In-depth News Features | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

The Tsushima Blue Quaker butterfly, an iconic symbol of Tsushima Island, was on the brink of extinction until scientists took it to Tokyo for a breeding project ten years ago. Its numbers have recovered in captivity, but the species' long-term survival is still not ensured as challenges prevent a smooth return to its native habitat.

The Tsushima Blue Quaker butterfly, an iconic symbol of Tsushima Island, was on the brink of extinction until scientists took it to Tokyo for a breeding project ten years ago. Its numbers have recovered in captivity, but the species' long-term survival is still not ensured as challenges prevent a smooth return to its native habitat.

Washington-based news outlet Radio Free Asia is an empty shell these days. The journalists are gone, their laptops and cameras jettisoned on desks stripped of all purpose. For decades, they've delivered uncensored information to millions of people living under oppressive regimes in Asia. But in March, US President Donald Trump cut funding to all broadcasters operated by the Agency for Global Media, leaving RFA's future hanging in the balance.

There was once a time when many Americans looked at a plate of sushi and said, "Ugh, raw fish—that's not for me." But these days, the dish has become an everyday "American" food.

Now, some are seeing similarities with a different offering from Japan: sake, the fermented rice wine that's been a staple for millennia.

There was once a time when many Americans looked at a plate of sushi and said, "Ugh, raw fish—that's not for me." But these days, the dish has become an everyday "American" food.

Now, some are seeing similarities with a different offering from Japan: sake, the fermented rice wine that's been a staple for millennia.

Pope Leo XIV was elected by 133 cardinals from all over the world – including the Archbishop of Tokyo, Cardinal Kikuchi Isao. The 66-year-old spoke exclusively with NHK on May 12, offering a rare glimpse inside the secretive conclave.

*The interview, translated from Japanese, has been edited for brevity and clarity.

Translation technology is advancing by leaps and bounds, leveraging the power of artificial intelligence. Japan's tourism sector is among those benefiting from AI.

Japanese people who once connected with British-French actor, model and singer Jane Birkin say they continue to rely on the strength and compassion she offered in the aftermath of the 2011 Great East Japan Earthquake.

"Unexploded shells are still taking lives. The war for us is not over yet."

These words came from a 45-year-old Indian man who works to convey the history of the Battle of Imphal, dubbed the "most tragic battle of the Pacific War."

NHK examined the legacy of Japan’s fight in distant India, and found people from younger generations who did not experience the war firsthand are now trying to record the savage event.

"Unexploded shells are still taking lives. The war for us is not over yet."

These words came from a 45-year-old Indian man who works to convey the history of the Battle of Imphal, dubbed the "most tragic battle of the Pacific War."

NHK examined the legacy of Japan’s fight in distant India, and found people from younger generations who did not experience the war firsthand are now trying to record the savage event.