Direct Talk

In civil war-torn Uganda, over 30,000 children were abducted and forced to serve as fighters. Follow Ogawa Shingo's quest to reintegrate former child soldiers into society through vocational training.

Thai restaurant owner/chef Phanuphon Bulsuwan uses a wide array of local ingredients for his dishes. He is also taking steps to combat food waste, both in his own kitchen and society at large.

Rewilding to revive lost species and restore nature. In the United Kingdom, an aristocratic couple's efforts are attracting attention. We talk to Isabella Tree, who is also a writer.

Executive Producer, Stephen Garrett, has had a 40-year career in the entertainment industry producing films and creating television drama in Hollywood and the UK for a global audience.

For over 50 years, Tamai Yoshiomi has provided educational support to children who have lost one or both parents. His outreach extends to Africa, where he raises leaders out of vulnerable children.

Jimmy Pham's vocational school in Vietnam provides young deprived people with hospitality training. He talks about the struggle for sustenance during the economic downturn caused by COVID-19.

Iida Masashige creates immersive video presentations for dome-shaped projection screens that hang overhead in planetariums and other theaters. He talks about his vision, themes and methods.

A Vietnamese Japanese engineer discusses the high-frequency ventilator he developed to save the lives of premature infants, but it has been considered difficult to put into practical use.

Mizutani Yoshihiro invented a cardboard bed for use in evacuation centers during natural disasters. He talks about what drives him in his quest to improve conditions at emergency shelters.

Richard Misrach, an eminent photographer who has been shooting deserts in the U.S. for half a century, discusses the split of America as he has been bearing witness it.

Kotchakorn Voraakhom is a Thai landscape architect known for designing public parks that combat flooding. In order to fight an unpredictable future, she uses nature as her blueprint.

Takahama Kan was awarded one of Japan's most prestigious manga prizes in 2020. She talks about overcoming alcoholism and how the experience ties into her internationally acclaimed work.

Marc Hull-Jacquin of Shelter Movers has rescued over 2,000 people fleeing domestic violence, providing 6 sanctuaries in Canada since 2016. He's fighting an increase in DV cases during the pandemic.

Rosemarie Garland-Thomson challenges stereotypes about people with disabilities. An advocate for human diversity, she explores how disabled culture and identity have evolved throughout history.

Since 2010, Gilles Delebarre has engaged himself as the director in "Démos," a music education program for children operated by Philharmonie de Paris for the sake of the unity in a local society.

Director Eric Khoo is one of Singapore's leading creators. His recent short film is making waves online. We speak to Eric Khoo, spreading an important message "love and humanity" through film.

Musician and scholar Chi Suwichan Phatthanaphraiwan, a member of the Pgaz k'Nyau (Karen) ethnic group in northern Thailand, advocates for ethnic equality and fosters cultural identity through music.

Wanda took part in the Warsaw Uprising in 1944, which was the resistance struggle to the Nazi regime. Nowadays, she protests against the politicians about some social matters from her experience of the war.

Nureehan Da-ouli, a female Muslim conservationist, strives to protect hornbills - the species that play a detrimental role in the survival of the forest and the livelihood of her community.

Akram Khan, the British dancer and choreographer, calls for urgent action to save the performing arts and to support young dancers, in the face of the UK's enforced lockdown.

Filmmaker Mansour documents the impact of wars in the Middle East on the people of Lebanon. When parts of Beirut were destroyed by a massive blast in August 2020 her cameras captured the aftermath.

Textile expert Olga Reiche is working with rural artisans to find ways to build a sustainable industry. Overcoming natural disasters and war through textiles, she shares her inspiring story.

Paul Miller, aka DJ Spooky: multimedia artist, composer and author. Miller creates music and art inspired by science and nature to motivate people to change the world.

Wasfi Kani is on a mission to share opera with the world. For the last 3 decades she had taken opera into prisons, and in 2016, she created a new opera house in the UK.

Columbia University's Christopher Emdin talks about his method of centering culture to engage young people in science and how the pandemic is creating an opportunity to transform education.

Sarah Al Amiri is both a minister and the science lead of the UAE's Mars probe mission, which successfully entered orbit in 2021. What is it that pushes her and her country towards space exploration?

Using 360-degree cameras, a South African virtual reality video creator is helping to preserve wild animals on the verge of extinction by dispatching documentary films.

Pianist Alice Sara Ott made her first recording in 3 years, as a reflection on life. Living with multiple sclerosis, she keeps a contemporary performance empowering her audience.

Anand Menon is Professor of European Politics and Foreign Affairs at King's College London. He also directs the UK in a Changing Europe project which studies the effects of Brexit and its implications for the UK.

Maye Musk, dietitian, fashion model and mother of Elon, shares the secrets to flourishing in her 70s. Her independent spirit took her from struggling single motherhood to iconic status on billboards.

Tsuda Yuichi leads a project at the Japan Aerospace Exploration Agency that recently completed a mission to return subsurface samples of an asteroid to Earth. He reflects on the scientific milestone.

Pietro Bartolo is a doctor. For 30 years he treated refugees from Africa on the Italian island of Lampedusa. Now, as a Member of the European Parliament, he defends the rights of immigrants.

As a refugee, Omar Ahmad realized how the media portrayed the refugees differed from reality. Now as a citizen journalist, he hopes to deliver narratives, told from the refugee's perspective.

Torajan woman and leader of the world's largest body representing Indigenous Peoples, Rukka Sombolinggi has long championed indigenous rights in Indonesia with her passionate and fiery oratory skills.

Kagii Yasuaki talks about photographing underwater worlds in oceans across the globe, including his periodic trips to document submarine environments in the disaster-stricken Tohoku region of Japan.

Chicago-based stand-up comedian Saku Yanagawa talks about deconstructing American society from a uniquely Japanese perspective and honing his own comedic voice.

Journalist Maria Ressa is found guilty in a case seen as a test of press freedom. In a country where journalists are under threat, Ressa's case became symbolic and followed internationally.

Lual Mayen fled South Sudan and grew up as a refugee. He created a video game on that experience. Players on the 2021 online version will fund refugee camps. He now supports youths to learn IT.

British explorer Sir Ranulph Fiennes has spent his life in pursuit of extreme adventure, risked his life in some of the most ambitious expeditions ever undertaken and raised millions for charity.

In 2017, SIROCO became the first Japanese person to win a prestigious flamenco competition in Spain. What does flamenco mean to him, and how did he rise to the top of his profession?

Sirachai Arunrugstichai is a photographer and marine biologist based in Bangkok, Thailand. His photos are a sharp reminder to the world that the oceans and sea life must be protected.

ERTH, a social enterprise in Malaysia is founded by Mohamed Tarek which aims to reduce the environmental hazard caused from end-of-life electronics, also known as "E-waste."

A young Czech innovator is drawing attention in the desktop 3D printer market with his open-source approach. What kind of future will be brought to us by the printers evolving with worldwide users?

Chang Sung-un has created a way to solve child labor problems in Africa with the Solar Cow Project which suggests an innovative approach to easily solve the issue by utilizing natural solar energy.

Over 30 years, Alain Reynes has sought peaceful coexistence between human activities and reintroduced brown bears in the Pyrenees, a mountain range forming a natural border between France and Spain.

Ten years after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, film director Iwai Shunji talks about the stories behind projects such as "Flowers Will Bloom," the song for recovery he wrote.

Ten years after the 2011 Tohoku earthquake and tsunami, film director Iwai Shunji talks about the stories behind projects such as "Flowers Will Bloom," the song for recovery he wrote.

Renowned pianist Tigran Hamasyan talks about the beauty of traditional folk music and what it can do to connect people around the world.

Meet Jack Sim, also known as Mr. Toilet. His mission? Toilets for everyone. Around 2 billion people do not have access to proper toilets and sanitation. Jack wants to change that.

Mauro Colagreco has been called the best chef working today. Follow his journey to break new ground in sustainable gastronomy using only ingredients local to his chosen town of Menton, France.

World-renowned dancer, choreographer and director Bill T. Jones talks about creating his new socially distanced indoor performance, addressing the twin pandemics of COVID-19 and systemic racism.

Mary Robinson, former Irish President, now leads the influential pressure group, The Elders, which is working with young people and world leaders to speed up action on climate change.

Doctor Waheed Arian arrived in the UK aged 15 as an Afghanistan refugee. Today he is the founder of a pioneering charity Arian Teleheal which helps save lives across the world.

Baybars Örsek, Director of the International Fact-Checking Network, is on a mission to stop the spread of false information. He talks about the importance of fact-checking and how it can empower us.

Imran Ahmed is the CEO of the Center for Countering Digital Hate, a non-profit organization based in Washington and London, founded to highlight the increasing misinformation published online.

In 2019, Sasaki Rui was named winner of the Rakow Commission, a program put on by the renowned Corning Museum of Glass. She discusses her creations, which include works that use phosphorescent glass.

Singer-songwriter Sam Lee spent years collecting indigenous folk songs of the British Isles. He's turned his attention to nightingales, an iconic bird endangered by climate change and habitat loss.

At the start of the pandemic, Cynthia Choi co-founded an organization to report hate incidents against Asian Americans. The data it collects has empowered communities to raise their voices together.

The electric wheelchairs created by Sugie Satoshi feature superior performance and design, and are used by people in many parts of the world. We speak with him about the future of personal mobility.

Tanaka Kiyo is internationally recognized for warm, intricate children's books illustrated using copperplate techniques. She talks about the beauty of her craft and what children's books mean to her.

Amar Latif is a blind traveler and entrepreneur. In 2004, he created a travel agency, Traveleyes, determined to make the world more accessible for blind and visually impaired travelers.

At 15, Ann Makosinski from Canada invented a flashlight powered by body heat. She is now developing toys to help solve environmental issues. The young inventor tells us about her perspectives.

The efforts of a Nigerian who studied ballet on YouTube and runs a ballet academy in his back yard have attracted sympathy and support worldwide. He is now creating a unique African style of ballet.

Father Greg has rehabilitated thousands of ex-gang members in L.A. for 30 years. He runs a bakery as a base with members and has tattoo removal programs among others so they can re-enter society.

Kubota Ryo runs a biotech startup that is working with NASA to develop a device that can test for the eye problems to which astronauts are susceptible. Kubota shares his vision with us.

Doya Yuto started an apparel brand that sells fashionable items made in Ghana. His work supports local employment and the education of Ghanaian children. He talks about providing sustainable support.

Jan Johnson has dedicated her life protecting and running the Panama Hotel built in 1910. Hear her message to the future through the last luggage left by Japanese Americans taken to internment camps.

Many turn to extremism because of personal problems, not ideology. One-time white supremacist Christian Picciolini sees people as human beings first, to save them from hate groups.

Hori Takahide spent 7 years making the globally acclaimed animated feature film "Junk Head," doing everything from character and set design to cinematography, editing and music.

Kodo Nishimura blends his duties as a Buddhist monk with work as a makeup artist. He speaks from experience about overcoming adversity, being true to yourself, and what it means to be different.

Italian life mentor Massimiliano Sechi may have been born missing limbs, but nothing will stop this former top eSports player from enjoying the beauty of life and motivating others to do the same.

Otake Hidehiro has been photographing wild animals in the vast Northwoods forest for more than 20 years. He recently won a prestigious Japanese photography award. He reflects on his career so far.

Murakami Kiyoshi is applying the lessons he learned working at the U.N. to help his hometown's economy recover from a devastating earthquake and tsunami. He talks about his vision for the community.

Egawa Etsuko has worked as a makeup artist on many movies and TV shows, including the Academy Award-winning 2008 Japanese drama film "Departures." She shares her pursuit of ideal makeup artistry.

Kaneko Fumi was promoted to Principal of The Royal Ballet this year. Behind her captivating stage presence lie major injury and pandemic. She talks about overcoming setbacks and her passion for ballet.

Fujimori Terunobu became an architect at 45. His unconventional approach to design and use of natural materials have made him internationally in-demand. He talks about his architectural philosophy.

Internationally acclaimed Nigerian writer Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie shares her belief that the realization of gender equality and a fairer world for all may take time, but they are achievable aims.

Former pro soccer player Tim Brown makes shoes using natural materials. His ambitions also include labeling shoes with their total carbon footprint. He speaks on seeking sustainability through shoes.

Emmy winning broadcast journalist, Lori Matsukawa fights hate crimes against Asians in the U.S. She holds webinars with a Seattle Japanese community and collaborates with the government to end racism.

Paszko launched a fake online cosmetic shop since the coronavirus pandemic began. Many women have faced abuse from partners during the lockdown. They could secretly send SOS messages through a shop.

After the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake, Kaneta Taio created a cafe that pops up at locations around northeastern Japan. There, survivors open up to him as he helps them process their grief.

Kajiya Yuriko is a principal dancer at the Houston Ballet in the United States. The coronavirus pandemic has been a struggle for artists in Japan, and Kajiya has worked to support them.

Sasha Filipenko's 2014 novel "The Ex-Son" foresaw the turmoil in Belarus today. Now temporarily out of the country, he continues to write while considering his return to his homeland, despite the risks.

Christina Koch, an outstanding female astronaut, who has made remarkable accomplishments in the traditionally male-dominated field of space exploration, could be the first woman to land on the Moon.

South Africa after Apartheid has a wealth gap within the black community, having only a few rich. S'bu Zikode with Abahlali baseMjondolo assists shack dwellers. His supporters surpass 100,000 today.

In a bestselling book, Jane Hyun highlighted barriers facing Asian Americans in the corporate world. Since then, she has helped businesses tap this talent pool by becoming culturally responsive.

Fawzia Koofi was the first female Vice President of Afghanistan's National Assembly. The Nobel candidate has been fighting for women's rights for 20 years as the Taliban takes over the country.

Since the 2011 Fukushima nuclear accident, Miura Hiroshi has worked to revitalize local agriculture using renewable energy and create opportunities for strengthening the bonds of the community.

Olivier Baussan founded L'Occitane and has spent 40 years in Burkina Faso developing shea butter. He has helped create jobs, women's education and alleviate poverty in a sustainable way.

Kaczmarek starts her initiative to tackle period poverty realizing menstruation has been a taboo topic in Poland. She launched an online charity to distribute free sanitary products to women in need.

Murata Sayaka's novel about a convenience store worker was awarded Japan's most prestigious literary prize, and has been translated into over 30 languages. What struck a chord with readers?

We speak with Japanese anime director Hosoda Mamoru about his new work, "BELLE." His inspiration comes from "Beauty and the Beast," the internet and some changes brought about by the global pandemic.

A mother to a transgender son, Amber Briggle has brought national attention to the struggle for equal rights for LGBTQ children, speaking out at the Texas State Senate and elsewhere.

Abdul Baqi Samandar started schools called Kashana to offer free education for street kids. At his schools, they can study and learn basic knowledge and techniques to survive in society.

Tech2Peace is a seminar in which Israeli and Palestinian youth work together on tech-based projects. The cofounder, Palestinian Abeer Bandak, hopes that it can contribute to conflict resolution.

Thai winemaker Visootha Lohitnavy is attracting attention from the world for her authentic wine production in the tropics. Is there a hint here for sustainable winemaking in the age of global warming?

A global company that attracted attention for disinfecting a cruise ship contaminated with COVID-19 is dedicated to restoring disaster-stricken towns and homes and bringing hope to victims.

Yasui Hiromi has lived in Afghanistan for 20 years. She organized a free school for children and a handicraft workshop for women. We talk to Yasui Hiromi, who has dedicated her life to the country.

Only 16 people were selected as referees for the judo competition at the recent Tokyo Olympics. Amano Akiko was one of them. She tells us about the international appeal of this Japanese sport.

Antibodies are proteins that help us fight off infections. Tsukamoto Yasuhiro extracts antibodies from ostrich eggs for use in treatments to prevent infection from viruses such as COVID-19.

Lilianne Fan, founder of Geutanyoe Foundation, supports the Rohingya refugees in Malaysia. She provides them food and education, and empowers them to become leaders in their community.

In Tijuana, Mexico, college student Andrea Rincon created a mobile school for children stuck at the border with the US, raising the alarm on the educational crisis facing migrant children worldwide.

Yano Koji has been acting in China for about 20 years. He's gained overwhelming popularity, despite being a foreigner. We ask him about his success in the fast-growing Chinese entertainment industry.

Nakamura Hiroshi is known for innovative architectural designs based on careful observation of human behavior. His design for a waste center won an award in 2021. What is his vision for architecture?

Hoshi Kento is a social business entrepreneur who created Japan's first employment search website for the LGBT community. His dream is a world where no minority group has to face discrimination.

Rebecca Rockefeller co-founded the "Buy Nothing Project," that has 4 million members in 44 countries. The gift economy initiative gives and receives everything for free, reexamining consumer society.

We focus on an engineer who has developed an ice pack technology that can keep its temperature at -35 degrees Celsius for several days and take a key role in vaccine transportation amid the COVID-situation.

Hirata Kimiko, a director of an NGO that works on climate change issues, has been a fierce opponent of coal power in Japan. She was recently awarded the prestigious Goldman Environmental Prize.

The Ainu are one of the indigenous peoples of Japan. Kaizawa Toru is an Ainu artist who brings a contemporary sensibility to traditional Ainu woodcarving. He talks about his craft and creative drive.

For years, Fujita Chiyoko has worked to provide healthcare in Pakistan and Afghanistan alongside Dr. Nakamura Tetsu, the late founder of PMS. In 2021, she was awarded the Florence Nightingale Medal.

Lito enchants followers around the world with intricate scenes carved into leaves. Diagnosed with ADHD, he applies his focus and attention to detail to explore his own creative voice.

Douangmany Heuangkhamsene is a Lao social entrepreneur who helps the lesser-known ethnic women improve their social status by turning their traditional handicrafts into more contemporary products.

Otsubo Makoto develops technology that displays holographic images in midair through the reflection of light. Equipped with sensors, the images can be manipulated like a touchscreen, albeit touchless.

Tom Hovasse led Japan's national women's basketball team to its first-ever silver medal at the 2020 Tokyo Games. He talks strategy, tactics, and inspiring the team to reach new heights.

Adli Yahya founded Autism Café Project in 2016 to provide job opportunities for autistic youth. At the café, this team prepares food to give to communities in need.

Noor Shaker, a former computer scientist, is determined to contribute her expertise to society. She is now using AI to tackle and improve the expensive, time-consuming process of drug discovery.

With over 1.7 million subscribers on YouTube, the beautiful melodies and skills of guitarist Ichika Nito have entranced people worldwide. We learn more about his goal to create soul-stirring music.

The Japanese artist known as SHOGEN creates unique paintings in an original style that is inspired by Tingatinga, a Tanzanian school of painting. He shares the wisdom he learned in Tanzania.

Imada Miho was named one of BBC's 100 women of 2020. She talks about her passion to brew sake that embodies the distinct climate and agricultural heritage of her home prefecture of Hiroshima.

South Korean gynecologist Bak Seulgi addresses biases held in the country against women's bodies, speaking at schools and events in order to spread accurate information and protect women's health.

Venezuelan Glass Marcano became the first black woman conductor of a French orchestra at the age of 24. The vibrant energy of her music transcends the boundaries of gender, ethnicity and language.

The Biwa is a wooden lute traditionally used in Japanese classical music. Italian-born Doriano Sulis makes and restores Chikuzen-style Biwa, and is working to pass down his craft to a new generation.

Kojima Marina has been working since 2016 to rescue migrants and refugees from North Africa attempting a perilous Mediterranean Sea crossing. She talks about the front lines of humanitarian action.

Since 2000, Amy Herman, an art historian and lawyer, has been organizing "The Art of Perception," an educational program which uses art to develop people's observational skills.