Today's Close-Up - Season 4 / Year 2018

The shift to renewable energy is accelerating in China, and Chinese firms are expanding their business globally, including in Japan, where renewables have yet to take hold. We take a look at the frontlines of green energy in both countries, and whether Japan is losing ground to Chinese competitors.

The recent discovery of huge sums of cash at garbage sites across Japan has prompted many to wonder what's behind the mysterious trend. The cases appear to be part of a wider culture of lost and found belongings, with the total number of forgotten items across the country recently surging to new highs. Are these cases a reflection of shifting societal values? We take a closer look.

Between 2 and 3 million ownerless dogs and cats used to be killed at public shelters every year in Japan. That number has been falling, and the "No-Kill" movement is spreading throughout the country. But that's creating problems for animal welfare groups and local governments. We take a look at the reality they and ownerless pets are facing.

Sales of dashboard cameras have risen sharply in Japan following a rash of tailgating accidents. The dash cam records the moments of a traffic accident, providing crucial evidence about the cause. And that's not all. Analysis of dash cam data is helping drivers improve safety. We take a close look at the potential of this trend.

On January 26th, someone hacked a major digital currency exchange in Japan and made off with the equivalent of 530 million US dollars of a cryptocurrency called NEM. Authorities are trying to find out who was responsible and how they got away with it. We consult hackers and other experts for their insight on the matter, and ask them just how secure the world of cryptocurrencies is.

Just over a month has passed since hackers stole 530 million-dollars' worth of virtual currency in the biggest-ever such theft. "White hat" hackers are now hot on the trail of the thieves. What it's like to chase criminals in cyberspace? We report on this challenging cyberchase and discuss cryptocurrency security with an expert. Guest: Masanori Kusunoki (CTO, Japan Digital Design)

In March 2011, one of the world's worst nuclear accidents occurred at the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant. The workers who responded to the emergency were called "heroes" by media around the world. Now, the Japanese government is conducting a health survey of the 20,000 workers involved in the immediate aftermath of the accident, but 60% of them are not taking part. Why not? Guests: Tomotaka Sobue (M.D. / Professor, Osaka University) Takayuki Saito (NHK Reporter)

The smuggling of illegal stimulants into Japan is rising sharply. NHK has obtained video footage from investigating agencies showing how smuggling has become multi-national and increasingly cunning in making ordinary citizens unwitting traffickers. A former chief of drug control describes the threat. Guest: Harumi Seto (Former Chief of Narcotics Control Department, Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare)

As Chinese President Xi Jinping begins his second term in office, China is building a huge economic zone called the "Belt and Road". It's being described as the Silk Road of the 21st century ― and Africa is in the forefront. Through this initiative, China is exerting its influence not only economically, but also in areas such as culture and social systems. Experts discuss Beijing's intentions as we hear reports direct from Africa. Guest: Shin Kawashima (Professor, The University of Tokyo)

Thousands of manga titles are available online for free ― and pirate manga websites are causing creators severe financial damage. In a search that took us from the United States to Ukraine, NHK tried to track down the operator of one such site. We discovered how the people who run such websites cleverly conceal their identity, as they make money fraudulently. Guests: Kensaku Fukui (Lawyer) Ken Akamatsu (Manga Artist)

A commode that checks your health, monitors vacancies in public restrooms and more... Japan is creating futuristic toilets in the lead up to the Olympic and Paralympic Games Tokyo 2020. China too is undergoing a toilet revolution, saying goodbye to the notorious "ni-hao" toilet. Today we bring you the latest in toilet technology. Guests: Atsushi Kato (Chairman, Japan Toilet Labo) Toshifumi Kataoka (NHK Director)

We discard countless plastic bottles every day. Now, millions of tons of plastic garbage have nowhere to go because China, once the biggest importer, stopped accepting it this year. Recycling alone won't resolve the issue. We explore the latest approaches and discuss the alternatives with experts. Guests: Yu Jeongsoo (Professor, Tohoku University) Sadao Harada (Associate Professor, Osaka University of Commerce)

It's spring in Japan and cleanup services are being flooded with calls to apartment buildings. But these aren't ordinary calls. Hoarders are on the rise and it's not just the elderly. Teachers, nurses and other working-age people are falling into the habit. We interviewed some to see what's behind the trend. Guests: Mitsunori Ishida (Professor, Waseda University) Emiko Kishi (Professor, Toho University)

The film 'Shoplifters' has been awarded the top prize at this year's Cannes Film Festival. It is the first Japanese movie to win in 21 years. The director Hirokazu Kore-eda focuses on families and family life in his works, this time a family brought together by shoplifting. We hear about what he hopes to convey through the film. We also welcome the lead actor to our studio to hear about the behind-the-scenes story. Guests: Hirokazu Kore-eda (Film Director) Lily Franky (Illustrator / Actor)

Did you know that goats and strawberries are producing medicine and fuel? Scientists are eagerly trying to use living organisms to create all sorts of things we use in our daily life. Some people call this a manufacturing revolution ― but does synthetic biology pose any risks? We bring you a look into the latest developments in this promising field, and find out about an organism that has the greatest potential as a living factory. Guest: Kiyohiko Igarashi (Associate Professor, The University of Tokyo)

Ads about new cancer treatments abound on the Internet, many lacking scientific evidence. Add to that the higher costs and cancer patients and their families are having trouble making a wise choice. The Japanese government recently revised the medical care law to ban such advertising, but is that enough? We discuss the various kinds of support cancer patients need. Guests: Satoshi Ohno (Associate Professor, Graduate School of Medicine, Osaka University) Shinji Takehara (Cancer Survivor / Former Professional Boxer)

In May, a 90-year-old driver ran a red light, killing a pedestrian and injuring three others. The incident was the latest in a growing number of fatal accidents caused by elderly drivers in Japan. Experts warn that cognitive tests given to drivers 75 and older aren't fail safe. Drivers counter that their cars are vital for getting around, and they can't cope without them. We talk to people from all camps to see what can be done. Guests: Masabumi Tokoro (Professor, Rissho University) Kenji Momota (Automotive Journalist) Chiriko Sakashita (TV Personality)

The so-called Forgotten Generation entered the workforce during one of the roughest economic patches in Japan's recent history. Roughly two decades on, these people are entering middle-age still carrying the legacy of that era. Many are unmarried and struggling in low-paying, temporary jobs. The problem is having flow-on effects for all of Japanese society. We take a look at the risks, and consider what can be done to help. Guests: Takanori Fujita (Social Worker) Masako Furukawa (Non-fiction Writer)

Culturing cells to create artificial meat, trying to modify your own DNA to build muscles, engineering a cure for a pet dog's disease … A new generation of amateur scientists is taking advantage of readily available research and equipment to experiment with nature…and create new things. Some believe DIY bio represents a bright future. Others say it comes with big risks. We consider both sides of the debate. Guest: Hideo Iwasaki (Professor, Waseda University)

Across Japan, the number of men who are becoming the main caregivers for their ailing parents is on the rise. Data shows sons are more likely to struggle in the role than other family members, and when that happens they can become frustrated and lash out. We look at the challenges faced by some male caregivers, including one of our own NHK directors, and consider what they can do to make their lives easier as they look after their elderly parents. Guest: Joe Sakai (Editor-in-chief, KAIGO LAB SCHOOL)

On June 10th, 12 Thai boys and their soccer coach were safely rescued from deep within a cave. They endured fear and darkness for more than 2 weeks. NHK was following the parents of the youngest boy, Chanin, as well as many volunteers. We report on how the operation unfolded. Guest: Hitoshi Miho (ENT Doctor / Cave Diver)

23 public broadcasters around the world surveyed millennials on a range of subjects, including sex. The responses showed that many young Japanese have a difficult and sometimes negative view of the topic, which remains largely taboo as a conversation point, even between family and friends. We hear directly from some Japanese millennials, and also talk to experts about how Japan can change to allow for a more open and healthy public discussion.

In December, the Japanese government decided to purchase two Aegis Ashore systems from the US. The land-based ballistic missile defense costs about 1.8 billion dollars. But the security situation has eased since the US-North Korea summit, and people are beginning to question the planned deployment. We hear what the experts are saying, and residents who are concerned about hosting these anti-missile sites.

In 1995, Aum Shinrikyo cult members released deadly sarin gas in Tokyo's subway. This unprecedented, random act of terror shook the world. How could such crimes happen? With that question still unanswered, the convicted Aum members and their leader Chizuo Matsumoto (aka Shoko Asahara) were finally executed last month. NHK had been exchanging letters with some of them. What do their last words tell us?

Our digital assets, such as emails, photos, or maybe even virtual currencies, are increasing by the day. But even if you think you have deleted some, they are still retrievable with digital forensics. The method is now even being used in courts to provide evidence. On the other hand, there is debate as to how much of another person's personal data we should be able to access, for instance, the data of a loved one who has passed away. We look at the latest in digital forensics.

We see a variety of ads on the Internet every day, but even those we don't see may be counted as page views. Ad fraud is growing and even big companies and government ministries are falling victim. NHK delved into the dark side of online advertising to identify some of the perpetrators.

Cars flying through the air, debris crashing through windows into people's homes… Typhoon Jebi churned through parts of Japan earlier this month, generating record wind gusts at 100 observation points, and killing more than 10 people. What can we do to protect ourselves from powerful storms when the usual precautions are no longer sufficient? We take a look at some of the videos captured by our viewers for ideas.

There's no end to the increase in overstocked products in the fashion industry. One estimate says the amount rose to 1.4 billion items last year in Japan. Burberry burned 37 million dollars' worth of goods, leading to widespread international criticism. How can the apparel industry reduce waste? We bring you a report on what's happening on the front line.

Actress Kirin Kiki passed away on September 15th. She died 4 months after the film 'Shoplifters', in which she played the grandmother, won the Palme d'Or at the Cannes Film Festival. In her final years, Kiki took it upon herself to write letters to people she had known throughout her life. We look at some of those letters to get an understanding of what the late actress hoped to pass on.

It was recently announced that Professor Tasuku Honjo was a co-winner of this year's Nobel Prize in Physiology or Medicine. As he paved the way towards a fourth treatment method for cancer, his passion and research philosophy affected not only his colleagues and students but a wide range of people. The professor talks about how the new drug Opdivo was developed as well as the future of cancer treatment.

Breast cancer is rising sharply in Japan, with one out of 11 women diagnosed with the disease. But fewer are dying thanks to early detection and medical advances. How are they living with the diagnosis and what is the role of family and friends in easing their fears? We interviewed some women who have overcome the disease and are living life with renewed optimism.

Japanese whisky has risen from humble origins to become one of the most coveted spirits in the world. In recent years, some of the best examples have swept the field at prestigious competitions in Britain. At auctions, they command top dollar, with one bottle fetching more than 300,000 dollars. The success story is one built on the graft of distillers and blenders, and youthful ambition.

Japanese agriculture is facing a crisis due to a labor shortage. Its skills and know-how tend to be dependent on individual farmers - and not shared with the overall industry, which needs them in order to expand. Some people are trying to save the country's farming sector with AI, robots and other cutting-edge technologies. We report on the frontline of Japan's farming revolution.

A sense of crisis is mounting. A report says the amount of plastic waste in the ocean could outweigh fish by 2050. More restaurants and retailers are cutting back on the use of plastic products. But that may not be enough. Disposal facilities around Japan are starting to overflow since China stopped importing plastic waste last December. We look at the situation and what each one of us can do to help resolve the problem.

After an accounting scandal and enormous failure in the nuclear power business, Toshiba seemed to be scraping the bottom. Its revival is now up to Nobuaki Kurumatani, the first CEO from outside the company in 53 years. We asked him about his strategy and report on the struggles of employees and managers as they work to rebuild the company.

The former head of Nissan Motor, Carlos Ghosn, was arrested on November 19 in connection with alleged financial misconduct. Ghosn became COO in 1999, at a time when the company was facing financial crisis. Nicknamed the "Cost Cutter," the charismatic leader soon restored the company's profitability. He went on to serve as chairman of the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi alliance. But now, Nissan says Ghosn underreported his income and misused company funds over several years. NHK's exclusive coverage helps shed light on the matter.

In Japan, more companies are hiring people with developmental disorders. That's not just because of the labor shortage or stricter government requirements. Businesses need such people because of their special skills. However, it's a fact that some of them aren't good at interpersonal communication and can be easily distracted. How can society use their abilities to everyone's benefit?

The number of foreign workers in Japan has increased over 2.5 fold in the past decade, and a labor shortage has led to heated discussions on a bill to allow more. Japan can no longer get by without foreign workers but this has led to friction in some communities. How can Japan overcome such issues and live in harmony? We take a look at how some municipalities are handling the situation.

People with dementia are often targeted by scams. But recently, a growing number have been arrested for committing the crimes. Unknowingly turned into participants, some have even been found guilty in court. NHK has covered a number of these cases, including one where more than 10 million US dollars were stolen. What can society do to stop this growing problem?