In-depth News Features | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

The total fertility rate in Japan has been in decline for eight consecutive years – a statistic that has profound implications for the country's future. NHK World’s Shimada Yukiko speaks to new and would-be parents about what is holding them back.

Anime has captured the hearts of fans and critics worldwide. Every year, the Japanese industry racks up billions in profits and countless awards. But the gulf between the polished product on the screen and life at the coalface for the creators couldn't be greater. So tough are the conditions for most young animators that they can barely afford food.

One CG animator who got tired of seeing his fellow workers quit decided to do something about it. Ten years ago, he opened a subsidized dorm for young animators where they can sharpen their skills and bond with fellow strugglers.

Japan's eye-catching yellow Shinkansen, affectionately known as "Doctor Yellow," will be retired in coming years due to their age and condition.

A senior Red Cross official has paid tribute to Japan for its support during a visit to Tokyo that included an interview with NHK World. Martin Schüepp, Director of Operations at the International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC), spoke about the organization's work in conflict zones, including the unfolding crisis in the Middle East.

In an intersection of activism and art, an Israeli playwright's works about Palestinian prisoners were brought to life in Tokyo last year. Now, recordings of these poignant shows are touring community spaces across Japan, shedding light on the often invisible lives.

Senior officials of Myanmar's ethnic minority and pro-democracy groups visited Tokyo in May to request support for their struggle against the ruling junta. The rebel alliance has escalated its resistance since October, prompting brutal reprisals that have worsened Myanmar's humanitarian crisis.

NHK spoke to the head of the Karen National Union (KNU) and a minister of the shadow National Unity Government (NUG) during their visit.

Point a camera at a group of Japanese people at a graduation ceremony, a cherry blossom picnic, or any other happy occasion, and you can expect at least one – and usually more – to pose making the peace sign with their hands. Why did this gesture become so popular?

Throughout modern history, innovation has consistently outpaced regulation. The latest technological vanguard, artificial intelligence, is no exception. Progress in this runaway industry has occurred at such speed that authorities have struggled to keep up.

The European Union has taken the first stab at regulatory action, however, introducing tighter regulations in a revised AI Act. EU Commissioner Thierry Breton sat down with NHK World's Yoshioka Takuma to discuss what the new legislation means for companies that hope to do business in the bloc. His remarks have been edited for brevity and clarity.

The UN's Special Rapporteur on human rights in Myanmar has called for coordinated sanctions against the military junta that has run the Southeast Asian nation for the past two years. Despite this, Japan is yet to impose punitive measures. One expert suggests that if Tokyo were to roll out sanctions, it might actually impede the prospect of democracy in Myanmar. With violence continuing, the question of the best approach remains fraught.

Almost a year after catastrophic floods left one-third of Pakistan underwater, the country remains mired in crisis. While international aid is essential for the rebuilding process, one expert is urging a rethink to support vulnerable countries in their efforts to get ahead of the next potential disaster.