Direct Talk

Born in the 1930s, Osamu Suzuki still sees himself as a small-business owner. Taking personal interest in work efficiency, low-cost cars are his aim. He speaks on this, and the future of his industry.

Dr. Eiko Ikegami, professor of sociology at The New School for Social Research in New York City studies people's experiences in the Virtual World.

Tony-winning director Julie Taymor talks about how her experiences in Asia have influenced her stage productions, including the hit musical The Lion King and her newest Broadway play M. Butterfly.

Dr. Alexandra Munroe, the Samsung Senior Curator of Asian Art and Senior Advisor of Global Arts at the Solomon R Guggenheim Museum in New York City presents contemporary Asian Art on the global stage.

Daito Manabe uses drones, VR, and the latest technology to create entertainment. He's worked with famous pop musicians and is now exploring classical music. He talks about the potential of media art.

Hiromichi Mizuno is the CIO of Japan's $1.4 trillion Government Pension Investment Fund. He talks about responsible investing that takes into account environmental, social, and governance factors.

Trung Dung is a Vietnamese American engineer who overcame hardships as a refugee to succeed as an IT entrepreneur. He talks of his ambition to improve access to finance for people with lower income.

Tony Wu is an award winning photographer known for rare images of life underwater. He talks of what nature can teach us and how we need to step out of our comfort zones to know the real planet earth.

Chieko Mizoue is a professor whose research focuses on Japanese-Canadian internment experience. She teaches this lesser known history to students and hopes to create a future without discrimination.

Video game developer Capcom is behind such renowned franchises as Monster Hunter and Resident Evil. President & COO Haruhiro Tsujimoto explains how it makes hit after hit that rises above the pack.

David Field is the Zoological Director of the Zoological Society of London which oversees London Zoo. In Direct Talk he talks about the importance of conservation of animals and their habitats.

Xiang Sheng, ‘Chinese cross talk', is a traditional folk art. As one of its most famous performers, Jiang Kun hopes to bring joy to both China and the world with his unique style of humor.

Award-winning dancer and choreographer Saburo Teshigawara is known for innovative pieces that introduce new, inventive movements to the vocabulary of dance. We spoke to him about his creative origins.

Kommaly Chanthavong is a Lao silk weaver recognized for reviving the traditional art in Laos. She talks of the spirit of silk weaving, and the beauty of what it can teach as well as create.

Professor Jon Crowcroft of the Alan Turing Institute says data science and AI will revolutionise society but systems need to be made more secure to protect both privacy and public safety.

Tomoyoshi Noda founded ISL (Institute for Strategic Leadership) to nurture world-class business leaders and is now opening a graduate school. Noda explains his aims and thoughts on developing leaders.

Arita porcelain has long been used to compliment Japanese cuisine, but Kamachi-toho has reinterpreted the style for Western dining. President Masaru Kamachi speaks about its beauty and potential.

40 years since its One-child Policy was implemented, China faces the situation of one adult having to take care of several old people. Wu Yushao is working on ways to deal with China's aging issues.

Professor David Vaughan, Director of Science at the British Antarctic Survey, says the Antarctic is the key to understanding the planet and warns about the dangers of rising sea levels in the future.

Robots will one day become a part of our everyday lives. Zhou Jian believes that letting children learn about robots and get used to the idea of living with them is an important part of education.

Enrico Letta, a Former Prime Minister of Italy, analyzes why the notion of separatism from EU has occurred. However, he believes that the unity of Europe is the only way to overcome its crisis.

Onn Sokny leads an inclusive arts organization working to bring down the barriers between people with and without disabilities. She believes everyone being different is what makes the world beautiful.

Unicharm sells diapers and personal hygiene products in over 80 countries. Industry leader and CEO Takahara pioneered the ‘pant-style' diaper. He discusses product development and business strategy.

BEYOND Tomorrow provides educational assistance to young survivors affected by the Great East Japan earthquake and tsunami. Minami Tsubouchi talks about her work to cultivate future global leaders.

An advocate for the exploration of space, planetary scientist Carolyn Porco leads scientists who have been analyzing images of Saturn and the outer solar system captured by the Cassini spacecraft.

Through his photos and stories, China's well-known Investigative journalist Chen Jie has aroused both popular and official support for campaigns to deal with pollution and poverty issues.

Climate change crusader Mark Jacobson proposes an innovative plan to completely replace fossil fuels with renewable energy. He discusses the realities and issues we'll face when realizing this idea.

Tatsuo Miyajima is an artist known for frequently employing digital LED counters. He has exhibited his work in over 30 countries worldwide to much acclaim. What is the message behind his art?

Shocked by the discovery of refugee graves in his own country's jungle, Malaysian film director Edmund Yeo made the award-winning feature film Aqérat to open discussion on the Rohingya refugee issue.

Authority on Russia and the Soviet Union, Hélène Carrère d'Encausse sits down with NHK General Bureau Chief for Europe to discuss the future of the "strong Russia" envisioned by President Putin.

Dale Dougherty founded Make magazine and Maker Faire to counter consumer culture and revive the DIY spirit among generations of tech-savvy enthusiasts. He talks about the importance of being a maker.

Conductor Yutaka Sado studied under the great composer Leonard Bernstein for three years up until Bernstein's death in 1990. Sado talks lessons learned and what he hopes to pass on to the future.

Mazlan Othman is an astrophysicist who pioneered Malaysia's space program and education in astronomy. She says we need to know the Universe around us to understand who we are and where we are going.

Media artist Jeffrey Shaw creatively employs the latest technology to conserve, document and display precious elements of cultural heritage, dramatically making the past meaningful to the present.

Ivana Chubbuck is a celebrated acting coach, best known for coaching award-winning Hollywood stars. We ask her what it takes to create a great actor.

Leading figure in modern wushu, and instructor of Jet Li, Wu Bin is a global promoter of Chinese martial arts. Now in his 80s, he remains actively involved. He spoke with us on his lifelong passion.

Patama Roonrakwit is a Thai architect who works with people in poor neighborhoods to improve their housings and environments. She believes in building people's confidence to transform their community.

Charina Widjaja founded Digital Fashion Week to help independent Asian designers display their talents to the world as they struggle to survive between the high fashion labels and mass brands.

Yoichi Ochiai uses tech to conjure visual wizardry unlike any seen before. He is interested in the relationship between human society and computers. He talks about his concept of "digital nature."

The Suwada Blacksmith Works makes sharp, high-quality nail clippers that are used everywhere from salons to medical clinics. The firm was heavily in debt, but Tomoyuki Kobayashi turned things around.

Chaebol Company like Samsung brought rapid economic growth, but also disparities and its dependency in Korea. Prof. Chang, a Chaebol specialist, thinks structural reform is required for true growth.

Yanagiya has a 70% global share of the machines that produce "surimi" crab sticks. We talk with company president Yoshio Yanagiya about making imitation crab that tastes just like the real thing.

Balmuda's hit appliances include a fan that generates a natural breeze and a toaster that makes perfect toast. Founder Gen Terao talks about the company's nonconventional product development process.

Nick Bostrom is director of the Future of Humanity Institute, and is considered one of the most important thinkers of our age. His work on artificial intelligence has influenced technological leaders.

Patricia Rodriguez is executive managing director of Spanish football club, SD Eibar. As the only female managing director in La Liga, she is trying to increase the number of women in football.

Nicolai Bergmann creates flower arrangements that combine elements of Denmark, where he was born, and Japan, where he is based. He recently held exhibitions at a series of shrines. What drives him?

Marina Kaljurand chairs the Global Commission on the Stability of Cyberspace. With experts from government, hackers and the tech giants, it is pushing for a new code of conduct on cyber security.

Setsuko Ono became an artist after working for the World Bank for 27 years. Like her sister Yoko Ono and her brother-in-law John Lennon, she uses art to express her fierce desire for justice.

The large-scale water tanks made by Nippura can be found at aquariums in over 60 countries. We speak with president Tetsuhiro Shikiyama about his company's world-beating craftsmanship.

Masaki Sato is the president of spinning company Sato Seni, which produces exquisite knitting yarn coveted by some of the world's most famous fashion brands. What makes its trademark yarn so unique?

South Korea's suicide rate has long been the highest amongst the developed nations. Ha Sang-hun talks about the social disparities caused by rapid economic growth and his hopes for the future.

Hartwig Fischer is the Director of the British Museum. He believes that museums play a central role in showing the interconnectedness between different cultures and has radical plans for the Museum.

Kesennuma Knitting was created to help recovery efforts in an area affected by the Great East Japan Earthquake. Its high-end cardigans and sweaters are best sellers. CEO Tamako Mitarai talks strategy.

Masahiro Kato is president of Tendo Mokko, a furniture maker that creates wooden chairs and tables characterized by distinct curves. What inspires the brand's inventive designs and honed aesthetic?

For 20 years, Chung To has been helping children affected by AIDS in China by assisting with their tuition and job-hunting. He seeks a society where the children can thrive despite bias against AIDS.

Lord Alf Dubs, the British politician, came to Britain as a child refugee escaping the Nazis. He discusses his battle on behalf of child refugees and his global campaign against the death penalty.

Japanese-American actor George Takei spent his childhood in internment camps during WWII. He talks about racial injustice, his advocacy, and the musical "Allegiance" that was inspired by his story.

In less than a decade, the Vaccine Alliance GAVI has saved nine million lives in the developing world. Direct Talk meets the Chair of GAVI, former Nigeria Finance Minister Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

Yaskawa Electric is one of the world's four big manufacturers of industrial robots. We speak with company president Hiroshi Ogasawara about the Chinese market and the future of industrial robotics.

Japan-born Anyango is the first woman in the world to play the nyatiti, a traditional stringed instrument played by the Luo people of Kenya. What drives her to spread its sound around the world?

Yoshiharu Hoshino is the CEO of Hoshino Resorts. He began his career by turning around his family's hot spring ryokan (Japanese-style inn). Now his company manages over 30 properties worldwide.

Asahiyama Zoo is known for unique exhibits that are designed to encourage animals to behave as they would in the wild. Director Gen Bando talks about his exhibits and the role of zoos in the future.

For 70 years, Kimura Drink has made ramune, a fizzy riff on lemonade. They also make drinks with surprising ingredients like curry and shrimp. Why? We asked the company's president, Hidefumi Kimura.

Satoshi Miyagi is artistic director of the public theater company SPAC. He is internationally renowned for interpreting classic western plays through a traditional Japanese aesthetic. What drives him

Mathematician Noriko Arai, a top Japanese AI expert, warns that artificial intelligences will likely take jobs from humans in the near future. She discusses the keys to surviving in the coming AI era.

Yan Lianke boldly reveals contradictions in China, repeatedly facing domestic publishing bans. This episode shows why he continues creative activities where freedom of expression is limited.

Maria Isabel Legarda is the Artistic Director of Philippine Educational Theater Association. She says theater can help people learn to have a voice, and contribute to social change and development.

Paavo Järvi is one of the most gifted conductors of his generation. How does he draw out the best possible sound from an orchestra? We speak with Järvi about the present and future of classical music.

Textile designer Reiko Sudo brings together Japanese tradition and craftsmanship to design fabrics that are recognized as art by world-class museums. What drives her creativity and passion?

The Iris Group makes everything from appliances to gardening tools and food and releases 1,000 new products a year. We asked chairman Kentaro Ohyama about the secret of this amazing productivity.

Tatsuo Nomura is the creator of Pokémon GO. Following his passions took him from a modest childhood in China to Silicon Valley, where he's a leading augmented reality game director.

Ajinomoto intends to be one of the world's top ten food companies by 2020. Created 109 years ago, it started out making seasonings. We spoke to CEO Takaaki Nishii about the company's past and future.

Ikebana is the traditional Japanese art of flower arrangement. Its origins lie in the 550-year-old Ikenobo school. Headmaster Designate Senko Ikenobo speaks about what she aspires to through her art.

Former US Labor Secretary and USC Professor of Public Policy Robert Reich analyses the ramifications of widening income inequality, money in politics, and the urgent need to revive the Common Good.

Cherrie Atilano is a Filipino farmer and social entrepreneur. She's working to make farming attractive, sustainable and profitable, to alleviate poverty, ensure food security and enrich people's lives.

Ayato Takada is a virologist who tracks down new and mysterious strains of disease. He recently discovered an antibody that can fight Ebola. We asked him about studying viruses on the front lines.

Representatives from companies worldwide visit camping gear maker Snow Peak to catch a glimpse of President and CEO Tohru Yamai's manufacturing philosophy at work. Yamai himself offers some insights.

Margrethe Vestager is the European Union's commissioner for competition. A former Danish politician and Economics Minister, she has a reputation as the rich world's most powerful trust-buster.

Dr Tilo Kunath, one of the world's leading stem cell researchers, talks about his pioneering work and contribution to finding a cure for Parkinson's, a disease that's increasingly common in Asia.

Olympus has a 70% share of the global gastrointestinal endoscope market. But, in 2011, it was revealed that the company had been hiding massive losses. Sasa steered Olympus through this turbulent era.

Sayuri Kinoshita is the first Japanese woman to set a freediving world record in a competitive discipline where divers use no fins—and of course, no scuba gear. What drives her to seek the depths?

Willis Wee is the founder of one of the biggest tech startup events in Southeast Asia. He says the region's diversity presents unique challenges and opportunities for startup founders and investors.

Liu Hongjun is a Chinese musician active around Asia. Over 35 years, he has reconstructed more than 50 ancient musical instruments preserved in China and Japan to revive the music of 1,000 years ago.

Dhammananda is a Thai Buddhist monk working to achieve gender equality in religion. She talks about how exclusion of others impacts society and how inclusive thinking could change the world.

Compost entrepreneur and "zero waste" educator Pashon Murray has made sustainability profitable by turning food waste from corporations into healthy soil for Detroit's urban farmers.

Yuuki Watanabe is a marine biologist who specializes in biologging—the tracking of individual wild animals—particularly the biologging of penguins. He tells us about the surprising habits of animals.

Shuhei Hasado is a plasterer—"sakan" in Japanese. He uses traditional techniques and natural materials to design innovative plasterwork. What is his approach to the craft of making things?

Emma Lawton, a graphic designer living in London, was diagnosed 5 years ago with Parkinson's disease. She was only 29. In spite of her condition, she has become an award winning campaigner.

Manuel Barange is Director of Fisheries and Aquaculture at the FAO. He believes that protecting our marine life and oceans for future generations must be a priority.

Kinohachi plays the shakuhachi, a traditional Japanese bamboo flute. He joined a rock band in his 20s and continues to compose unique music, gaining fans worldwide. What is it that pushes him forward?

As its name suggests, Kirin Holdings is the holding company of Kirin, a large beer and soft drink maker. As Japan's beer market shrinks, CEO Yoshinori Isozaki tells us how his company is responding.

In June 2018, Japanese singer Tokiko Kato held a concert in Sakhalin, in the Russian Far East, as part of a cultural exchange between the two countries. What was the message she wanted to convey?

The Benetton Group is globally known for fashion. Its co-founder Luciano Benetton, now in his 80s, has returned to lead the company's apparel division. He speaks on his bold vison for the brand.

ICAN's Beatrice Fihn earned the Nobel Peace Prize by introducing a treaty to the UN to abolish nuclear weapons. She continues to mobilize people worldwide by making nuclear arms a human rights issue.

Francisco J. Núñez is the founder of the Young People's Chorus of New York City (YPC). Through music, he teaches a diverse group of children about the joy of life and the value of cooperation.

Kotaro Nishibori is the fifth-generation head of a time-honored company making wagasa—traditional Japanese umbrellas. What draws him to his craft, and what is the new direction he envisions for it?

World-renowned Russian film director Alexander Sokurov tells us why he constantly portrays power in his movies and presents his thoughts on the effects of war on humanity and culture.

What makes Denmark the happiest country in the world? According to Meik Wiking, the secret lies in a lifestyle that includes social welfare and the uniquely Danish concept of "hygge."

The outstanding Russian entrepreneur Elena Shifrina talks about the very first all-natural healthy snack bars she launched in Russia and shares her views on the future of global food culture.

Journeying from New York to Hiroshima, Tribeca Film Festival co-founder Craig Hatkoff looks for ways to share stories to come to terms with 9.11, overcome hatred, and never cause another Ground Zero.

A main motif of Japanese composer Toshio Hosokawa is the relationship between Nature and humans. He talks about composing to reflect social strains and the importance of facing pain through music.

Dmitri Trenin, Director of the Carnegie Moscow Center, tells us why he believes Russia needs to consolidate its diplomatic strategy regarding Asian countries.

Chateraise is Japan's largest Western-style confectioner in terms of number of locations, with shops throughout Japan. Chairman & CEO Hiroshi Saito talks about his company's unique business model.

Pressed Flower Artist Nobuo Sugino forgoes tradition to create vivid, unconventional works of stunning beauty. What is the allure of pressed flowers, and what does he strive for through his art?

Contemporary artist and Academy Award winner for Best Makeup and Hairstyling Kazuhiro Tsuji, discussed his journey from a self-taught special-effects makeup artist to a hyperrealist portrait sculptor.

Tetsuji Honna has been serving as Music Director of the Vietnam National Symphony Orchestra for 17 years, overcoming cultural barriers in his quest to create a world-class orchestra. What drives him?

Documentary photographer Noriko Hayashi has captured images in dozens of countries, in some of the most far-flung regions on earth. We spoke to her about her work process and about what drives her.

Fuji Medical Instruments was the first in the world to mass-produce massage chairs, and today its popularity is growing in East Asia. CEO Toshiyuki Otsuki reflects on the past and looks to the future.

Dr. Hisataka Kobayashi gained attention by successfully killing cancer cells without side effects using near-infrared light. He talks about future cancer treatment and advanced medical care research.

Tristram Hunt, Director of the Victoria and Albert Museum in London, explains his vision for the world's largest museum of decorative arts and design.

Megumi Sasaki says her film "A Whale of a Tale" is not all about the whaling debate; it's about how to co-exist in a divided world. She hopes her work will expand viewers' knowledge.

For Eriko Yamaguchi, who started a fashion brand in Bangladesh, it's not about making things cheaply and quickly, but making the most of a developing country's resources. What is her brand vision?

In 1990, Song Zhenghuan, president of Goodbaby, a top global parenting product company in China, designed a stroller that became a huge hit. He talks about product development and company management.

Elif Shafak is Turkey's most widely read female author. Her books explore identity, language and gender and she believes that literature reminds us of our common humanity.

New York-based illustrator Yuko Shimizu followed her dreams to a successful career, creating images for America's leading publications, in a style playing on traditional Japanese techniques.

Eri Machii, chairperson of the NPO AfriMedico, uses a uniquely Japanese method of marketing medicine to bring the miracle of medicine to the furthest reaches of rural Africa. What drives her efforts?

KIND President Wendy Young talks about protection and relief work for unaccompanied undocumented children and creation of a society that prevents children from becoming refugees in the first place.

Tero Vauraste, chair of the Arctic Economic Council and CEO of Finland's Arctia, explains how melting sea ice is transforming the Arctic and why the region needs sustainable development.

Canycom is Japan's market leader for transport vehicles used in agriculture. We speak with Hitoshi Kaneyuki, Canycom's chairman, about the company's manufacturing philosophy.

Charles E. McJilton runs a food bank in Japan, collecting food from manufacturers and retailers that is for various reasons safe but unsellable, and provides them to those in need. What drives him?

Chris Redlitz, an IT venture capitalist, set up programming classes in US prisons to prepare inmates for work outside. He explains this project is a good investment for both the inmates and society.

Tong Zhilei, President of ChineseAll, started up in 2000 as the pioneer of digital publishing in China. He tells us the necessity of books and the social contribution.

Robert Wilson, iconic experimental theatre director and founder of The Watermill Center in NY, reveals his early influences, how his minimalistic style developed, and why he continues to create.

Takara Belmont is the world's biggest maker of chairs for barbershops and salons. We asked CEO Hidetaka Yoshikawa about how the company has driven innovation in the hair & beauty industry.

Yoshiharu Kaihara is CEO of Kaihara Corp., a denim manufacturer supplying fabrics to global apparel brands like Levi's and Uniqlo. How does the 100-plus-year-old company make its world-class denim?

Former principal dancer of the Royal Ballet Tetsuya Kumakawa serves as artistic director of his own company, which performs many classics as well as original works. What goes into world-class ballet?

Rick Stanton from England is one of the most experienced cave divers in Europe, and led the diving team that rescued the twelve children and their coach trapped in a flooded cave in Thailand.

William Trubridge holds the world record for freediving to a depth of 102 meters. His deep respect for the ocean is rooted in his early years, spent traveling the world by boat with his family.

Known for her candid and uncensored content, bisexual Korean-American comedienne Margaret Cho uses the power of comedy to give voice to diversity and enhance communication in a divided world.

Ikeuchi Organic is a firm that makes towels using organic cotton. We spoke to president Keishi Ikeuchi about how his company prioritizes safety and quality in its production methods.

Kosuke Kuji is president of Nanbu Bijin Sake Brewery, an international award-winning sake producer based in northeastern Japan. What drives his efforts to bring sake to a wider global audience?

Haiyan Zhang, Innovation Director at Microsoft Research, Cambridge, has made a name for herself as an inventor, specializing in technologies to help those living with disabilities and illness.

Nousaku Corporation developed the world's first 100% tin tableware. We asked president Katsuji Nousaku about his hopes of revitalizing the traditional metalworking area where his company is based.

Internationally renowned architect Toyo Ito seeks not only to refine design and function, but also build architecture that understands how people actually live. What is his vision for architecture?

Akiko Horiba works in conflict zones across Asia to end violence by laying groundwork for peace. We spoke to her about how she supports the peace mediation process, and her passion for peacebuilding.

Twinbird is an electric appliance maker based in a Niigata city known for craftsmanship. We speak with CEO Shiegaki Nomizu about listening to every comment from the customer, no matter how small.

Internationally renowned dancer Kaiji Moriyama is known for out-of-the-box dances where he uses his body to express abstract concepts like "katana" and "human viscera." What does dance mean to him?

Vinesh Sinha is a young Malaysian entrepreneur who created an environmentally friendly business that makes biodiesel from waste oil. His work has sparked environmental awareness in Malaysia.

Malaysian musician, filmmaker, and actor Pete Teo highlights social issues through his work and has had a big impact on society. What does he consider the key to coexisting in a multiethnic world?

Carl Pope, a former executive director of the Sierra Club has been working for environmental issues for more than forty years. Through his experience, Pope tells us how we can overcome climate change.

Artist Riusuke Fukahori uses a self-developed process to paint lifelike three-dimensional goldfish. His work has garnered him fans around the world. How does he breathe life into his creations?

An Italian social entrepreneur Riccarda Zezza has come up with the idea that nurturing experience learned during maternity leave can be useful at work.

Yang Liping is a popular Chinese dancer and choreographer. Her ‘Peacock Dance', based on the folk dances of her hometown in Yunnan Province, has been highly praised all over the world.

Akiko Yazawa won the backgammon world championships for the second time in 2018—the culmination of a long road to recovery after being diagnosed with cancer in 2012. How did she gain the advantage?

The works of award-winning Filipino filmmaker Brillante Mendoza depict social issues in the Philippines. By shedding light on the dark side of society, he hopes to inspire discussion and change.

Peach Aviation began operations in 2012 as Japan's first low-cost carrier. Shinichi Inoue, Peach's CEO, tells us about the unique strategies that have led to success in a competitive industry.

Fukushima Prefecture has produced "MIRAI2061," a musical film set 50 years after the Tohoku Earthquake. Fukushima-born creative director Michihiko Yanai speaks about the region's present and future.

Science writer Steven Johnson analyses the problems of social media, personal data and the Internet and explains how blockchain technology can solve the issue by using an open, decentralized system.

Author and professor Mao Danqing explains Japanese culture to readers in his native China. He encourages youth in the two countries to deepen understanding of each other through cultural exchange.

The Bolshoi is one of the world's oldest and most renowned ballet companies. Makhar Vaziev, its artistic director since 2016, talks about creating a new ballet company that doesn't rest on its laurels.