Direct Talk - Season 9 / Year 2024

Oda Yuriko has a disease which affects her muscles. She runs an app that offers fellow wheelchair users information about accessibility in the hopes of creating a world that works for everyone.

Miwa Kaito uses information and communications technology to help children in poverty around the world who lack access to adequate schooling. He shares his vision for providing educational support.

We feature an engineer who is changing the world for people with disabilities like himself by making the blueprints of myoelectric prosthetic hands accessible to everybody on the Internet for free.

Dr. Bernadette Madrid, a Filipina pediatrician, has brought medical, legal, social and mental health services together in a one-stop facility. Her aim is to raise awareness of child abuse.

An organization in Thailand provides free medical care in out-of-reach rural areas and CPR free workshops to realize the effective medical care to all. Dr. Lalana Kongtoranin talks about her goal.

Nawa Kohei's work has been shown at the Metropolitan Museum of Art and the Louvre Museum. He talks about working with a range of materials and technologies to expand the possibilities of sculpture.

Bernard Benzamin Nathan founded Don Management, an inclusive talent agency in Malaysia, challenging beauty standards by diverse talents, and advocates positive societal roles beyond sympathy.

Prominent American artist Chaz Guest is embarking on a new challenge. He is focusing on Ai, indigo blue, used in indigo dyeing in Japan. The program conveys a message poured into his work.

Otake Ryoho creates meticulously detailed wood sculptures modeled on the shapes of natural motifs such as animals and plants. He talks about his work, including a carving of a flower that "blooms."

Stressing the need for awareness, Global Chief Heat Officer Eleni Myrivili leads the response to extreme heat that threatens lives and livelihoods worldwide. She outlines ideal countermeasures.

Alessandra Korap Munduruku, Amazon activist, fights for indigenous rights and environmental protection. We seek her insights as a mom and advocate how mining development threatens their livelihoods.

John Kaizan Neptune is one of the world's leading players of the shakuhachi, a type of Japanese bamboo flute. He talks about making his own instruments and what the shakuhachi can teach us about life.

In Nepal, prisoners' children often end up on the streets. Indira Ranamagar founded an NGO that cares for such children. In 2022 she was elected to parliament, where she works to improve their rights.

Takada Satoshi has won top prizes in two different international gelato competitions. He reflects on his journey so far and talks about the gelatos that wowed the judges in Italy.

India tops traffic deaths. Piyush Tewari, driven by loss, founded an NGO for zero victims. He teaches first aid, improves roads and advocates laws easing legal fears. He tells us his lifelong mission.

Accomplished conductor Ronald Braunstein founded an orchestra to help classical musicians with mental illness. Diagnosed with bipolar disorder himself, he wants to eliminate stigmas for all.

Sakana-kun (Fish Guy) is a self-taught marine biologist based in Chiba Prefecture. He speaks about his endless curiosity for new fish knowledge, as well as the crisis currently facing the planet's marine life.

Photojournalist Sasaki Ko traveled to wartime Ukraine alone and eventually made his way to the frontlines, capturing human moments along the way. He talks about what he saw on the ground in Ukraine.

Pioneering a cruelty-free method of growing meat through cell cultivation technology, former cardiologist Uma Valeti hopes to meet increasing global demand, while reducing environmental harm.

Tsukamoto Shinya's film "Hokage" (Shadow of Fire) won the NETPAC Award for Best Asian Film at Venice in 2023. Tsukamoto's recent films focus on wartime stories. We ask him about his creative process.

Nakano Takayuki heads an NPO that provides educational opportunities for children in Syria, which has been ravaged by civil war and huge earthquakes. He talks about what is needed to save schools.

Vivi Lin is the founder of The Red House Period Museum in Taipei. She aims to achieve period equity and DEI by helping people to understand menstruation, an issue that has been regarded as taboo in society.

Malaysian filmmaker Adele Lim champions minority voices, crafting Hollywood films highlighting Asians and women. Fostering diversity, she actively nurtures Asian talent, shaping the industry's future.

Miriam Coronel-Ferrer was the chief negotiator in ending the Mindanao Conflict in the Philippines. She talks about her way of ending conflicts by defining problems and building relationships.

Kinota Braithwaite is an African-Canadian educator whose daughter was bullied because of her skin color. Braithwaite was inspired to create picture books that let all children know they are valued.

Mishiro Kenshi creates installations with ornate bamboo lanterns known as "take-akari." He talks about the potential of the craft, including his work to bring light to disaster-stricken communities.

Morita Hirokazu heads an NPO which collects used children's wheelchairs and sends them to physically disabled children overseas. He explains the system and its 20-year history, and what drives him.

Dr. Gawsia Wahidunnessa Chowdhury is a globally acclaimed zoologist who studies the effects of plastic pollution on aquatic life in Bangladesh. She talks about ways to effect social change.

Emmanuela Shinta, a prominent Dayak leader in Kalimantan, established the Ranu Welum foundation in 2014 to serve as a platform for her advocacy for indigenous rights and environmental conservation.

Yasufumi Nakamori, Director of New York's Asia Society Museum, talks about expanding the reach of Asian art, while recognizing the colonial roots of western museums and the importance of diversity.

Omura Kazuhiro is an ear, nose and throat doctor. For the past decade, he has been offering his medical expertise outside Japan, primarily in Cambodia. We ask him how he trains top-notch doctors.

Ishihara Yurina has created a workplace and farm in Laos to empower people with disabilities to be self-reliant. She talks about how she's trying to improve social welfare in developing countries.

Leslie Sussan became an anti-nuclear activist after discovering her father's films of victims of the atom bomb that filmed in Japan and long suppressed by the US military. Her work fulfills his legacy.

Indonesian social entrepreneur Helianti Hilman is reviving her country's food biodiversity and helping farmers to bring their produce to market under her "Javara" brand.

We take a look at a fashion designer, Kadri Keung in Hong Kong, who is revolutionizing fashion by creating clothing specifically for the elderly and people with disabilities.

Noda Hideki received the Distinguished Artist Award from the International Society for the Performing Arts in 2023. In this two-part interview, he talks about theater that transcends boundaries.

Noda Hideki received the Distinguished Artist Award from the International Society for the Performing Arts in 2023. In this two-part interview, he talks about theater that transcends boundaries.

Narayan Lal Gurjar has used discarded fruit peels to develop a polymer that allows soil to retain moisture longer. He hopes it will help to improve water availability in areas affected by drought.

Muhammad Noor works to unite stateless Rohingya refugees through digital language preservation and creating digital IDs, offering vital support to their community.

We feature a scientist, Eniya Listiani Dewi, who is leading energy reform in Indonesia by aiming to create a sustainable society using "green" hydrogen produced from only natural energy.

Human rights activist Galuh Wandita has led the initiative to track down the children "stolen" from East Timor during the Indonesian occupation and help them reunite with their birth families.

In New York City, autistic creative consultant Ava Xiao-Lin Rigelhaupt worked with the creators of a Broadway musical to authentically represent the lived experience of autistic youth on stage.

In the face of growing Internet hate crime, Germany's first ever support group for victims of digital violence, HateAid, was established. We speak to its founder Anna-Lena von Hodenberg about her fight to re-establish online dignity.

Anastasiia Demchenko is part of a trio who developed two apps to support Ukrainian children who have fled their country amid war. They were awarded the 2023 International Children's Peace Prize.

Omune Kosuke is an award-winning clown. As part of his work, he's been visiting hospitals and evacuation shelters in Ukraine to entertain children in need of support. He talks about what drives him.

In the wake of the Great East Japan Earthquake, Ashizawa Keiji founded Ishinomaki Laboratory, a furniture company now winning global acclaim that incorporates stories of the disaster in its designs.

Shiraishi Yuriko is working to popularize "surimi," a type of processed fish paste, in Africa. She talks about how her efforts are helping empower African women and improve their status in society.

Composer Paul Chihara was inspired by music he heard at the Japanese American internment camp where he spent his childhood during WWII. How did the war affect him, and what does music mean to him?

Introducing the CEO of a company promoting eco-tourism by guiding travelers to the Himalayan Mountain region. They install solar power systems, supporting local energy needs for the community.

Takahara Miki is a nurse with long years of experience in conflict and disaster zones. In 2023, she received the Florence Nightingale Medal. She shares her thoughts on international relief work.

Oka Yuki uses digital technology to make tough rehabilitation programs more enjoyable for children with disabilities. He shares his vision for combining medical/welfare services with entertainment.

The artist Zhang Xu Zhan is receiving global acclaim for highlighting traditional Taiwanese papercraft. He fuses it with digital technology to create paper dolls, animated films and other works.

Maksym Haichenko has created a free Japanese language learning app for fellow Ukrainian evacuees at the Japanese IT company where he works. He talks about the development process.

Inaba Mototaka is a doctor with the international NGO Peace Winds Japan and the leader of its airborne emergency response team, ARROWS. He talks about providing medical care in disaster areas.

The Human Library's human "books" share on topics they care about, like being transgender or surviving cancer, and those who "read" can ask them questions. We spoke with its founder, Ronni Abergel.

Born in Ghana, Fred Swaniker, lived across Africa and realized that good leadership is key to a nation's success. He built schools to nurture entrepreneurial leaders, training over 250,000 youth.

Steve Pateman is fighting to make Sumo more accessible by encouraging individuals typically sidelined from sports to try it for free at his gym in the UK. We ask him how Sumo can change lives.

Ishikawa Junya provides trailers with flush toilets to areas hit by natural disasters. He talks to us about sustainable disaster relief, and the importance of networks.

For 25 years, Kamijo Yoko has been engaging with Palestinian painters and children. In May 2024, she held an exhibition of their artwork in Japan. She talks about her connection to the Gaza strip.

For over 20 years, Kuwayama Norihiko has been providing psychological care to children traumatized by war in places such as Palestine and the former Yugoslavia. He talks about being there for others.

In this episode, we feature Elton Ilirjani, CEO of a company supporting LGBTQ+ inclusive workplaces, and a genderless model expressing his messages for living true to oneself.

Through research on the calls of the Japanese tit, Suzuki Toshitaka has proven that animals other than humans have language capabilities. He talks about pioneering the field of animal linguistics.

Yamamoto Riken won the 2024 Pritzker Prize, architecture's highest honor. For decades he has tried to use architecture to revitalize communities. Hear his vision for society and the spaces we build.

Kaji Kakuo is revolutionizing the 400-year-old tradition of Japanese indigo dyeing, breathing new life into the deep hue known as Japan blue. He shares his thoughts on innovating indigo.

With her dedication to handcrafting, woodworker Mira Nakashima keeps her father, George Nakashima's legacy alive by creating furniture that holds the spirit of each tree she selects for her designs.

For nearly 20 years, Watanabe Kazuyo has worked to improve childhood cancer survival rates in Vietnam and other Asian countries. She was even awarded honorary citizenship by a Vietnamese province.

Gonoi Rina made global headlines by speaking up about the sexual abuse she suffered while serving in Japan's Self-Defense Forces. She shares her thoughts now that the case has been settled in court.

Renowned Ukrainian film producer Anna Palenchuk relocated to Canada due to Russia's invasion. She now supports the Ukrainian diaspora while highlighting her homeland's situation to the world.

Architect Thomas Rau designed the Dutch Pavilion for the 2025 Expo in Osaka Prefecture. His Material Passport system tracks material data for reuse, getting global attention for a circular economy innovation.

To protect Cambodian traditional arts that were nearly wiped out by the Pol Pot regime, Lomorpich Rithy founded a festival called BonnPhum that combines modern pop culture and traditional arts.

Kanamori Jo is the artistic director of Noism, the first dance company in Japan with a permanent residency at a public theater. He discusses the importance of physical spaces for the performing arts.

Based in South Korea and Japan, Kim Insook highlights diverse individuals through photography and video. She interacts with her subjects while looking beyond the labels society has given them.

Matsuda Takaya heads a startup that turns the work of artists with disabilities into fashionable products and pays a portion of the proceeds back to them. He talks about their vision for the future.

Thai environmental activist Niwat Roykaew has led the local movement to protect the Mekong River from massive development projects which are causing troubles to its environment.

Lee Jong-Rak is a South Korean pastor who has worked for the rights of mothers with unwanted pregnancies, overcoming criticism to establish the first "baby box" there to anonymously give up infants.

Wildlife conservationist Dr. Gerardo Garcia is using cutting-edge technology and engaging local communities to save "Cinderella species," which are endangered animals that are typically overlooked.

Yamamoto Toshimasa has developed a way to cultivate saltwater fish by mixing a special powder into fresh water, making aquaculture possible in inland areas. He talks about addressing the food crisis.

Judith Depaule, Co-founder of the Agency of Artists in Exile in Paris, supports exiled artists by providing them with opportunities to showcase their talents and continue their creative work.

Ekberg Satoko started a business making Fair Trade verified paper from banana stems in Zambia, which is helping support farmers and create jobs. She talks about her approach to reducing poverty.

Through the use of personal alarms and community policing, Sakurai Masayoshi aims to reduce sexual violence in underprivileged areas. So far, he has provided support to about 17,500 women in India.

Shimizu Eisuke has developed an eye exam device that works as a smartphone attachment, making it possible to provide eye care anywhere. He talks about his goal of reducing global blindness by half.

In 2024, Oki Taikan was awarded the prestigious Stockholm Water Prize for his contributions to more sustainable water management on a global scale. He shares his research and proposals for the future.

Yamazaki Mari was honored with the Order of the Star of Italy for her contributions to the growth of Italian culture. She talks about creating manga comics that transcend time, space and borders.

Having experienced the removal of landmines with Japan's assistance, Cambodia is now helping other countries with its demining technology. The leader of this initiative gives us his thoughts on peace.

Jo-Ann Yoo is dedicated to advancing the wellbeing of Asian Americans, long overlooked and discriminated against, especially during Covid. She says it's time to kick down doors to demand their rights.

Renowned Vietnamese American chef Peter Cuong Franklin explains how growing up in Vietnam and then the U.S. inspired him to reinvent traditional dishes using innovative ideas and techniques.

Kawabe Soichiro is a paleontologist who works with one of the world's leading dinosaur museums in Fukui Prefecture. He has used digital technology to decipher the mysteries of dinosaur fossils.

Hongo Shinya is an iron forging artist who creates realistic, life-size animals by hammering iron countless times into shape. He talks about the message he hopes to convey through his work.

Ogata Yhuko has developed a medical device that can measure fetal heartbeat and send the results to a doctor remotely. The goal is to make childbirth safer in places without specialized OB-GYN care.

Enomoto Megumi opened free learning centers modeled on traditional Japanese temple schools to provide education for disadvantaged children in Mozambique. She talks about breaking the poverty cycle.

Gary Bencheghib, a French activist in Bali, founded Sungai Watch with 100+ members to clean rivers and turn plastic waste into new products. He tackles pollution cooperating with the local government.

In 2023, Nagayama Yuko won the prestigious iF Design Award in Retail Architecture for one of her store designs. Highly acclaimed for her use of light, she shares her thoughts on architecture.

Jean Bellorini has taken in girls exiled from Afghanistan under the Taliban regime as actresses. He creates plays with them in the belief that cultural interaction is an essential part of theater.

With the 2024 blockbuster Ultraman: Rising, Animation Director John Aoshima introduced the iconic Japanese superhero to new audiences. He talks about bringing his heritage to the Hollywood screen.

Emmanuel Gérard established a collaboration between a 600-year-old French industry and Hayao Miyazaki's globally popular animations. The project's mission goes beyond Franco-Japanese cultural exchange.

Katalin Karikó was awarded the Nobel Prize in 2023 for the development of mRNA COVID-19 vaccines. But her research path was long and hard. She talks about her beliefs as a scientist.

Yamanaka Masumi, a botanical artist at the UNESCO World Heritage-listed Kew Gardens in the UK, shares how her work promotes biodiversity and plant beauty amidst rising environmental challenges.

Dr. Nguyen Thi Ngoc Phuong has been tackling the link between health hazards such as birth defects and the spraying of Agent Orange by the U.S. military for over 50 years since the Vietnam War.

Yanagawa Yoshimaro manages a budding college wrestling team that recently produced two gold medal winners in women's wrestling at the Paris Olympics. He talks about his unique coaching methods.

Renowned puppeteer Basil Twist talks about his inspiration from Japan's traditional puppet theater, experiments with abstract puppetry, and his work on a hit stage adaptation of "My Neighbour Totoro."

Sam Bett has translated books by Kawakami Mieko and other popular contemporary Japanese authors. He talks about Japanese literature's popularity and why the world is embracing it now.

Fukushima-based poet Wago Ryoichi, who experienced the Great East Japan Earthquake, has received international acclaim for his collection about his disaster-stricken hometown. He talks about his poetry.

Miyuki Williams lives in Scotland and is co-founder of Europe's longest-established Taiko group, Mugenkyo. This year, she is celebrating their 30th Anniversary with performances across the world.

Mimaki Toshiyuki is co-chair of Nihon Hidankyo, winner of the 2024 Nobel Peace Prize. He talks about surviving the Hiroshima bombing and the group's work to achieve a world without nuclear weapons.