Direct Talk

Daniel Barenboim, pianist and conductor explains how music has a unique power both at a personal and a political level and discusses his controversial Arab Israeli West Eastern Divan Orchestra.

Ex-Secretary of Defense, William Perry is known to have influenced President Obama and his goal of "Nuclear Disarmament." Perry explains the idea of "World without nuclear weapons" and the threats of "New Cold War."

Ex-Secretary of Defense, William Perry is known to have influenced President Obama and his goal of "Nuclear Disarmament." Perry explains the idea of "World without nuclear weapons" and the threats of "New Cold War."

Li Shuyun is China's famous tea master. With her beautiful tea table arrangements and a performance atmosphere, Li has done much to revive interest in the art of tea in modern China.

Ton Nu Thi Ninh has dedicated her career to initiating communication and understanding between Vietnam and the world. She talks of the resilience of the Vietnamese people and the challenges they face.

Blaine Harden, former Washington Post reporter and the author of a bestselling exposé of life in a North Korean political prison camp, talks about the continuity of the repressive Kim regime.

For 30 years Oliver Stone has taken aim at government abuses in films from Platoon to JFK, and now, Snowden. The Oscar winning director discusses US foreign policy and his continuing anti-war stance.

Rakugo is a Japanese form of comedic performance with 400 years of history, and Sanyutei Ryuraku is a rakugo storyteller who has given 160 performances abroad, in seven different foreign languages.

Izumi Tateno is a pianist who, at age 65, had a stroke during a recital that paralyzed the right side of his body. Two years later, though, he was performing again, playing music for the left hand.

Ma Jun, China's foremost environmentalist, is at the leading edge of country's fight for clean air and water. His Internet monitoring system has changed the way China is tackling industrial pollution.

Vo Trong Nghia is working to employ architecture to make cities more green and sustainable. He is concerned that rapid urbanization is putting too much stress on people and the environment.

Rice has long been a staple crop of Japan, and Kubota is one of Japan's leading makers of rice farming machinery. We speak to president Masatoshi Kimata about the company's history and next steps.

Amon Miyamoto was the first Asian director of a Broadway musical. He recently directed a performance about the life of Japanese artist Katsushika Hokusai. His focus now is putting Japan on stage.

Wang Xudong, President of the Dunhuang Academy, works against time and the elements to save the Mogao Caves, one of China's most precious cultural heritage sites, from natural and man-made damage.

Indira Ranamagar runs homes and schools for society's most vulnerable - the children of prisoners. She talks of the importance of ensuring every child quality care and education, for a better future.

Chikaranomoto is the parent company of Ippudo, a ramen chain that sells 70,000 bowls each day in 12 countries and territories. We speak with Chikaranomoto's COO about how they've taken ramen global.

Shunmyo Masuno is a priest who has been designing Japanese gardens based on the principles of Zen Buddhism for over 30 years. His work is currently winning attention around the world.

Sopheap Pich is a contemporary artist from Cambodia recognized internationally for his organic sculptures created from natural materials. He talks of his appreciation of life and the power of art.

Sakata Seed, founded in 1913, cultivates seed varieties that are sold in 170 countries, and that account for 2/3 of the world's broccoli. We ask the company's president about its global success.

Joe Hisaishi has composed the scores for almost all the films of legendary anime director Hayao Miyazaki. Currently, Hisaishi is taking a minimalist approach to his music. We ask him about his work.

Cynthia Maung is a refugee physician from Myanmar who runs a free clinic for displaced people and migrant workers in Thailand. She believes ensuring healthcare for all will benefit society as a whole.

Mohsen Makhmalbaf is a world-acclaimed Iranian film director. We ask him how we can possibly resolve the current problems created by rising tensions around the world.

When it comes to automotive design, few people would immediately think of Chinese cars. But Zhang Fan, a talented young Chinese car designer, is working hard to change this situation.

Huis Ten Bosch, a theme park modeled on an old Dutch town, opened in Nagasaki in 1992. It eventually went bankrupt, but then visionary entrepreneur Hideo Sawada took it over and turned things around.

Kai Corporation makes a variety of premium bladed items, from kitchen knives to scalpels. President Koji Endo talks about how they've overcome competition to successfully sell their products globally.

From humble researcher to founder and president of BGI, a world-class genetic science organization… Chinese geneticist Wang Jian is dedicated to exploring the secrets of life.

Mark Fitzpatrick is a non-proliferation expert and author of "Asia's Latent Nuclear Powers: Japan, South Korea and Taiwan". He discusses nuclear dangers in East Asia and what we must do to stop them.

The Bangladeshi scientist Dr Saleemul Huq is a key advisor to the countries which are most vulnerable to global warming. He is uniquely qualified to warn how climate change is transforming the planet.

Brunello Cucinelli, founder of an Italian luxury brand, places top priority on his craftspeople. Moreover, his company revitalized a small village. We focus on his philosophy, "Humanistic Capitalism"

The online show "Eat Solo" encourages Chinese urbanites to find happiness through cooking. Its creator, Cai Yani, must have touched a hungry nerve in China, because it rapidly became an Internet hit.

Tatsuo Kawada is the CEO of Seiren, a manufacturer of synthetic fibers that pioneered the use of IT within its industry in the 1980s. Their computerized color dyeing system is truly one of a kind.

Designer/artist Tokujin Yoshioka's creative identity is based on the themes of light and nature. What is the design philosophy behind his work, which is held in permanent museum collections worldwide?

Nobel Prize-winning economist Joseph Stiglitz explains how globalization has led to the rise of nationalism and protectionism. He advocates global economic reform to bring benefit to all.

Former French prime minister Dominique de Villepin analyzes why a far right party is gathering support in France and emphasizes politicians' need to listen to citizens.

From super-famous global brands to fast fashion, everyone uses Shima Seiki knitting machines. Today the creations of founder and president Masahiro Shima have applications in medicine and industry.

Wagashi is the art of Japanese confectionery. Chikara Mizukami is set on spreading wagashi worldwide, working with confectioners overseas and publishing a book of his creations in multiple languages.

Winnie Byanyima, Executive Director of Oxfam International, one of the biggest and most influential aid agencies, discusses the challenges of fighting poverty in an era of growing inequality.

East Asian security expert Dr. Victor Cha has been a prominent voice on US policy at the White House and beyond. He discusses developments in North Korea and strategies to counter the nuclear threat.

YKK is a global giant making nearly 9 billion zippers a year for top brands. Chairman and CEO Tadahiro Yoshida talks about how the firm is adapting to fast fashion and rising demand.

Yoshihiro Murata is the third-generation owner of a century-old restaurant in Kyoto. His time as a chef-in-training in France inspired him to make promoting Japanese cuisine worldwide his lifework.

Carlo Petrini, founder of the Slow Food Movement, is a man who has changed the way people think about food. We asked him what he considers to be the future of food and how we should relate to it.

Jackie Ying leads a multidisciplinary team of scientists, doctors and engineers to develop innovative technologies in healthcare and clean energy. She talks of the importance of keeping an open mind.

Legendary Chinese musician Cui Jian talks about life, rock ‘n' roll, and how his audiences have changed over three decades of making music in China.

Hajime Yoneda is a chef and former electronic engineer. His 2008 French restaurant won three stars in a record 17 months. He talks about looking outside the food world in his pursuit of originality.

Japanese kawaii culture has been gaining popularity all over the world. The movement was masterminded by art director Sebastian Masuda, who spoke to us about its past, present, and future.

Chay Lo is a Cambodian social entrepreneur working to provide safe drinking water for rural communities to protect people from waterborne diseases. He believes access to clean water is a human right.

Amory Lovins is a physicist and energy specialist who has been stressing the importance of renewable energy. He talks about the energy policies in US and Asia which have serious impact on the world.

Lion Corporation makes cleaners and oralcare items. It also looks at social issues such as environmental protection. CEO Hama talks strategy and explains that the root of all manufacturing is love.

Through her pictures of flowers, portrait work, and more, Mika Ninagawa has built a following among young women throughout Japan and the world. Here, she speaks about her signature color aesthetic.

Indian Novelist Amitav Ghosh imagines future generations will call us deranged, for our inaction on global warming, and calls on creators to address the climate crisis in art and literature.

Kikuko Iwai is one of Japan's few art conservators, restoring masterpieces by Monet, Van Gogh, and Picasso. Iwai talks about her personal restoration techniques and passion for art conservation.

Sake exports over the past decade have reached an all-time high of 138.4 million USD. One standout is Asahi Shuzo's "Dassai", renowned for defying conventional industry wisdom. What sets Dassai apart?

Youk Chhang has kept alive the memory of the Khmer Rouge regime in Cambodia that killed millions of its own people. He talks of the need to learn from history so that history will not repeat itself.

Having lived through hard times herself, the controversial Chinese writer Hong Ying focuses on human stories related to contemporary Chinese society. Her stories truly represent her generation.

Lighting designer Motoko Ishii has lit up Tokyo Tower, Tokyo Gate Bridge, and many other projects throughout Japan and overseas. She explains her unique methods and passion for lighting design.

Insurance today must cover cyber threats, terrorism and climate change. Inga Beale, chief executive of Lloyds of London, tells us how the insurance giant is changing and why diversity is important.

For 15 years ophthalmologist Tadashi Hattori has carried out free eye operations for poor Vietnamese patients. He's recovered the sight of 16,000 people. Hattori talks about what led to this decision.

In 2016, fireworks artist Yoichi Nomura won the All Japan Fireworks Competition for an unprecedented 16th time. He talks about the secrets of making fireworks and the cutting-edge of his craft.

The NY Times' CEO Mark Thompson discusses strained relationships between the Trump administration and media and importance of truth in journalism as the rhetoric of "fake news" surges.

Dr Cheong Koon Hean is an architect and urban planner leading the transformation of Singapore into a smart, sustainable and liveable city, with an identity. She says planners must dream audaciously.

Russia's most popular novelist Boris Akunin talks about how he fell in love with Japan as a schoolboy, starting writing fiction at the age of 40 and becoming a leader of the opposition to Putin.

Kanze Kiyokazu is the 26th Grand Master of the Kanze School of Noh a 700-year-old form of masked drama. He speaks on the beauty of Noh and his enthusiasm for his art.

Leading international lawyer Philippe Sands describes how he took China to court in the South China Sea case and explores the state of international law in the age of Trump, Brexit and Xi Jinping.

Innovative designer Jiang Qiong Er blends the finest elements of traditional Chinese design with contemporary styles and techniques to create a new kind of luxury design brand.

Julie Nelson Davis, America's top ukiyo-e expert, has overseen an exhibition that reunites the works of artist Utamaro for the first time in 138 years. What drives her to share the beauty of ukiyo-e?

Hironobu Tsujiguchi is a top Japanese patissier, winning the World Pastry Cup at 29, and more recently the Salon du Chocolat for four years running. He shares the story behind his delicious creations.

Mahar Lagmay is a geologist working to increase people's preparedness for natural hazards. He talks of the critical value of open data, for disaster mitigation in the time of climate change.

Mitsui O.S.K. Lines ships food, clothes, oil, coal, and everything in between. In April 2017 it launched the world's biggest container ship. CEO Ikeda talks about how the firm works behind the scenes.

Jazz pianist Makoto Ozone has made recent forays into classical music, playing with the New York Philharmonic and the San Francisco Symphony. He speaks on his genre-defying vision as an entertainer.

Philippine Ombudsman Conchita Carpio Morales leads the fight against corruption and misuse of power in public offices. She talks of the need to apply the same law to everyone, no matter their status.

Sir Philip Craven is the President of the International Paralympic Committee. An accomplished paralympian himself he believes the Paralympic Games are more than just sport and can transform society.

Alejandra Ancheita, Martin Ennals Award winner and founder of ProDESC, fights for the rights of the indigenous peoples of Mexico. Despite the danger to her own life, she tells us why she carries on.

Andrew Bolton, Curator in Charge of the Costume Institute at the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, is changing the understanding of fashion by elevating it to art with his distinct vision.

The name Kikkoman is synonymous with soy sauce. Today its foreign sales have grown to about 60% of its total sales. CEO Horikiri explains how Kikkoman made soy sauce a global staple.

Infiorata is the art of using flower petals to make flower carpets on the ground. Yasuhiko Fujikawa, who has won international acclaim for his Ukiyo-e inspired designs, explains the form's allure.

Xavier López Ancona is co-founder of Kidzania, an edutainment theme park where kids can play at work in model cities with 24 locations worldwide. He shares with us his philosophy to "learn by doing."

Lionel Barber, Editor of the Financial Times, one of the world's most influential newspapers, talks about the future of the press and how he has transformed his newspaper into a global digital brand.

Washi is traditional Japanese paper. Eriko Horiki takes it to new extremes, fusing architecture and interior design. Her work has been shown worldwide. She talks about washi's beauty and potential.

Toshio Suzuki is producer and chairman at Hayao Miyazaki's animation house Studio Ghibli. He offers insights into the creative process behind Miyazaki's internationally beloved films.

Maritza Morales Casanova started her own environmental organization at just 10 years old, and has since founded a new kind of theme park; a place to teach kids to truly value our "grandmother earth."

Mechai Viravaidya saved millions of lives with his AIDS campaign in Thailand, promoting the use of condoms and sex education for all. He urges people to challenge taboos, and to take NO as a question.

In 2014, Suntory Holdings bought U.S. whiskey producer Beam Inc., making it the No.3 spirits company in the world. President & CEO Takeshi Niinami talks strategy in the face of fierce competition.

Salman Khan is an American entrepreneur who founded Khan Academy, an online educator with a free learning platform and videos used by 50-million people. Khan discusses the future of education.

In 2013, adventurer Yuichiro Miura successfully scaled Mt. Everest at the age of 80—a world record. He explains how he did it despite having cardiac arrhythmia, and what adventures he now dreams of.

After studying populations with elevated levels of centenarians, the demographer Michel Poulain now investigates the determinants of healthy aging and society's role in these so-called Blue Zones.

Fabrizio Parrulli, military commander of the Italian special force, talks of the new and pressing challenges in combating illicit trafficking of cultural artifacts by terrorists in the Middle East.

Actress Lin Chiling is familiar around the globe. But she is also a philanthropist, using personal funds to help underprivileged children. She talks about the importance of sharing wealth and love.

Mitsui is a prominent "sogo shosha," literally "general trading company." This uniquely Japanese type of conglomerate does all sorts of business all over the world. We speak with CEO Tatsuo Yasunaga.

Eitetsu Hayashi has pioneered a distinctive sound as a traditional percussionist, expanding the taiko's possibilities in music and on stage. What inspires his widely acclaimed performances?

Some years ago, Japanese picture book producer Ikuko Ishikawa realized there was a shortage of colorful picture books in China. She decided to dedicate herself to providing them for Chinese children.

Hong Kong is now recognized as having the highest life expectancy of any major city or region in the world. Professor Lam Tai-Hing of Hong Kong University tells us why.

The geologist Carlo Doglioni studies ways to limit seismic tragedies like the 2016 earthquake of central Italy. He talks of his recent discovery to predict the maximum magnitude of future earthquakes.

For four decades, an American teacher John Hunter has been teaching children about world peace with his original game. He tells us how children have potential to solve global crises in their future.

Benita Chick is a Hong Kong-based LGBT advocate who holds unique tours to promote the understanding of sexual minorities. She discusses the significance of diversity in society.

Kanetoshi Oda invented a water-purifying powder that provides 3.4 million people with clean water in 40 countries. Local operations also create jobs. CEO Oda explains his approach to business.

Dashi is the soup stock that is the backbone of Japanese cooking. Katsuyuki Takatsu, president of specialty purveyor Ninben, speaks about his strategy to make dashi a worldwide favorite.

There is widespread concern about North Korea's nuclear missile tests. Yang Xiyu, an expert on North Korean issues, gives us his opinions on how the international community should respond.

Chris Yeung founded an online media to reclaim freedom of press amidst Beijing's growing grip on major HK media. He speaks on the importance of free press.

Seiko Watch made history by inventing the world's first quartz wristwatch. Its luxury status fell due to mass production. CEO Shinji Hattori explains his strategy for reinventing the company's image.

Kazuo Iwamura is a creator of picture books such as The Family of Fourteen series. He was awarded France's Order of Arts and Letters in 2014. How does he create worlds that enchant so many children?

Kyaw Zwa Moe is a former political prisoner and a journalist in Myanmar. He talks of the continued struggle for truth in a country making a precarious transition from military rule to democracy.

Driven by his passion creativity, pastry chef, Dominique Ansel continues to shake up the world of confectionery with his innovative desserts, delighting customers daily with his unique sweet treats.

Bhutan has been said the world's happiest country. Dasho Kinley Dorji, strong advocator of Gross National Happiness, a development index, talks about how to survive in this chaotic materialized world.

Magdalena Zernicka-Goetz is a pioneering scientist researching the earliest stages of human life and transforming our understanding of the embryo. Her ground-breaking work has made global headlines.

Sarita Mishra is a Nepali musician who teaches music to children from difficult backgrounds, giving them confidence and self-esteem. She talks of the transformational power of music.

The traditional Japanese sword was a weapon of the samurai, but today it is an artifact prized by collectors worldwide. Swordsmith Yoshindo Yoshihara talks about the beauty of the swordmaking process.

Chi Chia-wei has fought for gay rights for over 30 years, and is a key player in Taiwan's move towards legalizing same-sex marriage – a first in Asia if realized. He speaks about his long crusade.

ASICS is one of Japan's major sporting goods companies. They are well known for their high-tech running shoes, which are popular all over the world. We speak with the chairman of ASICS, Motoi Oyama.

Tadanori Yokoo has been a graphic designer since the 1960s, and his work is collected by museums worldwide. Currently in a painting phase, he spoke with us about the backbone of his creative process.

Tony Lo, former CEO and now advisor to bicycle behemoth Giant, grew a small Taiwanese OEM into a global business. We asked him for his idea of the best business model for our globalized world.

Advanced environmental country Bhutan is struggling to mitigate human-wildlife conflicts. Tshering Tempa, tiger biologist, talks about how to solve the challenges through promoting ecotourism.

For nearly 50 years, historian Yoshiaki Ishizawa has worked tirelessly to restore historical sites at Angkor in Cambodia, as well as train native researchers. He explains his approach to preservation.

Well known labor rights advocate and promoter of peaceful political reform, Lech Walesa, discusses the early days of the "Solidarity" movement, and our modern society which he dubs the "Age of Words".

As the leader of "Solidarity," Lech Walesa helped to bring about the end of the Cold War. He now urges that – instead of turning to old ideas such as nationalism – we work to find global solidarity.

Maria Tri Sulistyani, founder of a unique Indonesian puppet theatre, talks of how making puppets and telling stories through puppets can create new space for imagination, communication and connection.

Musician Yoshihide Otomo has many sides, composing soundtracks for film and TV while also making experimental music unbound by conventional styles like jazz and pop. He explains his musical vision.

Nguyen Thị Phuong Thao is the founder of a Vietnamese low-cost carrier recognized as one of the fastest growing airlines in Southeast Asia. She shares her business principles that lead to her success.

Modern Chinese cities love large-scale landmark buildings. But architect Wang Shu has a very different idea. He believes good buildings should preserve traditional culture and be easy to live in.

Kawasaki Heavy Industries is famous for motorbikes but also makes plane, rail, and ship parts. Sharing technology has led to revolutionary new products. President Kanehana explains his strategy.

Since becoming the youngest person to scale the Seven Summits, alpinist Ken Noguchi has focused on mountain clean-up projects and disaster relief efforts. What drives his activism and volunteer work?

Rahimah Abudlrahim is a director of an Indonesian think tank working to strengthen democracy. She talks of the importance of fighting intolerance and embracing diversity to keep democracy functioning.

Professor Kathy Willis, Director of Science at Kew Gardens, discusses the state of the world's plants and her mission to track the threats to biodiversity from climate change and habitat loss.

Coach Yuko Igarashi runs a cheerleader club at a Fukui high school. Just three years after forming they won a US championship with six more victories since. Igarashi discusses her work with students.

There are over 700 million people worldwide currently living in extreme poverty—less than 1.90 USD a day. Kopernik CEO Toshihiro Nakamura speaks about their ambitious efforts to help those in need.

United Nations Under-Secretary-General and High Representative for Disarmament Affairs, Izumi Nakamitsu, talks her efforts to ban nuclear weapons and her philosophy on making the world a better place.

Helle Thorning-Schmidt, former Prime Minister of Denmark, speaks about her new role as head of the global charity, Save the Children, where she has become a champion for children's rights.

Andrea Hirata is a bestselling author whose coming-of-age tale has touched the hearts of millions. He talks of the crucial role of the teacher to make children believe in their infinite potential.

Yamaha Motor is a major maker of motorcycles and 90% of its sales come from abroad. It makes over five million vehicles a year from road bikes to scooters. CEO Yanagi discusses its latest product.

Kyoto-based textile dyer Sachio Yoshioka uses traditional natural dyes harvested from plants in order to recreate colors over 1,000 years old. How did he revive these long lost pigments of the past?

The field research so essential for conservation scientists needs manpower and money, and it's hard to get enough support. Cheng Liangzhong founded NGO Operation Earth to help deal with this issue.

Julia Gillard, Chair of the Global Partnership for Education was Australia's first woman Prime Minister. She discusses her goal to get all children into school for a quality education.

Ryohin Keikaku, better known as Muji, has gained international recognition with its lineup of over 5,000 household goods. President Satoru Matsuzaki reveals the secrets to their success.

Toshiyuki Inoko heads digital art collective teamLab, which uses the latest tech to create art not just to be appreciated, but experienced. How will digital change our understanding of the world?

Professor Jan Woerner is Director General of the European Space Agency. In Direct Talk he discusses his experience fostering cooperation in space with the aim of building peace on earth.

Professor Peter Piot is one of the World's leading microbiologists, a pioneer in the discovery and fight against Ebola and Aids. In Direct Talk he talks about these and how to combat today's epidemics.

Theo Jansen is best known for Strandbeest, sculptures that use the wind to walk independently. He has made a series, seeing his work as an evolving species. He explains his thoughts on creation.

Ink wash painter Hidekichi Shigemoto uses a unique style based on East Asian brush painting to depict the dynamic movement of athletes and more in grayscale. He speaks about his creative inspiration.

Eqbal Dauqan is a scientist from Yemen, a country torn by war. She talks of the need for support to refugee scientists, and of her belief that they can contribute to furthering science, for the world.

Harun Khan is the Secretary General of the Muslim Council of Britain. As leader of the council Khan condemns terror attacks, challenges misplaced perceptions and spreads positive stories of Islam.

Seiji Yamamoto is the owner and chef of Ryugin in Tokyo. It's won three Michelin stars seven years in a row. Yamamoto talks about his unconventional techniques, his career, and his approach to food.

Nikken Sekkei, Japan's largest architecture firm, built Tokyo Skytree, the world's tallest freestanding broadcast tower. President Tadao Kamei explains the power and social importance of architecture.

Jeremy Farrar is the director of the Wellcome Trust, one of world's wealthiest medical research charities. Wellcome is committed to improving global health and funding biomedical research.

China policy expert, Eswar Prasad, senior fellow at the world renowned think tank Brookings Institution, explains China's motivation and strategy behind its growing influence on the global stage.

Kazuo Ishiguro, Nobel Laureate in Literature, talks about important roles literature plays in today's divided world and shares his thoughts about the path we should follow in uncertainty we live in.

Obata Sake Brewery produces sake on Sado Island in Niigata Prefecture. Despite its size, it exports to fifteen countries and territories. Exec. Vice President Rumiko Obata talks vision and strategy.

Journalist, writer and educator Akihiko Reizei shares his views on US and Japanese media in the internet age, his preferred information resources, and insight on entering prestigious US universities.

MIT professor and cultural anthropologist Ian Condry explores the development, evolution and global impact of Japanese subcultures rap, hip-hop, anime and manga.

Grammy Award nominee and Electronic Dance Music supremo DJ, Steve Aoki tours the globe sharing his passion for music with his 8 million fans, in pursuit of happiness and new creative opportunities.