NHK reschedules for viewers around the world

Japanese international broadcaster NHK World TV is revising the schedules for its English language services to make viewing more convenient for audiences around the world.

Its Documentary offering will broadcast daily around 8 pm US Eastern Time to target mainly business people in the United States, airing documentary programs about Japan and Asia, along with NHK Special series.

Lifestyle and Travel programs will go to air daily in prime time slots in the Americas, Europe and Southeast Asia, promoting Japan and featuring travel shows or specific Japanese cultures. They will include Shima Kosaku’s Asian Entrepreneurs documentary series focusing on the state of the Asian economy through biographies of charismatic entrepreneurs

As well as changes in schedules, the corporation will introduce new genres and production approaches to cater for different viewer interests. Programs will include major news features and debates, documentaries co-produced with foreign directors active in Japan and Asia, entertainment programs including dramas, and regional programs presented in English.

Inside Lens (a working title) Protecting Traditional Fishing is the first in a series of documentaries depicting Japan by foreign directors living in the country. Luis Patrón from Mexico, who has lived in Japan for 12 years, closely observes a family in Mie Prefecture in western Japan with three generations of female divers. Although experiencing a declining and aging population, the family has a positive outlook on keeping the traditional ways of living.

The ABU Children’s Drama Co-Production Series for 2014 feature children of 7-9 years old play leading roles in this 15-minute drama series, produced by members of the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union. NHK World TV will air episodes created by Mongolia, Brunei and Japan.