NHK WORLD TV broadcasts programs on Japan’s pop culture

TOKYO, January 24th 2013 – NHK WORLD TV, NHK’s international English-language TV channel, broadcasts programs that showcase Japanese culture as well as up-to-the-minute news about Japan and the rest of Asia, 24 hours a day. In January, NHK WORLD TV is to broadcast a series of programs that showcase Japan’s pop culture.

▼ Kawaii International Episode #8 Super Extra Special Edition! Giving Vietnam a Kawaii Makeover

January 25, Fri. 23:10

January 26, Sat. 3:10/ 7:10/ 11:10/ 15:10/ 19:10 (all in UTC)

This program is broadcast once a month, demonstrating the latest trends in “Kawaii” (meaning “cute”) from Japan - the undisputed home of “kawaii” culture. January’s edition will feature Vietnamese girls enjoying “kawaii” fashion and follow their transformation under the instruction of Japanese fashion experts. This is the first episode to be filmed overseas – in Vietnam’s Ho Chi Minh City - since the program first aired in 2012.

▼ ' World: Top of the J Pops

January 26th, Sat. 23:10/

January 27th, Sun. 3:10/ 7:10/ 11:10/ 15:10/ 19:10 (all in UTC)

A dynamic stage show featuring 180 boys performing energy-filled dances and acrobatic movements. Titled "Johnny's World,” this show grabs the hearts of enthusiastic fans. It is produced by , who has been producing numerous popular boy bands and idols like SMAP and and presenting spectacular shows for over 50 years and who has kept long himself unexposed in the media. What secrets lie behind the success of world-famous entertainment mogul Johnny Kitagawa? To find out, we hear his personal comments from those around him, and watch the preparations for a concert.

Live streaming of NHK WORLD TV can be accessed through the NHK home page, as well as local satellites (http://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/). Live-streaming applications are also available for some smartphones and tablet computers.