NHK World Prime

COVID-19 brought the threat of unknown viruses to global attention. This documentary, an international co-production with France, explores what's necessary to prevent another pandemic. Scientists assert that pandemics are inevitable under an international capitalistic economy. The risk from zoonotic diseases — those passed from animals to humans, such as bird flu is particularly high. The program reports on experts known as "virus hunters," working all around the world. We see how deforestation and poaching are contributing to the spread of viruses.

Over 90 years old, Fuzjko Hemming still takes to the world's stages as a "pianist of the soul." But her life has not been without obstacles, such as severe hearing loss and a period of statelessness. Her favorite composer, "poet of the piano" Chopin was also beset by obstacles. Taking a winter sojourn to the Spanish island of Mallorca for his health, he wrote several masterpieces despite being told by doctors that he would die there. We follow Fuzjko as she traces Chopin's precious time in Mallorca.

COVID-19 brought the threat of unknown viruses to global attention. This documentary, a collaboration between Japanese and French broadcasters, explores what's necessary to prevent another pandemic. We follow experts known as "virus hunters," working all around the world in an effort to stop the next pandemic. In part two of a two-part series, we learn the importance of protecting biodiversity. This connects to a concept called "One Health," which involves treating human, animal and environmental health as a unified whole. We also investigate whether COVID-19 is being transmitted to animals in Japan, and hear about the risk of new infectious diseases within the country.

Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizo in November of 2022 assumed the name Ichikawa Danjuro XIII in an important milestone in his career. The names of performers are passed down for generations in the world of kabuki and actors may have several names over the course of their career. The first Ichikawa Danjuro established many well-known kabuki traditions 300 years ago and quickly rose to prominence. Those who have assumed the Danjuro name have created many popular works such as Sukeroku and Kanjincho, and the name has become one of the most venerable in kabuki. Ichikawa, who has become the 13th-generation Danjuro, is undoubtedly the world's most famous kabuki actor, having performed at the Palais Garnier in Paris and in the opening ceremony of the 2020 Summer Olympics in Tokyo. Join us as we take a look at a special performance to mark the name change and some of the highlights of his repertoire in a program that will entertain and educate both kabuki novices and aficionados.

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The midterms are said to predict the next presidential election. Support for President Biden and the Democratic Party is starting to waver, and former President Trump's influence is strong within the Republican Party. We hear from senior citizens struggling with the rising cost of living in Oregon, members of Generation Z in Arizona, a famous swing state, and a family in Florida, shaken by the introduction of a law prohibiting LGBTQ+ education in schools. How will they vote?