Today's Close-Up

A new form of poverty is quietly spreading among young people in Japan. Barely making ends meet through one-off jobs, many don't have a stable home, which hinders their access to public assistance.

Characters that appeal to adults as well as kids are growing in popularity thanks to both their cuteness and realistic portrayal of the world. Next, can Japan make more of their success?

A pressure campaign by the US administration of Donald Trump is pushing Cuba to the brink of crisis. NHK examines what the US is aiming to achieve, and how its plans could reshape the global order.

As Japan's population ages, pets are often left without care, a burden that passes on to medical and care workers. Partnerships between healthcare and animal welfare professionals are emerging.