NHK to broadcast “BROADCASTERS’ EYE”, a series of commercial broadcasters’ programs
TOKYO, March 18th 2013 － In March, NHK WORLD TV will broadcast English-language versions of outstanding programs produced by Japan's commercial broadcasters, as a series called “BROADCASTERS' EYE”. Launched in 2010, the series are broadcast every year, with the aims to introduce a broader range of Japanese culture to overseas countries. This year’s series will be a line-up of three programs, all of which received awards for domestic festivals.
■ Fighting Doctor (produced by Fukushima Broadcasting Co.,Ltd.)
Sunday, March 24th 09:10～, 13:10～, 17:10～, 21:10～ Monday, March 25th 01:10～, 6:10～ (all in JST)
Kyohei Takahashi is a gynecologist who lives in Minamisoma in Fukushima Prefecture. Most hospitals in the area closed down after the 2011 nuclear accident, but Dr. Takahashi decided to stay in the area and carry on with his work. As a result of post‐disaster evacuations, however, the number of pregnant women in the town dropped drastically. A place without children being born is a place without a future, Dr. Takahashi realized. He and his friends began decontaminating the town at their own expense. Despite being diagnosed with cancer himself, Dr. Takahashi’s determination never faltered. He continued his efforts to support the pregnant women, and the general well being, of Minamisoma. The program showcases the life of this brave, fighting doctor.
■ Being There Through Laughter and Tears (produced by Yamaguchi Broadcasting Co.,Ltd.)
Saturday, March 30th 09:10～, 13:10～, 17:10～, 21:10～ Sunday, March 31st 01:10～, 6:10～ (all in JST)
Rie and Naomi are two friends who shared a dream. 12 years ago, the two women set up an at‐home care service for the elderly on an island in Japan’s Yamaguchi Prefecture. Their aim was to provide “heartfelt nursing care,” spending as much time as possible communicating with patients. It was a tough but rewarding challenge. The year before last, they finally fulfilled their ambition of opening
their own small nursing facility. The challenge then became how to teach their new 10‐member staff the true meaning of “heartfelt nursing care.” This is the story of Rie and Naomi, two women who have dedicated more than a decade of their young lives to caring for others.
■ Steel Bond (produced by Television Nagasaki Co., Ltd.)
Sunday, March 31st 09:10～, 13:10～, 17:10～, 21:10～ Monday, April 1st 01:10～, 6:10～ (all in JST)
Yoshimitsu is a blacksmith’s shop with a history going back nine generations. Located in Shimabara, a castle town in Nagasaki Prefecture, it is operated by the five Yoshida brothers, who range in age from 72 to 91. Yoshimitsu is known for its superior knives, which the brothers produce by sticking closely to traditional styles and methods. Recently, the brothers have even taken up the challenge of making some of their knives out of used cans. Filmed over a period of two years, this program looks at the finely honed teamwork of these five brothers, and reveals their inextinguishable spirit.