NHK: from Japan, to refresh European screens
NHK Enterprises (NEP) is set to showcase a diverse and compelling slate of programming at key European markets this June, including Content Warsaw, NEM Dubrovnik, Natpe Budapest, and Conecta Fiction. As the international distribution arm of Japan’s public service broadcaster NHK, NEP is bringing a mix of epic dramas, insightful factual content, and captivating nature documentaries, highlighting comapny’s commitment to high-quality storytelling and technological innovation in 4K and 8K.
Leading NEP’s drama offerings are two compelling series. Unbound, an epic biopic produced by NHK, tells the chronicles of Tsutaya Juzaburo. Despite his humble beginnings, he rose to become a pivotal force in 18th-century Japan’s cultural renaissance, notably by discovering the talents of ukiyo-e masters like Sharaku, Utamaru, and Hokusai, whose art is still cherished globally. The series is presented as a 1 x 58-minute special and 47 x 43-minute episodes.
Also featured is Anpan, a 130 x 15-minute drama from NHK. This series follows Asada Nobu, a woman ahead of her time who, from the devastation of war, paves a path for herself and her husband. Her husband goes on to create one of Japan’s most beloved children’s superheroes. The narrative explores how their creation embodies a fundamental “justice” that endures even in a world that can change dramatically at any moment.
NEP’s factual content delves into intriguing mysteries and human stories. Behind the Scenes: Detective Conan (1 x 49 min.) offers a rare look into the world of Aoyama Gosho, the creator of the globally hit manga series Detective Conan (also known as Case Closed). With unprecedented access, this program reveals a man who has never lost his childlike sense of wonder or his genuine desire to entertain.
In the realm of science and technology, FRONTIERS: Death from the Sky? (1 x 51 min. 45 sec.) investigates a severely damaged building floor and a meter-deep layer of debris found at the Tall el-Hammam archaeological site in Jordan. A multidisciplinary team of experts, including archaeologists and astrophysicists, seeks to uncover what took place there 4,000 years ago. Deciphering the Nasca Lines (1 x 52 min.) explores one of archaeology’s great mysteries, showcasing 300 newly found geoglyphs by Yamagata University’s research team, which uses AI technology to shed new light on the purpose of these massive-scale designs. The program offers an on-the-ground look at the forefront of this research in Peru.
For nature enthusiasts, WILDLIFE – The Arduous Path to Becoming Lion King (1 x 49 min.) uses high-performance GPS technology to reveal the surprising behavior of young male lions on their challenging quest for pride and power. The documentary captures their destiny to form coalitions and ultimately challenge reigning pride leaders for the throne.
NHK, Japan’s sole public service media organization, is known for its impartial, high-quality programs. NHK Enterprises (NEP) continues this legacy by representing innovative content across animation, drama, documentaries, and factual entertainment, aiming to deliver compelling storytelling while pioneering technological advancements.
