Direct Talk - Season 11 / Year 2026
Season 11 / Year 2026
Episodes
The Beauty of Nature's Tiny Treasures: Seto Momoko / Film Director
Director Seto Momoko's animated film "Dandelion's Odyssey" won the International Federation of Film Critics' award at the 2025 Cannes Film Festival. She talks about her creative philosophy.
A World Where Deafness Is Not a Barrier: Kondo Ryohei / Dancer, Choreographer
Leading Japanese dancer and choreographer Kondo Ryohei served as director of the opening ceremony for the Tokyo Deaflympics in November 2025. He talks about the potential of physical expression.
Considering Our Future Through Dinosaur Research: Kobayashi Yoshitsugu / Paleontologist / Professor, Hokkaido University
In June 2025, Kobayashi Yoshitsugu published a trailblazing paper, illuminating the evolutionary process of large tyrannosaurs. He explains how such research helps us consider the future of humanity.
Connecting Architecture, People, and Nature: Sejima Kazuyo / Architect
The architect Sejima Kazuyo has won global attention for her delicate style, breaking from the norm to achieve free, open spaces. She explains her architectural philosophy.
Establishing a Pediatric Hub in Asia: Yoshioka Hideto / Pediatric Surgeon
Yoshioka Hideto has led the international NGO Japan Heart for over 20 years, providing free medical support in developing nations. He shares plans to establish a hub for pediatric care in Cambodia.
Going Beyond Social Norms: Katayama Mari / Artist
Katayama Mari has earned international acclaim for her self-portraits with hand-sewn objects she made herself. She talks about her creative origins and producing work that challenges social norms.
Visual Storytelling That Stirs the Soul: Hiraoka Kasumi / Film Director
Hiraoka Kasumi is in the international spotlight after winning an award at the VerticalMovie Festival 2025. She talks about combining social commentary with fantasy-inspired storytelling.
Searching for Beauty in the Night Sea: Otani Sho / Underwater Photographer
Otani Sho is the first Japanese professional to be named Nature Photographer of the Year by the prestigious International Photography Awards. He talks about capturing the beauty of tiny sea creatures.
Horror Manga That Transcend Borders: Ito Junji / Horror Manga Artist
Ito Junji is a horror manga artist renowned worldwide for his intricate artwork and unique vision, which earned him a place in the prestigious Eisner Awards Hall of Fame in 2025. What inspires him?
Scrutinizing the Universe Through Lunar Rocks: Ohtake Makiko / Planetary Scientist
In 2025, Ohtake Makiko won a NASA award for significant accomplishments relating to Solar System exploration science. She talks about investigating the birth of our planet and moon.
Weaving Realism into Fiction: Fujimoto Akio / Film Director
Fujimoto Akio's film "LOST LAND," about Rohingya siblings in a refugee camp who embark on a perilous journey, was honored at the 2025 Venice Film Festival. He talks about his passion for filmmaking.
Toothbrushing for a Better Tomorrow: Matsumoto Toshihide / Dentist
Matsumoto Toshihide delivers toothbrushes to children who fled Myanmar and live in evacuation shelters that lack proper medical facilities. He talks about protecting their lives through oral care.
Believe in Music: Ichiko Aoba / Musician
Ichiko Aoba puts distinctive, whispery vocals over floating, classical guitar melodies. We explore why her music captivates listeners around the world, despite being sung in Japanese.
The Sculptor of the Soul: Yasuda Kan / Sculptor
In 2025, Yasuda Kan won the Isamu Noguchi Award, given to artists who embody a spirit of innovation, global consciousness, and commitment to cultural exchange. He talks about the power of sculpture.
Artwork That Embraces the Heart: Ushioda Kazuya / Painter
Ushioda Kazuya's realistic art has been winning top prizes in international competitions. He tells us about creating his detailed portraits, and the thought that goes into each one.
Reimagining Sake as a Dining Companion: Niizawa Iwao / Sake Brewery President
Breathing New Life into Old Kimonos: Sugiura Mitsuyoshi / Fashion Designer
Electrifying the World with "Kawaii" : Yamamoto Sho / Songwriter / Music Producer
Creating Hats That Inspire Joy: Hizume Nobuki / Hat and Headpiece Designer
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