Face to Face

Photographer and film director Ninagawa Mika is known for her vibrantly colorful works. She shares insight into her latest exhibition, as well as her thoughts on life and peace.

Kawashima Toru is a chef of Japanese cuisine based in Noto. Through the power of food and human connection, he's been working to help the region recover from the New Year's Day 2024 earthquake.

Namae Shinobu, a chef of French cuisine, works to promote sustainability in gastronomy and more. We accompany him to Amami Oshima to learn more about his passion for food and the environment.

Designer Junko Koshino has astonished Japan's fashion scene for over 60 years with her out-of-the-box creations. We learn what continues to spur Koshino's passion for design.

In 2022, Takasago Junji won a prize in one of the world's top wildlife photography competitions with an ethereal picture that conveys his trademark love and respect for nature. As a child, living near the ocean brought him close with nature. But because of the 2011 tsunami, Takasago became unable to engage with the sea he grew up with. Now, he looks upon the waters with a renewed sense of purpose. He reveals his approach to photography and his thoughts about living in harmony with nature.

Murata Sayaka is a novelist who has gained a cult following worldwide. She soared to fame with "Convenience Store Woman," a novel that explores the challenges and consequences of nonconformity. The work asks readers to consider what it means to be normal. In "Life Ceremony," she challenges social taboos regarding life, death, and sex, depicting a world where ritualistic cannibalism has become a way to survive. A frequent guest at international literary festivals, she explains the unusual process through which her stories unfold.

Shigemoto Hidekichi brings innovation to the traditional world of sumi-e art. From musicians and athletes to sword-wielding samurai, his paintings capture the speed, dynamism and emotion of the moments they portray. His work has garnered interest from fans of sports and entertainment. Shigemoto also gives live painting performances, captivating audiences. Recently, he's expanded into Buddhist paintings. He offers a glimpse into his creative process.

Millions of people in Ukraine have been displaced as a result of the military invasion by Russia. In the midst of this humanitarian crisis, international NGO Médecins Sans Frontières, known as Doctors Without Borders in English, has been providing emergency frontline medical support in Ukraine and surrounding countries and is speaking out to the world about what it has witnessed. Dr. Yuko Nakajima, the president of MSF Japan, joins us to detail MSF's activities in Ukraine.

Japanese folklore is full of Yokai, legendary monsters and spirits known feared for their ability to cause inexplicable phenomena. Today, however, they've come to be seen in a different light, and are often featured in popular anime and manga. Komatsu Kazuhiko, a folklore researcher who has been studying Yokai for more than 40 years, believes they provide an insight into Japanese culture and society. He joins us for an in-depth talk on the past, present and future of Yokai.

Kuribayashi Takashi is known for his installation artwork centered on the theme of boundaries, borders and limits. His fascination with borders began during his time in Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall. His works encourage viewers to imagine what lies beyond the border; for instance, a marshland hidden above the ceiling of a stark white room. Another work shows moisture frozen in the air to reveal what cannot be seen, such as the threat of radioactive contamination. Through his work, he seeks to reveal what lies beyond the border, hidden in plain sight.

Chiba Tetsuya has led the world of Japanese manga for over 60 years. In 1967, he began a five-year series which became a monumental work. "Ashita no Joe" is the story of a young orphan who discovers boxing and overcomes hurdles to become a champion. Now well into his 80s, Chiba is dedicated to training young artists while continuing to draw short manga. He draws his everyday life, his thoughts, and his recollections of the war and the early years of his career as a message for the future.

Manabe Daito is an artist whose work spans from media arts to stage productions. He leads a group of experts in both software and hardware development, encompassing every step in the creative process. Working closely with his team, he applies cutting-edge technologies, such as augmented reality and projection mapping, to explore a world that exists along the borderline of real and virtual. He shares with us his fascination with data visualization, which he says is all about visualizing the invisible.

Aoyagi Takashi makes the inkstones for grinding the sumi ink used in calligraphy, the art of writing with brush and ink. Aoyagi not only carves these inkstones, but goes deep into the mountains to look for stones that will become one-of-a-kind pieces. He uses all five senses to bring out the unique characteristics of each, which is why he can only produce ten a year. He talks about his craft and his dedication to keeping the tradition of writing with brush and ink alive despite the rise of digital communication.

Gomi's picture books are free of both moral stories and definite conclusions. He is content to leave the interpretation up to his readers. Rather than presenting a clear plot or conclusion, he wants his works to stir emotions. Therefore, he does not believe in educating children through picture books. He believes that the responsibility of adults is to watch over children, not nurture them. We will take a closer look at the philosophy of this unconventional, free-spirited picture book author.

Photographer Asada Masashi, who inspired the award-winning film, "The Asada Family, " is famous for taking unconventional family photos. One photo featuring his own family shows them dressed up as firefighters. Rather than traditional family portraits, Asada had his family take on fictional roles, such as that of a team of firefighters. Through his work and his experience of cleaning and returning family photos to the victims of a disaster, he's come to realize the power of photos that capture moments in everyday life, which he shares with us on Face To Face.

The skills of Japan's craftsmen are indispensable in restoring and preserving Japan's traditional wooden architecture. At the end of 2020, these skills were listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. David Atkinson, a former financial analyst from the UK, is the CEO of a 300-year-old company that has led the restoration of World Heritage sites such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Through bold reforms, he's managed to attract more young people into the field and is now seeking ways to secure funding through tourism.

A Japanese aquarium that was once in dire straits has become the world's center for jellyfish research, thanks to its current director, Okuizumi Kazuya. He proposed setting up a jellyfish exhibit many years ago. At the time, he was a young man with little self-esteem. But the success of the exhibit gave him a new perspective. Today, he's become a leading expert in jellyfish, and his fish tank designs have been adopted by aquariums world over. He shares his passion for jellyfish with our host, Robert Campbell.

Hirofumi Seo is a medical doctor turned CG designer. He is making the most of his expertise to create 3D animations that are helping to break new ground in medicine. Doctors say his work allows them to feel as if they've been shrunk to microscopic size to examine a patient's body from within. Seo is now using his skills to put a face to the invisible threat of COVID-19. Find out more about what he hopes to achieve by bridging the worlds of medicine and computer graphics.

Flower artist Azuma Makoto continues to stun the world with mind-blowing ideas that include launching a bonsai into the stratosphere and floating a huge floral sculpture out at sea. Since his work requires removing flowers from their natural state, he feels it's his duty to transform them into inspirational works of art so that their lives would not have been cut short in vain. His latest project involves bringing hope to those stricken by COVID-19, as he reveals in his talk with Robert Campbell.

Symbolic of Japanese tradition and culture and imbued with the spirit of the samurai, the Japanese sword is both a deadly weapon and a work of art. Yoshihara Yoshindo is considered to be the greatest swordsmith alive. His works are displayed at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and Boston's Museum of Fine Arts. Using techniques developed 1,000 years ago, he continues to forge swords at his small workshop in Tokyo. Why? Find out the answer to this and more on Face To Face.

An illustrated book that explains the law in simple terms has sold over 500,000 copies in just over 6 months. Aimed at children, the author Soichiro Yamasaki hopes that understanding the law will help address the ongoing issue of bullying. Yamasaki is not a legal expert. Instead, he draws on his own experiences to drive home the point that bullying is a crime. He talks about how he hopes that the book will not only discourage kids from becoming bullies but also help kids protect themselves.

Kodan is a traditional storytelling art that is enjoying a spectacular revival thanks to Kanda Hakuzan (36). Although he made his debut just 13 years ago, tickets to his performances sell out in no time. He manages to bring historic characters to life with his energetic performances that are grounded in solid technique and style. In February 2020, he assumed the highest rank possible in Kodan, the fastest rise in history. He joins us for a chat on Japanese culture as reflected in Kodan.

Nanami Shiono (82) is the best-selling author of historic novels set in the Mediterranean, which have been translated into English, Chinese and Korean. During her 50-year career, her work has covered a span of some 2,500 years, allowing her readers to travel back in time. Since releasing her final historical novel in 2017, centered on Alexander the Great, her interests have evolved. Robert Campbell visits her home in Rome to discuss their mutual fascination with a culture other than their own.

Kuniaki Kuroki is a world-renowned glassmaker with over 50 years of experience, whose works combine techniques from traditional Japanese ceramics and lacquering, and incorporate motifs from classic Japanese artists like Ogata Korin and Katsushika Hokusai. A 2008 exhibition of his work at Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art in Venice wowed Western audiences. At his workshop in the mountains of Miyazaki Prefecture, he has supported his local community with an entirely new style of cut glass.

Our guest, Yusuke Murakami, is a field architect who studies extreme living environments. He's spent over 1,000 days in the field, including the Himalayas and Antarctica. In 2017, he led an international team as Executive Officer on a 160-day Mars simulation mission in the Utah desert and the Arctic. This year, he converted a decommissioned Antarctic icebreaker into a spaceship to launch his own space simulation. His ultimate goal is to enable people from diverse backgrounds to live in harmony in a confined environment for prolonged periods.

The 2018 US National Book Award for Translated Literature went to Yoko Tawada's "The Emissary," a phantasmagoric description of the dystopian world after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Based in Germany, Tawada has won numerous awards for her output in both Japanese and German. Her works have been translated into various languages. She shares with us her thoughts on how writing in a different language and culture has shaped her perspective on Japan and made her aware of the importance of transcending the language barrier.

Miso and other fermented foods are key to Japanese cuisine, a favorite of health-conscious foodies the world over. But increasing food diversity has led to a 40% decline in miso consumption over the last 20 years. This has prompted Hiraku Ogura, a self-proclaimed "fermentation designer," to produce animation and songs about microbial action, hold miso-making workshops, and showcase regional foods to explore the link between fermentation and Japanese culture. Join us for more on Face To Face.

A declining birthrate and an exodus of young people to the cities has led to an increase in vacant homes, often abandoned in lieu of paying inheritance tax. Over 13% of the houses in Japan remain empty. In Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, however, an NPO is encouraging city dwellers to take up small town living by turning abandoned houses into attractive homes. It's renovated over 100 houses to date, increasing the population by over 150. We'll hear all about this from its director, Masako Toyota.

Our guest is Yodogawa Technique, an artist who transforms trash and flotsam into stunning collages. He travels worldwide, interacting with local communities to create thought-provoking works. In the Maldives he formed a huge fish with the plastic bottles that are endangering its coral reefs. In memory of all that was swept away by the devastating tsunami of 2011, he created a "Wakabayashi 100 Years Swing" using what was left of the windbreak forests. His work has been featured in school textbooks to inspire eco-awareness.

The 2018 Hans Christian Andersen Award for Writing, aka the Little Nobel Prize for Literature, went to Eiko Kadono (83), author of "Kiki's Delivery Service." She won acclaim for her inspirational portrayal of a girl who makes her own way through life. Recently, she started to write stories about her own wartime experiences in a way that transcends time and space. She also gives monthly public readings and provides insight into her magical world, inspiring children with imagination and courage.

Hansen's disease or leprosy has been treated effectively since the 1950's in most countries. It's not even that contagious. But in Japan, people affected by the disease were forcefully isolated until 1996. Today, most elderly patients, even though cured, remain cut off from their families, destined to live out their lives in sanatoriums. Prejudice and discrimination still prevail. Former patient Yasuji Hirasawa talks about his efforts to preserve this dark history and raise social awareness.

The destruction of natural habitats in the name of economic growth has made a once common bird an endangered species. In June 2018, however, 19 "toki," or Japanese crested ibis were reintroduced into the wild, thanks to a breeding and release program led by veterinarian Yoshinori Kaneko. He says it's been a process of trial and error that includes working with Chinese researchers and calling on local farmers to cut back on pesticides. He talks about what it takes to live in harmony with nature.

Around 15,000 athletes are expected at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Serving them food while taking into account their individual needs and cultural background is no easy job. That's why Kiyomi Mikuni has been put in charge. One of Japan's leading French chefs, he knows how to wow guests from around the world. And he aims to build upon this experience to provide the athletes with the best of Japanese hospitality, while promoting organic produce and food education. This and more on Face To Face.

With the Tsukiji Market slated for relocation in October 2018, a major concern is how to preserve its distinctive culture and traditions that date back over 400 years. Our guest this time is Kyoko Fukuchi, a writer and former intermediary wholesaler who provides an insight into what makes Tsukiji such a special place -- the sophisticated technology found in the architectural design and the people who make it all work, including the "mekiki", the experts with the discerning eye for quality.

Kyoto celebrates spring with Miyako Odori, a 400-year-old dance festival featuring the geiko and maiko of Gion. The choreographer of this month-long event is Yachiyo Inoue, the 5th generation master of Kyomai, a school of dance characterized by elegant and highly stylized movements accentuated by stomping. Kyomai is suffering from a lack of successors. But Inoue is striving to keep the tradition alive with new dances that incorporate elements from other genres, as we'll hear on Face To Face.

The latest edition of Kojien, the most authoritative of Japanese dictionaries, hit the stores in January 2018. A team of 220 wordsmiths spent 5 years tracking words in the media and on the Internet before deciding on the 10,000 or so new entries that reflect Japan today, such as "jidori" (selfie) and "moe" (passion). Chief editor Yasunari Hiraki believes that words evolve with the times. We'll ask him about what goes into the making of a dictionary and what he feels is its role today.

TABLE FOR TWO aims to tackle the dichotomy of global obesity and hunger through a unique calorie transfer program in which healthy meals are served at the cafeterias of partner companies, with the excess calories -- 20 yen per meal -- used to support school lunches in developing countries. The brainchild of Masahisa Kogure (45), TFT now has over 700 corporate partners. But it wasn't easy to sell the idea of social contribution in Japan, as we'll hear in his discussion with Robert Campbell.

When Holger visits the family mansion, his mother, Elisabeth, is angry with him for coming there instead of turning himself in. She proves her innocence to Holger - but then he makes a surprising discovery.

Holger wants to see Markus one last time. His first wife, Camilla, works as a doctor at the National Hospital, and he tries to convince her to give him access to the morgue.

Holger goes to meet Mallstrom, his rival, and forces himself on board his helicopter. Mallstrom confesses to scheming to collapse Lang Enterprises, but he has no idea what else Markus was up to.

Holger is rushing out to Markus's secret appointment when he is stopped by the police commissioner, Richard. He wants to talk to Markus as he knew John, the hitman who murdered Christina.

Holger crashes a meeting headed by his younger step siblings, would-be executives Rupert and his twin sister, Beatrice. Holger confronts them with their plan to oust him.

Holger discovers that beneath the friendly chit-chat with Otto lies a cynical quid pro quo. He continues to expose Otto's hypocrisy, only to find that he himself has let his old friend down.

Holger hurries to Markus's apartment to find Liz, the trusted and loyal company lawyer. Holger discovers that Liz helped Markus with a specific contract which could severely damage the company.

Holger Lang receives a video recording of Christina, his protege and potential heir, being murdered. Holger immediately understands the connection to his beloved younger brother, Markus.

At the train station, Susanne sees her former colleague Maja and discovers that Maja has had a session with Sapphire and that she is connected to both the Police Commissioner and John.

Susanne desperately needs help finding the girl and contacts CC, a former soldier she has had in therapy for PTSD. Reluctantly, he agrees to track down the girl.

Susanne finds Sapphire at the strip club and finds out she knows the suspected hitman John. But Sapphire is not only a witness - she is also a target.

Under the pretext of having to make a psychological assessment, Susanne lies in to confront her ex-husband Bjørn, who is in prison after murdering Frank, who Bjørn thought was their daughter's killer.

Susanne meets Officer Louise, who turns out to be a former client, whom she helped after a rape. When Susanne discovers that the police commissioner is calling Louise, she's sure something's wrong.

Susanne seeks out Police Commissioner Richard to tell him about the mysterious man. Richard has no knowledge of the man or cases of murder of young women. But he asks Susanne for a favor.

Susanne mourns the loss of her daughter. When the doorbell rings, she is confronted by a man John, who wants help to stop smoking. During the hypnosis, John reveals something shocking.

Bjorn meets with a notorious club owner, with whom he made shady deals in the past. He reveals shocking information about Bjorn’s daughter, and makes him face a harsh truth; his daughter was not the innocent girl he remembered.

Inspector Bjorn arrives at a luxury brothel to find the prostitute who introduced his daughter to prostitution. As he later finds out, they enjoyed together a sinful life crawling with parties, drugs, sex and fast money.

Bjorn is led to a luxury apartment where he encounters an unknown young woman, who turns out to be his daughter’s wife. Soon, he starts piecing together the puzzle of his daughter’s life, and it is darker than he ever thought.

Investigator Bjorn is called to the morgue for an ordinary identification and is faced with a hard truth; the body belongs to his daughter. Although all clues point to a suicide, he fixates on a tiny clue that proves otherwise.