Today's Close-Up - Season 11 / Year 2025

One year since the Noto Peninsula Earthquake, over 270 people have died from disaster-related secondary causes. Poor conditions at emergency shelters and lack of healthcare are among the contributing factors. Experts say these reasons are the same ones that led to death in past disasters, and the country's failure to identify systemic issues means they will be repeated again in the future. We search for ways to improve Japan's natural disaster response system and look at how a lack of clear communication between the national and municipal governments is leading to problems.

Guest:
Akitomi Shinji (Visiting Professor, International Research Institute of Disaster Science, Tohoku University)

2024, an election year in Japan, was a turning point in regard to the relation between elections and social media. NHK has conducted an online survey to find out how information voters obtained on social media affected their decisions. The results point to challenges for legacy media and the need for better media literacy. Together with experts, we discuss how to make better use of the new media when it comes to choosing our leaders.

Guests:
Makihara Izuru (Professor, The University of Tokyo)
Yoneshige Katsuhiro (President, JX PRESS)

We look at the world of counterfeit artworks and forged celebrity autographs, including that of baseball star Ohtani Shohei. While fake products are rampant in online trading, shockwaves have hit public museums in Japan over suspicious paintings purchased for as much as several hundred thousand dollars. We conducted an exclusive interview with a German art forger at the center of the controversy, and he revealed his ingenious methods. We also talked to experts and victims to hear their insights, revealing how technology like AI and forensic tools is being used to combat the rise of counterfeits.

Guest:
Okabe Masayuki (Professor Emeritus, Teikyo University)

"The images of the disaster are frightening." "I don't understand the lessons." These are the voices of young people living now in areas hit by the Great Hanshin-Awaji Earthquake that devastated the Kobe area in 1995. A recent survey of over 2,000 residents in places that were affected 30 years ago found that while over 70% believe lessons should be passed down, many survivors struggle with how to convey them, and those who didn't experience the disaster are unsure how to absorb them. How can memories of the earthquake be transformed into meaningful lessons for disaster prevention? We explore this from the perspectives of schools, local governments, and a bereaved family member. 

Guests:
Suwa Seiji (President, Japanese Society for Disaster Education)
Kishida Nami (Writer and Essayist)

Japan has coughed and spluttered its way through winter this year, with average flu cases at a record high earlier in the season, and other infectious diseases spreading at the same time. In January, medical resources were stretched to the limit — at least one hospital was so overwhelmed with bedridden flu patients that it had to temporarily turn away all but critical cases. In this episode, we hear from an expert about how the coronavirus pandemic has changed seasonal patterns for infectious diseases. And we look at the looming threat posed by genetic mutations in another type of flu — avian influenza.

Guest:
Ishida Tadashi (Chair of the influenza committee, The Japanese Association for Infectious Diseases)

Microplastics are no longer just a threat to the environment — they're invading our bodies, too. A study published in 2024 went one step further, showing that microplastics in the human body can also increase the risk of death. The mounting problem stems from humankind's excessive consumption of plastic products, which eventually break down into tiny particles in the environment before entering our bodies. Corporate, national and international efforts to rein in plastic use have failed to tackle the problem. NHK reports on the latest medical findings. We also ask an expert how regulations can help, and what consumers can do to make a difference.

Guests:
Takada Hideshige (Professor, Tokyo University of Agriculture and Technology)
Misawa Yukihiro (Plastics Policy Manager, WWF Japan)

Ramen is one of Japan's most popular dishes, beloved by residents and foreign tourists alike. But rising ingredient and fuel costs are forcing many local shops to close. Other restaurants might hike their prices, but ramen businesses face a historic '1,000-yen barrier.' The dish has long been seen as an affordable comfort food and owners are reluctant to change that image. We look at how some shops are overcoming these difficulties and the innovative ways in which rural areas are preserving their local ramen culture.

Guests:
Hayashiya Kikuou (Rakugo storyteller)
Yamaji Rikiya (Food journalist)

Three years after launching its invasion of Ukraine, Russia is defying unprecedented sanctions and logging robust economic growth. The resilience has been driven by a major increase in military spending. The Kremlin's heavy investment in munitions production has not only bolstered the defense sector but also driven up earnings and consumption. In a manifestation of what one expert has dubbed "deathonomics," the government has also ramped up financial support for both soldiers and the families of those killed in battle. We consulted a Russia expert about the true impact of the sanctions, and asked what the world can expect next.

Guest:
Hattori Michitaka (Professor, Hokkaido University)

As families of people with mental illnesses battle in silence to care for their loved ones due to prejudice and a lack of understanding, Japan's support system is under scrutiny. More than 6 million people nationwide have been diagnosed with a mental illness. That's one in 20 of the population, and it's a number that's rising. We look at the options available to ease the burden on family carers, including home visit nursing care and stronger community connections.

Guest:
Natsukari Ikuko (Psychiatrist)

Millions of Japanese people are using dedicated apps to find so-called spot work – short-term, one-off jobs that allow them to make extra income in their spare time. For some, it's a way to supplement earnings from their main employment. For others, such as homemakers and the elderly, it's a chance to earn some cash between other commitments. The growing market for spot work also benefits businesses that are finding themselves increasingly short-handed due to Japan's worsening labor crunch. But with benefits come risks. Workers complain the system is open to abuse and fails to offer sufficient protections. We spoke with a labor expert about the pitfalls in the spot work economy, and the ways people can use it to their advantage. 

Guest: 
Kawakami Keitaro (Research advisor, Shufu Job Soken)

It's been thirty years since the sarin nerve gas attack on the Tokyo subway by the doomsday cult Aum Shinrikyo in 1995. When police raided Aum's facilities, more than 100 children were found living in terrible conditions. Records obtained by NHK from a child consultation center revealed the psychological state of those children indoctrinated by Aum. However, there has been no long-term follow-up on their well-being. Overlooked by society, most of them have remained silent about their past. We interviewed former Aum children to look into what they've gone through over the past three decades, and what society should have done for them. 

Guest: 
Nishizawa Satoru (Professor, Graduate School, Yamanashi Prefectural University)

The Fuji Television scandal has revealed the extent to which workplace sexual harassment and assault remain major social issues in Japan. People are now speaking out about their experiences and the ways in which their employers failed to ensure safe working environments. This program examines what needs to be done to end workplace harassment and assault. Experts tell us about how the legal system is stopping companies from protecting their employees. We also learn about new ideas in harassment prevention training and the importance of the "active bystander."

Guest: Naito Shino (Vice Senior Researcher, Japan Institute for Labour Policy and Training)

As the popularity of e-scooters booms in Japan, so too have accidents, confusion over usage rules and public concern. A 2023 revision of the traffic laws aimed to strike a balance between safety and convenience, but the lack of understanding remains a problem. With examples from Belgium and elsewhere, we explore whether better education, regulation and urban planning can help Japan steer toward a safer e-mobility future. 

Guest: Suzuki Mio (Associate Professor, Tokai University)

Smartphones, portable chargers, wireless earphones: mobile electronic devices have become an indispensable part of our daily lives, and all of them contain lithium-ion batteries. But the number of accidents involving these batteries is on the rise. As batteries age and degrade over time, flammable gas can build up inside, creating a risk that they will suddenly ignite. We look at what to buy, how to use devices safely, and how to dispose of lithium-ion batteries correctly. 

Guest: Ikeya Tomohiko (Associate Vice President, Central Research Institute of Electric Power Industry)

New rules limiting the working hours of truck drivers have paralyzed Japan's logistics industry. Trucking firms say long wait times for cargo and low freight fares mean they lose money if they observe the regulations. Meanwhile, the shipping companies that use their services say they can't afford to pay the higher fares needed to make the cap effective. The government has launched a task force to address the issue, but one expert says the best solution might be for consumers to change their shopping habits.

Guest: Shuto Wakana (Professor, Rikkyo University)

In 2021, as the coronavirus pandemic was tightening its grip on Japan, the government started rolling out vaccines nationwide. Four years and 400 million doses later, the pandemic is fading, but for some the nightmare continues. So far, more than 13,000 people have sought government assistance for the health problems they still suffer as a result of their inoculations. Experts suspect these numbers are the tip of the iceberg. Huge amounts of paperwork and lengthy delays due to worker shortages deter many from applying for help and force others to endure drawn-out waits for financial help. In this episode we spoke with two experts about where the support system is falling short, and what Japan can do to prepare for the next pandemic. 

Guests:
Nakano Takashi (Professor, Kawasaki Medical School) 
Isobe Tetsu (Professor, Keio University Law School)

Home-visit care for the elderly in Japan is facing a crisis. More and more care service providers are going bankrupt or closing down. One out of every five municipalities nationwide is left with only one home care provider or none at all. Causes include labor shortages and aging caregivers, as well as a recent cut in the government payment standard that's making it hard for businesses to survive. This puts families under pressure, with some forced to quit their jobs to care for aging loved ones. New efforts to solve the issue are beginning to emerge, such as hiring more foreign caregivers and promoting regional cooperation. 

Guest: Takano Tatsuaki (Professor, Toyo University)

Record sums were stolen in 2024 through what's known as "special fraud" in Japan. Many of the perpetrators were young people recruited online. Meanwhile, cases of school violence hit an all-time high during the 2023 academic year. Experts say both phenomena are linked to an inability to articulate emotions, which may be due to the rise of digital communication using a limited range of versatile, short words. We look at how juvenile correction facilities and one elementary school are training young people to expand their emotional vocabulary, to help prevent them from becoming involved in violence and crime.

Guest: Watanabe Yayoi (Professor, Hosei University)

Countries worldwide grapple with social media's impact on children, debating and introducing laws to ban or limit access by minors. Families, experts and governments confront serious issues of addiction, mental health and online safety as Japan faces up to the need to take action.

Guests: 
Tsuruno Takeshi (TV personality)
Uenuma Shino (Lawyer)
Suzuki Tomoko (IT journalist)

The role of the Japanese manager has become increasingly complex and time-consuming — so much so that many junior workers now say they would prefer to avoid promotion to these demanding positions, which they consider a form of punishment. But help is at hand. At some companies, managers deploy an "AI boss" that can scan daily records and evaluate worker performances for them. Others are appointing independent proxy bosses to mentor their younger workers and give career advice. Some companies are doing away with traditional hierarchical structures altogether in a bid to encourage greater self-management and sharing of duties. We take a look at some modern-day role models for managers.

Guest: Kobayashi Yuji (Chief Researcher, Persol Research and Consulting)

In April, the Japanese government released its first national estimate of "solitary deaths." In 2024, over 20,000 people died alone and remained undiscovered for at least eight days. The figure also includes people in their 20s and 30s. Behind this trend is a recent increase in young people experiencing difficulties opening up to others, which often results in feelings of loneliness and even self-neglect. We look at what can be done to tackle the issue. 

Guests:
Ishida Mitsunori (Chair, Government panel on solitary deaths)
Okumura Haruka (Representative, NPO Daisan no kazoku)

Cases are increasing in which victims of fraud pay large retainer fees to attorneys promising to recover money lost to scams, but in many instances, no money is returned and victims have lost even more. As we investigated the background, it became clear advertising agencies are instigating and even running these questionable practices. Their schemes are networked and the problem is spreading across the country. We take a look at what's going on and, together with an expert, discuss the best ways to avoid such double damage. 

Guest: Kobayakawa Masayuki (Attorney, Headquarters on Illegal Affiliation of Legal Practice, Tokyo Bar Association)

Password theft is on the rise in Japan, with online trading accounts particularly at risk. A lack of government security measures and a recent surge in inexperienced users starting accounts has made the country an attractive target. Cybercriminals are also armed with AI tools that make their scam emails and websites more convincing. What can the country do to improve online security?

Guests: 
Yuasa Harumichi (Professor Graduate School of Governance Studies, Meiji University)
Shimada Takaaki (NHK reporter)

Non-alcoholic beverages are booming in Japan. The market has expanded six-fold over the past 15 years, and even medical professionals are starting to recognize their potential. One survey found they can cut alcohol intake by 30% among regular drinkers. Together with an expert and a booze-loving guest, we look at how non-alcoholic drinks are changing Japanese society, from a clinic that "prescribes" them to patients, to a major sportswear maker that has developed an alcohol-free beer for enjoying after exercise. 

Guests:
YOU (Media personality) 
Yoshimoto Hisashi (Director, Research and Development Center for Lifestyle Innovation, University of Tsukuba)

Residents of Japan's big cities are accustomed to a high standard of medical care. But many are now finding access to treatment more precarious as financial problems force a growing number of hospitals to suspend services. In some cases, operators can't afford to rebuild aging wards. In others, the cost of maintaining around-the-clock emergency services is making it almost impossible to run operations at a profit. Across the board, emergency care hospitals say the medical fees they get reimbursed by the government are no longer sufficient to compensate for increases in labor and living costs. We asked two experts what hospitals can do to survive the looming crisis.

Guests: Ota Yoshihiro, M.D. (Vice chair, Association of Japanese Healthcare Corporations)
Yoshimura Kensuke, M.D. (Director, Center for Next Generation of Community Health, Chiba University Hospital)

As Japan sees living to 100 years old gradually becoming the norm, an increasing number of middle-agers look for new partners with whom to spend the rest of their lives. The popularity of matchmaking apps exclusive to people aged 40 or older has been skyrocketing, and the waiting lists continue to stretch for matchmaking bus tours catering to that age group. However, these mature singles face unique challenges including health, finances and understanding from family members. We take a close look at those who seek that special someone to grow old with. 

Guests: 
Mari Natsuki
Yamada Masahiro (Professor, Chuo University)

Early this year, San-ikukai Hospital in Tokyo, started a "baby hatch" to anonymously accept newborns whose parents cannot raise them, and a confidential birth service where babies can be delivered without their identities being revealed to anyone other than a few of the staff. The hospital granted NHK full access to cover its work. Two months after the service began, several women had already come in, wanting to leave their children with the hospital. We listen to their stories and explore the issues in depth.

Guests:
Yamagata Fumiharu (Specially Appointed Professor, Osaka University of Comprehensive Children Education) 
Kuwahara Aki (NHK reporter)

As Japan's population declines, domestic industries are increasingly reliant on foreign labor to stay afloat. Local governments across the country have introduced programs to make their communities appealing to workers. But some people are unhappy, saying the priority should be Japanese residents. Meanwhile, other countries have joined the race for foreign workers. We look at how regional and local authorities in Japan are trying to stay competitive on the global stage. We also examine local efforts to integrate foreign workers into the community.

Guest: Manjome Masao (Professor, Tokai University)

One out of every two Japanese is said to develop cancer. While the introduction of new drugs has helped increase survival rates, treatments have become more prolonged and expensive, giving birth to the issue of "economic toxicity." Many patients are driven into a corner, both financially and emotionally, by the burden of medical costs in addition to other life expenses. Meanwhile, public insurance, which is intended to support treatment, is becoming increasingly difficult to provide due to the higher costs of treatment. Eighty percent of all health insurance societies are in the red. We look into what is needed to ease the financial burden on cancer patients and their families.

Guests:
Sakurai Naomi (Director, Japan Federation of Cancer Patient Groups)
Takaku Reo (Professor, Hitotsubashi University)

What would you say to your family and friends in a letter to be delivered after your death? "Last letters" are becoming increasingly common, with the practice even spreading among young people. Some say writing them encourages self-reflection and helps them live with a sense of purpose. Others say the letters have helped them understand who is truly important in their lives. We look at the many last letter services that have risen to popularity in the past few years, including those that use new technology, and speak to an expert about how their emergence could reflect changing views about death in Japanese society.

Guests:
Sakakibara Ikue (Actor and TV personality) 
Furuta Yusuke (Non-fiction writer)

A Japanese venture firm's recent moon landing attempt ended in failure, but the mission is continuing undaunted. Behind the scenes, preparations for further launches are already in motion. Now, momentum is building across Japan, as major corporations and small businesses alike rush to enter the space sector. With the government committing 7 billion dollars over 10 years, space is shaping up to be a national priority. As global competition intensifies, what will be Japan's winning strategy?

Guest: Uchida Atsushi (Research Director, Mitsubishi Research Institute)