Direct Talk - Season 11 / Year 2026

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Niizawa Iwao has won first place for four straight years in two globally influential sake awards. He talks about brewing sake that serves as a supporting player to make meals taste even better.

Sugiura Mitsuyoshi is gaining attention both at home and abroad for transforming old kimonos into new fashion statements. He talks about his unique efforts to revitalize a traditional industry.

Songwriter Yamamoto Sho is the man behind "Watashino Ichiban Kawaiitokoro," the global hit by the J-pop idol group FRUITS ZIPPER. He talks about creating songs that take the world by storm.

Hat and headpiece designer Hizume Nobuki is regularly commissioned by global fashion brands, and has won a respected French award. He talks about creating "magical" hats that make their wearer happy.

Sato Yasuhiro coaches top snowboarders of many nationalities. Some of them took gold at the 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics. The coach explains how snowboarding can make the world a better place.

Kosaka Kunpei holds multiple world records in spearfishing, a sport in which competitors hunt underwater and see who can catch the biggest fish. He talks about freediving and using a hand spear.

In March 2026, photographer Kanade Hamamoto won a prestigious award for work themed on the underwater suicide squads organized near the end of the Second World War. She tells us about the project.

Kambayashi Takashi has developed a smart pig farming system that leverages the latest AI technology to improve production efficiency. He talks about how it works and his vision for the future.