NHK World TV
United States
NHK World TV provides English-language news and information programming from Japan, with a focus on current events, business, and cultural reporting. The channel’s news coverage includes live updates from Asia and the Pacific, often drawing on reports from NHK’s domestic bureaus. Documentary segments cover topics such as Japanese history, technology, and traditional arts, while lifestyle programs explore cuisine, travel destinations, and social trends within Japan. The schedule also includes shorter bulletin-style updates on global weather and financial markets. As a service operated by Japan’s public broadcaster, the channel is available in the United States through select cable and satellite providers, as well as via some over-the-air digital subchannels.
Viewers can access the channel’s live stream and on-demand clips through its official website and mobile app, which offer the same news and feature content without a subscription. Program listings are published on the channel’s site, with times noted in Eastern and Pacific time zones for U.S. audiences. The broadcast is commercial-free, relying on public funding from Japan’s television license fee system. Some segments include English subtitles or narration for Japanese-language interviews and field reports, making the content accessible to non-Japanese speakers.
Schedule
00:00 - 00:10
NHK Newsline
News
Japan's disaster relief; Asia news; business and global current events.
00:10 - 00:40
Samurai Wisdom
KURODA KANBEI
Series, Documentary, History
We examine various events from the age of the samurai to the modern period against the backdrop of an ever-changing international scene.
00:40 - 01:00
Time-Lapse Journey
Connecting Japan and the World
Series, Travel, Community
Features time-lapse footage of travel and movement infrastructures, including airports and transportation hubs which connect Japan and the world.
01:00 - 01:10
NHK Newsline
News
Japan's disaster relief; Asia news; business and global current events.
01:10 - 01:25
BOSAI: Science That Can Save Your Life
Disaster Preparedness from Space
Series, Science, Documentary, Technology
The host explores how Japan assesses flood and earthquake damage using artificial satellite observation technology.
01:25 - 01:30
Design Museum Japan
The Playfulness of Plasterers
Series, Art, Documentary
Nagazumi visits a town with a great number of trowel reliefs and observes that the things that truly last are the ones that carry the creator's intention.
01:30 - 01:57
Grand Sumo Highlights
Day 14
Series, Sumo wrestling
Sumo is one of the most traditional Japanese sports, boasting a history of more than 1500 years. See how powerful wrestlers with an average weight of more than 160 kilos clash in the sacred ring.
01:57 - 02:00
Sumopedia
Dohyo
Series, Sumo wrestling, Documentary
The "dohyo" is a sacred stage for sumo wrestling. There are some secrets and beliefs associated with its creation.
02:00 - 03:00
Documentary 360
Documentary
The filmmakers shed light on facts and information on various topics, including politics, economics, social trends and the environment from Japan and around the world.
03:00 - 03:10
NHK Newsline
News
Japan's disaster relief; Asia news; business and global current events.
03:10 - 04:00
Nakai Seiya's Railway Journey
Autumn in Aichi: Enjoying Nature's Bounty!
Series, Travel
Photographer Seiya Nakai journeys across Japan as he captures scenic railways and local charm through his lens, showcasing his passion for trains and railroads.
04:00 - 04:10
NHK Newsline
News
Japan's disaster relief; Asia news; business and global current events.
04:10 - 04:40
Tiny Desk Concerts Japan
AKIKO YANO TRIO
Series, Music
Emerging and renowned Japanese artists from across different genres showcase their musical talent through exciting performances.
04:40 - 04:50
Little Charo
Series, Anime, Adventure, Animals, Educational
Little Charo is an animation series about a Japanese dog who got lost in NY. I want to see my owner again! Charo starts his adventure back home.
04:50 - 04:55
Japanology Plus Mini
Dinosaurs
Series, Documentary
Japan became a dinosaur fossil hotspot after an excavation in Hokkaido; Kobayashi Yoshitsugu explains how this led to increased interest in dinosaurs, resulting in the development of dinosaur museums and events.
04:55 - 05:00
A Cat's-Eye View of Japan
Tottori:Quiet Mountain Villages
Series, Nature, Documentary, History, Animals, Pets
We meet cats whose owner grows plants used to make cloth traditionally; another cat, Lock, lives at a temple; he takes part in sutra reading and is practically the chief priest's assistant!
05:00 - 05:10
NHK Newsline
News
Japan's disaster relief; Asia news; business and global current events.
05:10 - 05:40
Face to Face
Isogai Naotaka: Orchestrating the Night Sky
Series, Interview, Talk
A trenchant look at Japanese society through interviews with prominent figures.
05:40 - 06:00
The Wakey Show
#8
Series, Children, Educational
Wakey and his friends deliver interesting facts about science, nature, art and history through sketches and performances.
06:00 - 06:10
NHK Newsline
News
Japan's disaster relief; Asia news; business and global current events.
06:10 - 06:25
The World Heritage Sites in Japan
A Miraculous Paradise of Life: Ogasawara Islands
Series, Documentary, Nature
The Ogasawara Islands are home to many unique species of both flora and fauna. Their interconnected cycle of life is supported by efforts to control invasive species that threaten their delicate balance.
06:25 - 06:30
The Seasons of Yamato
White Dew / Whispers of Water
Series, Nature, Animals, Documentary
The filmmaker presents poetic videos in collaboration with Mine Kawakami, a renowned pianist, to make one experience the seasons of Yamato, a former province in Japan.
06:30 - 06:57
Grand Sumo Highlights
Day 14
Series, Sumo wrestling
Sumo is one of the most traditional Japanese sports, boasting a history of more than 1500 years. See how powerful wrestlers with an average weight of more than 160 kilos clash in the sacred ring.
06:57 - 07:00
Sumopedia
Dohyo
Series, Sumo wrestling, Documentary
The "dohyo" is a sacred stage for sumo wrestling. There are some secrets and beliefs associated with its creation.
07:00 - 07:10
NHK Newsline
News
Bringing up-to-date news from Japan, Asia and around the world; team covers breaking news and major developments, with trusted anchors to tie it all together.
07:10 - 07:25
Through the Kitchen Window
True Blue in Tokoname
Series, Cooking, Community
The filmmakers provide an in-depth perspective on the daily lives and food interests of individuals throughout Japan, showcasing their unique traditions and vibrant culture.
07:25 - 07:30
Core Kyoto Mini
Hinoki Bark Thatching: The Age-Old Skills for Roofing
Series, Documentary
The filmmakers shed light on the traditional method of roof thatching that uses Hinoki cypress bark and the efforts in upholding this craftsmanship.
07:30 - 07:45
Easy Japanese for Work
Explaining a Need for Staffing Adjustment
Series, Educational, Bus./financial
Foreigners learn useful Japanese workplace expressions, explore business cultures and improve kanji proficiency.
07:45 - 08:00
Zero Waste Life
Jeans Genie
Series, Documentary, Nature, Arts/crafts
Kawahara Takuya upcycles discarded jeans, using the old denim his partner, Yamasawa Ryoji, buys overseas by the ton.
08:00 - 08:10
NHK Newsline
News
Japan's disaster relief; Asia news; business and global current events.
08:10 - 09:00
Hikikomori Pilgrimage
Documentary
Five young men, once withdrawn from society, embark on a 1,200-kilometer pilgrimage around the island of Shikoku in a journey of self-discovery.
09:00 - 09:10
NHK Newsline
News
Japan's disaster relief; Asia news; business and global current events.
09:10 - 09:25
The World Heritage Sites in Japan
A Miraculous Paradise of Life: Ogasawara Islands
Series, Documentary, Nature
The Ogasawara Islands are home to many unique species of both flora and fauna. Their interconnected cycle of life is supported by efforts to control invasive species that threaten their delicate balance.
09:25 - 09:30
The Seasons of Yamato
White Dew / Whispers of Water
Series, Nature, Animals, Documentary
The filmmaker presents poetic videos in collaboration with Mine Kawakami, a renowned pianist, to make one experience the seasons of Yamato, a former province in Japan.
09:30 - 11:00
Grand Sumo Live
Day 15
Series, Sumo wrestling
Watch the toughest sumo wrestlers clash in the ring live on NHK WORLD-JAPAN!; "Grand Sumo Live offers live coverage of days one, eight, fourteen and fifteen, the final day, of every Grand Sumo tournament; don't miss it!".
11:00 - 11:10
NHK Newsline
News
Bringing up-to-date news from Japan, Asia and around the world; team covers breaking news and major developments, with trusted anchors to tie it all together.
11:10 - 11:40
Face to Face
Isogai Naotaka: Orchestrating the Night Sky
Series, Interview, Talk
A trenchant look at Japanese society through interviews with prominent figures.
11:40 - 12:00
The Wakey Show
#8
Series, Children, Educational
Wakey and his friends deliver interesting facts about science, nature, art and history through sketches and performances.
12:00 - 12:10
NHK Newsline
News
Bringing up-to-date news from Japan, Asia and around the world; team covers breaking news and major developments, with trusted anchors to tie it all together.
12:10 - 12:40
Tiny Desk Concerts Japan
AKIKO YANO TRIO
Series, Music
Emerging and renowned Japanese artists from across different genres showcase their musical talent through exciting performances.
12:40 - 12:50
Little Charo
Series, Anime, Adventure, Animals, Educational
Little Charo is an animation series about a Japanese dog who got lost in NY. I want to see my owner again! Charo starts his adventure back home.
12:50 - 12:55
Japanology Plus Mini
Dinosaurs
Series, Documentary
Japan became a dinosaur fossil hotspot after an excavation in Hokkaido; Kobayashi Yoshitsugu explains how this led to increased interest in dinosaurs, resulting in the development of dinosaur museums and events.
12:55 - 13:00
A Cat's-Eye View of Japan
Tottori:Quiet Mountain Villages
Series, Nature, Documentary, History, Animals, Pets
We meet cats whose owner grows plants used to make cloth traditionally; another cat, Lock, lives at a temple; he takes part in sutra reading and is practically the chief priest's assistant!
13:00 - 13:10
NHK Newsline
News
Japan's disaster relief; Asia news; business and global current events.
13:10 - 13:25
Through the Kitchen Window
True Blue in Tokoname
Series, Cooking, Community
The filmmakers provide an in-depth perspective on the daily lives and food interests of individuals throughout Japan, showcasing their unique traditions and vibrant culture.
13:25 - 13:30
Core Kyoto Mini
Hinoki Bark Thatching: The Age-Old Skills for Roofing
Series, Documentary
The filmmakers shed light on the traditional method of roof thatching that uses Hinoki cypress bark and the efforts in upholding this craftsmanship.
13:30 - 13:45
Easy Japanese for Work
Explaining a Need for Staffing Adjustment
Series, Educational, Bus./financial
Foreigners learn useful Japanese workplace expressions, explore business cultures and improve kanji proficiency.
13:45 - 14:00
Zero Waste Life
Jeans Genie
Series, Documentary, Nature, Arts/crafts
Kawahara Takuya upcycles discarded jeans, using the old denim his partner, Yamasawa Ryoji, buys overseas by the ton.
14:00 - 14:10
NHK Newsline
News
Bringing up-to-date news from Japan, Asia and around the world; team covers breaking news and major developments, with trusted anchors to tie it all together.
14:10 - 15:00
Hikikomori Pilgrimage
Documentary
Five young men, once withdrawn from society, embark on a 1,200-kilometer pilgrimage around the island of Shikoku in a journey of self-discovery.
15:00 - 15:10
NHK Newsline
News
Japan's disaster relief; Asia news; business and global current events.
15:10 - 16:00
Nakai Seiya's Railway Journey
Autumn in Aichi: Enjoying Nature's Bounty!
Series, Travel
Photographer Seiya Nakai journeys across Japan as he captures scenic railways and local charm through his lens, showcasing his passion for trains and railroads.
16:00 - 16:10
NHK Newsline
News
Bringing up-to-date news from Japan, Asia and around the world; team covers breaking news and major developments, with trusted anchors to tie it all together.
16:10 - 16:40
Face to Face
Isogai Naotaka: Orchestrating the Night Sky
Series, Interview, Talk
A trenchant look at Japanese society through interviews with prominent figures.
16:40 - 17:00
The Wakey Show
#8
Series, Children, Educational
Wakey and his friends deliver interesting facts about science, nature, art and history through sketches and performances.
17:00 - 17:10
NHK Newsline
News
Bringing up-to-date news from Japan, Asia and around the world; team covers breaking news and major developments, with trusted anchors to tie it all together.
17:10 - 17:40
Tiny Desk Concerts Japan
AKIKO YANO TRIO
Series, Music
Emerging and renowned Japanese artists from across different genres showcase their musical talent through exciting performances.
17:40 - 17:50
Little Charo
Series, Anime, Adventure, Animals, Educational
Little Charo is an animation series about a Japanese dog who got lost in NY. I want to see my owner again! Charo starts his adventure back home.
17:50 - 17:55
Japanology Plus Mini
Dinosaurs
Series, Documentary
Japan became a dinosaur fossil hotspot after an excavation in Hokkaido; Kobayashi Yoshitsugu explains how this led to increased interest in dinosaurs, resulting in the development of dinosaur museums and events.
17:55 - 18:00
A Cat's-Eye View of Japan
Tottori:Quiet Mountain Villages
Series, Nature, Documentary, History, Animals, Pets
We meet cats whose owner grows plants used to make cloth traditionally; another cat, Lock, lives at a temple; he takes part in sutra reading and is practically the chief priest's assistant!
18:00 - 18:10
NHK Newsline
News
Bringing up-to-date news from Japan, Asia and around the world; team covers breaking news and major developments, with trusted anchors to tie it all together.
18:10 - 18:25
The World Heritage Sites in Japan
A Miraculous Paradise of Life: Ogasawara Islands
Series, Documentary, Nature
The Ogasawara Islands are home to many unique species of both flora and fauna. Their interconnected cycle of life is supported by efforts to control invasive species that threaten their delicate balance.
18:25 - 18:30
The Seasons of Yamato
White Dew / Whispers of Water
Series, Nature, Animals, Documentary
The filmmaker presents poetic videos in collaboration with Mine Kawakami, a renowned pianist, to make one experience the seasons of Yamato, a former province in Japan.
18:30 - 19:00
Grand Sumo Highlights
Day 15
Series, Sumo wrestling
Sumo is one of the most traditional Japanese sports, boasting a history of more than 1500 years. See how powerful wrestlers with an average weight of more than 160 kilos clash in the sacred ring.
19:00 - 19:10
NHK Newsline
News
Bringing up-to-date news from Japan, Asia and around the world; team covers breaking news and major developments, with trusted anchors to tie it all together.
19:10 - 19:25
Through the Kitchen Window
True Blue in Tokoname
Series, Cooking, Community
The filmmakers provide an in-depth perspective on the daily lives and food interests of individuals throughout Japan, showcasing their unique traditions and vibrant culture.
19:25 - 19:30
Core Kyoto Mini
Hinoki Bark Thatching: The Age-Old Skills for Roofing
Series, Documentary
The filmmakers shed light on the traditional method of roof thatching that uses Hinoki cypress bark and the efforts in upholding this craftsmanship.
19:30 - 19:45
Easy Japanese for Work
Explaining a Need for Staffing Adjustment
Series, Educational, Bus./financial
Foreigners learn useful Japanese workplace expressions, explore business cultures and improve kanji proficiency.
19:45 - 20:00
Zero Waste Life
Jeans Genie
Series, Documentary, Nature, Arts/crafts
Kawahara Takuya upcycles discarded jeans, using the old denim his partner, Yamasawa Ryoji, buys overseas by the ton.
20:00 - 21:00
Documentary 360
Documentary
The filmmakers shed light on facts and information on various topics, including politics, economics, social trends and the environment from Japan and around the world.
21:00 - 21:10
NHK Newsline
News
Japan's disaster relief; Asia news; business and global current events.
21:10 - 22:00
Nakai Seiya's Railway Journey
Autumn in Aichi: Enjoying Nature's Bounty!
Series, Travel
Photographer Seiya Nakai journeys across Japan as he captures scenic railways and local charm through his lens, showcasing his passion for trains and railroads.
22:00 - 22:10
NHK Newsline
News
Japan's disaster relief; Asia news; business and global current events.
22:10 - 22:40
Face to Face
Isogai Naotaka: Orchestrating the Night Sky
Series, Interview, Talk
A trenchant look at Japanese society through interviews with prominent figures.
22:40 - 23:00
The Wakey Show
#8
Series, Children, Educational
Wakey and his friends deliver interesting facts about science, nature, art and history through sketches and performances.
23:00 - 23:10
NHK Newsline
News
Japan's disaster relief; Asia news; business and global current events.
23:10 - 23:40
Tiny Desk Concerts Japan
AKIKO YANO TRIO
Series, Music
Emerging and renowned Japanese artists from across different genres showcase their musical talent through exciting performances.
23:40 - 23:50
Little Charo
Series, Anime, Adventure, Animals, Educational
Little Charo is an animation series about a Japanese dog who got lost in NY. I want to see my owner again! Charo starts his adventure back home.
23:50 - 23:55
Japanology Plus Mini
Dinosaurs
Series, Documentary
Japan became a dinosaur fossil hotspot after an excavation in Hokkaido; Kobayashi Yoshitsugu explains how this led to increased interest in dinosaurs, resulting in the development of dinosaur museums and events.
23:55 - 00:00
A Cat's-Eye View of Japan
Tottori:Quiet Mountain Villages
Series, Nature, Documentary, History, Animals, Pets
We meet cats whose owner grows plants used to make cloth traditionally; another cat, Lock, lives at a temple; he takes part in sutra reading and is practically the chief priest's assistant!