Japan: Memoirs of a Secret Empire

Chasing Waves

June 2025 •English

An docu-series exploring the unique and wonderful surf culture in Japan, highlighting the dramatic push and pull between convention and innovation. By chronicling the lives of both the trendsetters and the traditionalists, the series paints a captivating holistic picture of the global surf industry – from Australian-Japanese surfer, Connor O’Leary to freestyle surfers, Olympic hopefuls and businesspeople trying to make their mark.

A Journey In Japan

June 2025 •English

We go on a one month backpacking adventure around Japan. In this 2 part documentary series we travel to Japan for the very first time. Travelling there for one month, starting in Tokyo and then using the Japan Rail Pass to explore the country.

10 Years with Hayao Miyazaki

June 2025 •English

A chronicle of the creative process of the legendary Japanese filmmaker Hayao Miyazaki, a passionate artisan, a steadfast trailblazer, and a father butting heads with his son…

Pilgrimage of Wealth 2

June 2025 •

Watch host Tony travel around the world and enjoy luxurious tourism with his companion Priscilla Wong. Destinations includes South Korea, Singapore, Shanghai etc. They enjoy what good money can buy, including great food, wine tastings, local culture.

The Tree In Sunlight

June 2025 •Japanese

A story set in the mid-1800's about a young doctor who has been trained in Western-style medicine and a young samurai who is trying to live up to the old traditions of his class and culture. The story is actually based upon real people - the doctor, Ryo-an, was Tezuka's great grandfather. The manga series was adapted to anime by Madhouse Studios and premiered in Japan on NTV on April 4, 2000.

Shōgun

June 2025 •English

In Japan in the year 1600, at the dawn of a century-defining civil war, Lord Yoshii Toranaga is fighting for his life as his enemies on the Council of Regents unite against him, when a mysterious European ship is found marooned in a nearby fishing village.

Emperor Akihito

June 2025 •English

Akihito, the Emperor of Japan, abdicated on April 30, 2019. This 3-parts NHK World documentary series chronicles the life of a former "divine child" who became the symbol of the Japanese State when he ascended the throne in 1989.

Samurai Banners

June 2025 •Japanese

Fūrin Kazan was the 46th NHK Taiga drama beginning on January 7, 2007. It was aired throughout 2007. The four characters from left to right are wind, woods, fire, and mountain. The title is a reference to the war banner used by Takeda Shingen, which in turn was taken from Sun Tzu's The Art of War. It means "Swift as the Wind, Silent as a Forest, Fierce as Fire and Immovable as a Mountain."

Japan with Sue Perkins

June 2025 •English

From sumo wrestling to robots, Japan's traditions and high-tech innovations fuel host Sue Perkin's cultural exploration in this docuseries.

Age of Samurai: Battle for Japan

June 2025 •English

Dynamic reenactments and expert commentaries bring to life the tumultuous history and power struggles of a warring 16th-century feudal Japan.

Gion Matsuri - the Rebirth!

June 2025 •Japanese

Marking a 1150 year anniversary in 2019, the Kyoto Gion Matsuri was subsequently suspended for two years due to outbreak of the COVID-19 pandemic. Live coverage of the Yoiyama evening on July 16th and the next day's Yamaboko parade is accompanied by a set of special documentaries explaining the festival history and the activities during the pandemic.

Dans un cinéma près de chez vous

June 2025 •French

Tajemství země Nippon

June 2025 •Czech

Joanna Lumley's Japan

June 2025 •English

The British actress goes on a 2,000 mile journey across the four main islands of Japan, travelling from North to South meeting local people and absorbing the culture.

A Culture Built with Wood

June 2025 •English

Forests cover close to 70 percent of Japan's land area. Japan's climate varies significantly from north to south, making it home to diverse forests. These forests have been an intrinsic part of Japanese culture since time immemorial.

Departures

June 2025 •English

From epic landscapes and unforgettable culture, to the often trying times that come with international travel, Departures chronicles the unforgettable friendships, personal successes and sometimes crushing disappointments that befall travellers Scott Wilson and Justin Lukach on their journey. Departures is as much about the journey as it is the destination.

The Japanese Tradition

June 2025 •Japanese

A series of skits revolving around poking fun at Japanese traditions, such as the art of romance, apologies, and sushi-eating.

Barakan Discovers

June 2025 •English

Peter Barakan is a broadcaster and a 45-year resident of Japan. In this series, he discovers how Japan is changing.

Train Cruise

June 2025 •English

Criss-cross Japan by rail. Enjoy an amazing diversity of nature and scenery across the four seasons, exploring both well-known and hidden Japan.

Japan Delish

June 2025 •English

"Japan Delish" is a banquet of foods from overseas adopted by the Japanese. From fare steeped in tradition to its many modern variations, uncover the delicious histories at the heart of every dish.