramon Magsaysay Award – known as the Asian Nobel Peace Prize.

A little over a year ago, Japan's Noto Peninsula was shaken by a powerful earthquake. About nine months later, when many people were finding their footing, torrential rains swept through, causing even more destruction. The city of Suzu, perched on the tip of the Noto Peninsula, bore the brunt of both disasters. One man saw his home devastated both times, but instead of succumbing to despair, he became even more determined to help rebuild the community he loves.

The weak yen is luring record numbers of visitors to Japan, and the tourism industry is now turning its attention to travelers who can deliver a bigger economic impact.
 
In April, Japan began issuing 6-month residency visas to traveling remote workers known as digital nomads who can show they earn at least 10 million yen per year. NHK World visited Shimoda City in Shizuoka Prefecture, a coastal city south of Tokyo, that is banking on these fresh arrivals to breathe new life into its community.

A year after a powerful earthquake ravaged Japan's Noto Peninsula, residents of one historic neighborhood are banding together to expedite repairs to the centuries-old shrine they consider the heart of their community.

A remote island in western Japan is a spiritual home for sumo wrestling. For hundreds of years, a competition in Shimane Prefecture's Okinoshima town has honored a local deity. Among more than 200 people who took part in the latest event were wrestlers from Poland who discovered that the sacred ritual is far more than just a sport.

Nobel Peace Prize-winning economist Muhammad Yunus has a new challenge: The political novice took the helm of an interim Bangladeshi government after a surge of student protests culminated in the ousting of former Prime Minister Sheikh Hasina. In an exclusive interview with NHK World's Mitamura Taro in New York, Yunus shared his vision for his country's future. This is the full transcript of the interview.

South Korean pop star group New Jeans surprised fans at its Tokyo concert with a cover of a beloved Japanese '80s hit, sparking a viral buzz back home. NHK World's Aoki Yoshiyuki unpacks why Japanese pop from the 1970s and '80s is enjoying a major revival in South Korea.

NHK interviewed a former prisoner of war who experienced brutality after being captured by Russian forces. His suffering is not unique, according to a United Nations' report based on interviews with hundreds of current and former detainees on both sides. The report claims Russia is carrying out "systematic torture" of Ukrainian prisoners.

Perry Link is a leading sinologist with a deep knowledge of Chinese language and culture, and more than half a century of expertise in US-China relations. During the 1989 Tiananmen Square incident, he helped shelter a prominent Chinese intellectual at the US embassy in Beijing. 

Although he has been banned from entering China, Link has kept in touch with many of the country’s activists and intellectuals. He sat down with NHK World's Yoshioka Takuma to talk about the goals of the Chinese Communist Party, and the importance of engagement outside of politics and business.

The interview has been edited for clarity.