Face To Face

This year marks the 70th anniversary of the end of World War II. 80% of the Japanese population was born after the war, and the people who are old enough to remember it are all elderly. How will they pass on their stories? One man who is telling his story is the artist Seiji Fujishiro, age 91, well known in Japan for his "shadow pictures”. Why did Fujishiro feel compelled to make art about his experience of war? We ask this and many more questions as we explore Japan 70 years after the war.

In 2020, when Tokyo hosts the Olympic Games, it will also host the Paralympic Games. Japan has traditionally lagged behind in the development of artificial limbs - one man trying to change that is prosthetic leg engineer Ken Endo. He has done very promising work on robotic limbs at the MIT Media Lab, with a particular focus on artificial legs for athletes. Endo's conviction is that "disabilities lie not in humans but in technology". We speak with this visionary engineer.

During Japan's period of rapid growth that began in the mid-1950s, large housing developments known as danchi were built in cities across the nation. In March of this year, a project was launched to revitalize one of these now-aging complexes. It is being spearheaded by Kashiwa Sato, who is among Japan's leading creative directors.

TABLE FOR TWO aims to tackle the dichotomy of global obesity and hunger through a unique calorie transfer program in which healthy meals are served at the cafeterias of partner companies, with the excess calories -- 20 yen per meal -- used to support school lunches in developing countries. The brainchild of Masahisa Kogure (45), TFT now has over 700 corporate partners. But it wasn't easy to sell the idea of social contribution in Japan, as we'll hear in his discussion with Robert Campbell.

The latest edition of Kojien, the most authoritative of Japanese dictionaries, hit the stores in January 2018. A team of 220 wordsmiths spent 5 years tracking words in the media and on the Internet before deciding on the 10,000 or so new entries that reflect Japan today, such as "jidori" (selfie) and "moe" (passion). Chief editor Yasunari Hiraki believes that words evolve with the times. We'll ask him about what goes into the making of a dictionary and what he feels is its role today.

Kyoto celebrates spring with Miyako Odori, a 400-year-old dance festival featuring the geiko and maiko of Gion. The choreographer of this month-long event is Yachiyo Inoue, the 5th generation master of Kyomai, a school of dance characterized by elegant and highly stylized movements accentuated by stomping. Kyomai is suffering from a lack of successors. But Inoue is striving to keep the tradition alive with new dances that incorporate elements from other genres, as we'll hear on Face To Face.

With the Tsukiji Market slated for relocation in October 2018, a major concern is how to preserve its distinctive culture and traditions that date back over 400 years. Our guest this time is Kyoko Fukuchi, a writer and former intermediary wholesaler who provides an insight into what makes Tsukiji such a special place -- the sophisticated technology found in the architectural design and the people who make it all work, including the "mekiki", the experts with the discerning eye for quality.

Around 15,000 athletes are expected at the Tokyo 2020 Olympic Games. Serving them food while taking into account their individual needs and cultural background is no easy job. That's why Kiyomi Mikuni has been put in charge. One of Japan's leading French chefs, he knows how to wow guests from around the world. And he aims to build upon this experience to provide the athletes with the best of Japanese hospitality, while promoting organic produce and food education. This and more on Face To Face.

The destruction of natural habitats in the name of economic growth has made a once common bird an endangered species. In June 2018, however, 19 "toki," or Japanese crested ibis were reintroduced into the wild, thanks to a breeding and release program led by veterinarian Yoshinori Kaneko. He says it's been a process of trial and error that includes working with Chinese researchers and calling on local farmers to cut back on pesticides. He talks about what it takes to live in harmony with nature.

Our guest is Yodogawa Technique, an artist who transforms trash and flotsam into stunning collages. He travels worldwide, interacting with local communities to create thought-provoking works. In the Maldives he formed a huge fish with the plastic bottles that are endangering its coral reefs. In memory of all that was swept away by the devastating tsunami of 2011, he created a "Wakabayashi 100 Years Swing" using what was left of the windbreak forests. His work has been featured in school textbooks to inspire eco-awareness.

A declining birthrate and an exodus of young people to the cities has led to an increase in vacant homes, often abandoned in lieu of paying inheritance tax. Over 13% of the houses in Japan remain empty. In Onomichi, Hiroshima Prefecture, however, an NPO is encouraging city dwellers to take up small town living by turning abandoned houses into attractive homes. It's renovated over 100 houses to date, increasing the population by over 150. We'll hear all about this from its director, Masako Toyota.

Miso and other fermented foods are key to Japanese cuisine, a favorite of health-conscious foodies the world over. But increasing food diversity has led to a 40% decline in miso consumption over the last 20 years. This has prompted Hiraku Ogura, a self-proclaimed "fermentation designer," to produce animation and songs about microbial action, hold miso-making workshops, and showcase regional foods to explore the link between fermentation and Japanese culture. Join us for more on Face To Face.

The 2018 US National Book Award for Translated Literature went to Yoko Tawada's "The Emissary," a phantasmagoric description of the dystopian world after the Great East Japan Earthquake. Based in Germany, Tawada has won numerous awards for her output in both Japanese and German. Her works have been translated into various languages. She shares with us her thoughts on how writing in a different language and culture has shaped her perspective on Japan and made her aware of the importance of transcending the language barrier.

Our guest, Yusuke Murakami, is a field architect who studies extreme living environments. He's spent over 1,000 days in the field, including the Himalayas and Antarctica. In 2017, he led an international team as Executive Officer on a 160-day Mars simulation mission in the Utah desert and the Arctic. This year, he converted a decommissioned Antarctic icebreaker into a spaceship to launch his own space simulation. His ultimate goal is to enable people from diverse backgrounds to live in harmony in a confined environment for prolonged periods.

Kuniaki Kuroki is a world-renowned glassmaker with over 50 years of experience, whose works combine techniques from traditional Japanese ceramics and lacquering, and incorporate motifs from classic Japanese artists like Ogata Korin and Katsushika Hokusai. A 2008 exhibition of his work at Ca' Pesaro International Gallery of Modern Art in Venice wowed Western audiences. At his workshop in the mountains of Miyazaki Prefecture, he has supported his local community with an entirely new style of cut glass.

Nanami Shiono (82) is the best-selling author of historic novels set in the Mediterranean, which have been translated into English, Chinese and Korean. During her 50-year career, her work has covered a span of some 2,500 years, allowing her readers to travel back in time. Since releasing her final historical novel in 2017, centered on Alexander the Great, her interests have evolved. Robert Campbell visits her home in Rome to discuss their mutual fascination with a culture other than their own.

Kodan is a traditional storytelling art that is enjoying a spectacular revival thanks to Kanda Hakuzan (36). Although he made his debut just 13 years ago, tickets to his performances sell out in no time. He manages to bring historic characters to life with his energetic performances that are grounded in solid technique and style. In February 2020, he assumed the highest rank possible in Kodan, the fastest rise in history. He joins us for a chat on Japanese culture as reflected in Kodan.

An illustrated book that explains the law in simple terms has sold over 500,000 copies in just over 6 months. Aimed at children, the author Soichiro Yamasaki hopes that understanding the law will help address the ongoing issue of bullying. Yamasaki is not a legal expert. Instead, he draws on his own experiences to drive home the point that bullying is a crime. He talks about how he hopes that the book will not only discourage kids from becoming bullies but also help kids protect themselves.

Symbolic of Japanese tradition and culture and imbued with the spirit of the samurai, the Japanese sword is both a deadly weapon and a work of art. Yoshihara Yoshindo is considered to be the greatest swordsmith alive. His works are displayed at New York's Metropolitan Museum of Art and Boston's Museum of Fine Arts. Using techniques developed 1,000 years ago, he continues to forge swords at his small workshop in Tokyo. Why? Find out the answer to this and more on Face To Face.

Flower artist Azuma Makoto continues to stun the world with mind-blowing ideas that include launching a bonsai into the stratosphere and floating a huge floral sculpture out at sea. Since his work requires removing flowers from their natural state, he feels it's his duty to transform them into inspirational works of art so that their lives would not have been cut short in vain. His latest project involves bringing hope to those stricken by COVID-19, as he reveals in his talk with Robert Campbell.

Hirofumi Seo is a medical doctor turned CG designer. He is making the most of his expertise to create 3D animations that are helping to break new ground in medicine. Doctors say his work allows them to feel as if they've been shrunk to microscopic size to examine a patient's body from within. Seo is now using his skills to put a face to the invisible threat of COVID-19. Find out more about what he hopes to achieve by bridging the worlds of medicine and computer graphics.

A Japanese aquarium that was once in dire straits has become the world's center for jellyfish research, thanks to its current director, Okuizumi Kazuya. He proposed setting up a jellyfish exhibit many years ago. At the time, he was a young man with little self-esteem. But the success of the exhibit gave him a new perspective. Today, he's become a leading expert in jellyfish, and his fish tank designs have been adopted by aquariums world over. He shares his passion for jellyfish with our host, Robert Campbell.

The skills of Japan's craftsmen are indispensable in restoring and preserving Japan's traditional wooden architecture. At the end of 2020, these skills were listed as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage. David Atkinson, a former financial analyst from the UK, is the CEO of a 300-year-old company that has led the restoration of World Heritage sites such as Nikko Toshogu Shrine. Through bold reforms, he's managed to attract more young people into the field and is now seeking ways to secure funding through tourism.

Photographer Asada Masashi, who inspired the award-winning film, "The Asada Family, " is famous for taking unconventional family photos. One photo featuring his own family shows them dressed up as firefighters. Rather than traditional family portraits, Asada had his family take on fictional roles, such as that of a team of firefighters. Through his work and his experience of cleaning and returning family photos to the victims of a disaster, he's come to realize the power of photos that capture moments in everyday life, which he shares with us on Face To Face.

Gomi's picture books are free of both moral stories and definite conclusions. He is content to leave the interpretation up to his readers. Rather than presenting a clear plot or conclusion, he wants his works to stir emotions. Therefore, he does not believe in educating children through picture books. He believes that the responsibility of adults is to watch over children, not nurture them. We will take a closer look at the philosophy of this unconventional, free-spirited picture book author.

Aoyagi Takashi makes the inkstones for grinding the sumi ink used in calligraphy, the art of writing with brush and ink. Aoyagi not only carves these inkstones, but goes deep into the mountains to look for stones that will become one-of-a-kind pieces. He uses all five senses to bring out the unique characteristics of each, which is why he can only produce ten a year. He talks about his craft and his dedication to keeping the tradition of writing with brush and ink alive despite the rise of digital communication.

Manabe Daito is an artist whose work spans from media arts to stage productions. He leads a group of experts in both software and hardware development, encompassing every step in the creative process. Working closely with his team, he applies cutting-edge technologies, such as augmented reality and projection mapping, to explore a world that exists along the borderline of real and virtual. He shares with us his fascination with data visualization, which he says is all about visualizing the invisible.

Kuribayashi Takashi is known for his installation artwork centered on the theme of boundaries, borders and limits. His fascination with borders began during his time in Germany after the fall of the Berlin Wall. His works encourage viewers to imagine what lies beyond the border; for instance, a marshland hidden above the ceiling of a stark white room. Another work shows moisture frozen in the air to reveal what cannot be seen, such as the threat of radioactive contamination. Through his work, he seeks to reveal what lies beyond the border, hidden in plain sight.

Japanese folklore is full of Yokai, legendary monsters and spirits known feared for their ability to cause inexplicable phenomena. Today, however, they've come to be seen in a different light, and are often featured in popular anime and manga. Komatsu Kazuhiko, a folklore researcher who has been studying Yokai for more than 40 years, believes they provide an insight into Japanese culture and society. He joins us for an in-depth talk on the past, present and future of Yokai.

Millions of people in Ukraine have been displaced as a result of the military invasion by Russia. In the midst of this humanitarian crisis, international NGO Médecins Sans Frontières, known as Doctors Without Borders in English, has been providing emergency frontline medical support in Ukraine and surrounding countries and is speaking out to the world about what it has witnessed. Dr. Yuko Nakajima, the president of MSF Japan, joins us to detail MSF's activities in Ukraine.

Kyohei Sorita is creating a new wave in Japan's classical music scene. Winning second prize in the 2021 International Chopin Piano Competition catapulted him to fame as a world-class pianist. Much like his piano playing, he has been bold, flexible and playful in his ventures. After studying in Moscow, he relocated to Warsaw. While there, he founded his own orchestra and record label in Japan. He is scheduled to study in Vienna to pursue the art of conducting. He shares his motivation and his vision for the future of classical music.

A mysterious forest garden, dotted with dozens of small ponds. A plaza covered by a massive steel plate perforated with countless small openings. The man behind these works is architect Junya Ishigami, who explores the relationship between mankind and nature. Ishigami believes that architecture of the past was designed to keep humans safe, yet separate from nature. His goal is to create architecture that facilitates communication with nature. To learn more about this goal, we visit his newest creation: a cave-like structure that's both restaurant and residence.

Kusumi Masayuki is the author of the best-selling manga "Kodoku no Gurume," or "The Solitary Gourmet." The story follows a traveling salesman who searches for good restaurants in locations across Japan. He prefers to eat alone in unpretentious eateries, contemplating quietly over his meal. The pandemic has led to an increase in people dining alone, which has contributed to an unexpected revival in the series' popularity. Join us for some food for thought on the simple pleasures of everyday life.

Shigemoto Hidekichi brings innovation to the traditional world of sumi-e art. From musicians and athletes to sword-wielding samurai, his paintings capture the speed, dynamism and emotion of the moments they portray. His work has garnered interest from fans of sports and entertainment. Shigemoto also gives live painting performances, captivating audiences. Recently, he's expanded into Buddhist paintings. He offers a glimpse into his creative process.

Murata Sayaka is a novelist who has gained a cult following worldwide. She soared to fame with "Convenience Store Woman," a novel that explores the challenges and consequences of nonconformity. The work asks readers to consider what it means to be normal. In "Life Ceremony," she challenges social taboos regarding life, death, and sex, depicting a world where ritualistic cannibalism has become a way to survive. A frequent guest at international literary festivals, she explains the unusual process through which her stories unfold.

In 2022, Takasago Junji won a prize in one of the world's top wildlife photography competitions with an ethereal picture that conveys his trademark love and respect for nature. As a child, living near the ocean brought him close with nature. But because of the 2011 tsunami, Takasago became unable to engage with the sea he grew up with. Now, he looks upon the waters with a renewed sense of purpose. He reveals his approach to photography and his thoughts about living in harmony with nature.

Hasegawa Zaiyu is a chef of Japanese cuisine who's been gaining attention from diners and critics around the world for his culinary innovation. His restaurant Den has frequently appeared on the list of The World's 50 Best Restaurants. His creations include delicate wafers stuffed with foie gras, and fried chicken filled with seasonal ingredients. Hasegawa is motivated by a desire to delight his guests and make them feel at home. His love for Japanese cuisine is rivaled only by his passion for learning more about techniques, ingredients and food culture from other countries. He frequently collaborates with chefs in other disciplines, hoping to promote cultural and culinary exchange. How does he view the future of Japanese cuisine?

In 1985, a fifteen-year-old boy from Mongolia arrived in Japan. That young boy, weighing just 62 kilograms, would go on to become Hakuho, Japan's most decorated sumo wrestler. He won an astonishing 45 championships and 1,186 bouts before retiring in 2021. Now, he has become the head of the Miyagino-beya, adopting the stable's name as his own. Miyagino talks about his passion and approach to sumo as he shares what life is like for young wrestlers. He invites kids from around the world to take part in the Hakuho Cup, a tournament he established 13 years ago. What does he hope to convey through sumo?

Former soccer player Nakata Hidetoshi played on Japan's national team in 3 FIFA World Cups. Having spent much of his career overseas, after retiring in 2006 he embarked on a journey across Japan to learn more about his own culture. His discoveries led him to become a self-appointed spokesman for Japan's traditional industries. After 15 years, he continues to travel regularly across Japan, meeting and connecting with artisans and producers around the country. We accompany him on one such trip to discover what fuels his passion.

Designer Junko Koshino has astonished Japan's fashion scene for over 60 years with her out-of-the-box creations. We learn what continues to spur Koshino's passion for design.

Namae Shinobu, a chef of French cuisine, works to promote sustainability in gastronomy and more. We accompany him to Amami Oshima to learn more about his passion for food and the environment.

Our guest is MIKIKO, a choreographer and director who works with popular groups like Perfume and BABYMETAL. She combines dance with futuristic technology to create soul-stirring performances.

In 2010, Daisuke Takahashi became the first Japanese male figure skater to win an Olympic medal. After retiring at age 37, he's now in the midst of producing a one-of-a-kind ice show from scratch.

Sato Yusuke leads a sake brewery in Akita Prefecture. By focusing on traditional brewing methods, he's sparked a new era in sake brewing and revitalized the local area. He talks about the industry's future.

The bustling district of Shibuya in Tokyo is undergoing a transformation as part of a massive redevelopment project led by architect Hiroshi Naito. He shares a glimpse into the area's future.

Kawashima Toru is a chef of Japanese cuisine based in Noto. Through the power of food and human connection, he's been working to help the region recover from the New Year's Day 2024 earthquake.

Photographer and film director Ninagawa Mika is known for her vibrantly colorful works. She shares insight into her latest exhibition, as well as her thoughts on life and peace.

Imamura Shogo is a writer of historical fiction who showcases unlikely protagonists to explore modern social issues. He talks about his methodology and his efforts to keep paper books alive.

Legendary jockey Take Yutaka won his first G1 race at 19 years old, and has remained at the top for nearly 40 years. How does he draw out the full potential of his horses? And what lies ahead for him?

World-renowned gallerist Tomio Koyama helped launch the careers of artists Takashi Murakami and Yoshitomo Nara. He shares his unique approach and his vision for the future of Japan's art scene.