In-depth News Features | NHK WORLD-JAPAN News

A play revived by the late scholar Donald Keene has found an audience in Niigata to mark the 10th anniversary of a cultural center devoted to his work and memory. "The Adventures of High Priest Kochi" was staged in September as an English-language kabuki performance by Japanese literature students from Portland State University.

With marine pollution caused by plastic waste becoming a global concern, research is underway in Japan to solve the problem by creating innovative plastic that decomposes in seawater.

The fruit bats of Okinawa's Daito islands are a designated national natural monument whose image appears on everything from tourist t-shirts to the labels of the local rum. So when one was injured recently, locals went to great lengths to save it.

What a spectacular the March Grand Sumo Tournament in Osaka turned out to be. Many people expected the Yokozuna Terunofuji to lead the charge, but a couple of fresh warriors were the ones racking up wins. When it was all over, a wrestler making his debut in the top division came out on top.

People around the world have responded to the conflict between Israel and Hamas in different ways. Haim Bresheeth, a child of Auschwitz survivors, grew up in Israel and co-founded the Jewish Network for Palestine (JNP) in Britain. The group has over a thousand members, and is calling for a society where Palestinians and Jews can live together in peace.

Bresheeth, 77, has spoken out in Britain and Europe against the conflict. His webinars reach audiences around the world, including Japan. He says his activism was inspired by his parents, who raised him and his sister in Israel after surviving the death camps.

Japanese manga artist Toriyama Akira — creator of "Dragon Ball" and "Dr. Slump" — captivated generations of fans, transforming graphic storytelling around the globe. His influence was reflected in the outpouring of tributes from fans, artists — even the president of France.

"Godzilla Minus One" secured a place in Hollywood history on Sunday, becoming the first Asian production to win the Academy Award for Best Visual Effects. The film’s director says the honor could open doors for visual effects artists around the world.

On her first visit home since Russia invaded her homeland, Kateryna Novytska, an NHK program director from Kyiv, Ukraine, saw firsthand how two years of war have changed the people and city she loves.

A star Ukrainian para athlete who is unable to fight against Russian invaders on the battlefield has found other ways to help his country. Yevhenii Bohodaiko has sacrificed both his livelihood and one of his most treasured possessions to support the leagues of young people going off to war.

Winter in Kashiwa Island, located in the southwestern tip of Shikoku in western Japan, has strong winds, and the sea is often rough. But even in such a situation, divers gather because the transparency of the water increases in winter and they can see cute little creatures that only appear at this time of year.