Topic: Nhk

17 chapters across the catalog

Podcaster Down!
Episode 1848 16:48 - 19:33

1848: Podcaster Down!

Sumo Wrestling, American Sumo Football Concept

The technical aspects of sumo wrestling are examined, focusing on the physical requirements and skill involved in the sport as documented by NHK. A proposal is made to combine sumo wrestling with American football or hot dog eating contests to create a new professional sports league in the United States.

Bible Belt Buckle
Episode 1818 2:04:44 - 2:11:01

1818: Bible Belt Buckle

NHK Japanophiles, Astrid Klein, Mark Dytham, Hand Surgeon Request

A recent episode of NHK's "Japanophiles" profiled prominent architects Astrid Klein and Mark Dytham, who are also high-level supporters of the podcast. The duo is renowned for designing iconic buildings and creative spaces in Tokyo since moving to Japan in 1988. Separately, a listener requested assistance from the community to find a hand specialist for a master mechanic suffering from a debilitating, undiagnosed condition.

DORK MAGA
Episode 1701 3:04:45 - 3:10:20

1701: DORK MAGA

Pro Tip, NHK Somewhere Street Recommendation

The "Pro Tip of the Day" features a recommendation for the NHK show "Somewhere Street," a Japanese travelogue that follows a casual, first-person walking tour of various global cities. Additionally, a technical tip is provided for using Audacity to record system audio for file conversion. The hosts conclude the segment by selecting the "ISO" soundbite for the episode's sign-off.

Pronoun Journey
Episode 1695 49:05 - 52:36

1695: Pronoun Journey

Corporate Interests and Trench Warfare in Ukraine

A critique of the "college of corporations" suggests that the war in Ukraine is driven by the interests of the military-industrial complex and future reconstruction profits. NHK footage of the conflict depicts brutal World War I-style trench warfare and the extensive use of landmines in the Donbass region. The narrative posits that the primary obstacle to peace is the insistence on Ukrainian NATO membership.

Pronoun Journey
Episode 1695 2:16:05 - 2:18:50

1695: Pronoun Journey

North Korean Abductions of Japanese Nationals

NHK reports on the ongoing struggle of families whose loved ones were abducted by North Korea in the 1970s and 80s. Megumi Yokota, who was taken at age 13 in 1977, remains one of the most prominent cases. While North Korea admitted to some abductions in 2002, many victims remain unaccounted for, leading to continued pleas for government action.

Poonami
Episode 1645

1645: Poonami

Takerufuji Wins Grand Sumo Tournament, Japanese Cultural Gratitude

Takerufuji became the first rookie in 110 years to win the Grand Sumo Tournament despite suffering an injury during the competition. Observations of the victory ceremony noted a distinct lack of verbal gratitude toward coaches or agents, which is attributed to Japanese cultural norms regarding duty and the potential insult of being thanked for doing one's job. This behavior contrasts with Western "obligatory gratitude" seen in events like the Academy Awards.

Poonami
Episode 1645 4:21 - 5:49

1645: Poonami

Josh Danielson and Stuart Copeland Doppelgängers

A presenter on NHK named Josh Danielson is identified as a doppelgänger for one of the hosts due to his square appearance and use of bowties. Additionally, the host mentions frequently being mistaken for Stuart Copeland, the drummer for the band The Police.

Big Mike & The Rock
Episode 1551 1:54:43 - 1:56:12

1551: Big Mike & The Rock

NHK "Somewhere Street" Travelogue Recommendation

The NHK program "Somewhere Street" is recommended as an authentic travelogue that features a cameraman roaming through various global cities. A recent episode filmed in a small Chinese town featured a chance encounter with a Dutch woman living in China. The show is praised for its "man on the street" style that captures the experience of being a tourist without the artifice of traditional travel guides.

Grip & Grin
Episode 1527

1527: Grip & Grin

Chinese Surveillance Balloon, US Airspace Intrusion and Media Reaction

A Chinese high-altitude balloon entered North American airspace, leading to the cancellation of Secretary of State Antony Blinken's visit to Beijing. The Pentagon tracked the craft over Montana nuclear sites before an F-22 shot it down off the South Carolina coast. Media outlets characterized the event as a major national security threat while China claimed it was a civilian weather balloon blown off course.

Freeze Peach
Episode 1519 34:09 - 35:42

1519: Freeze Peach

China Zero-COVID Policy, Travel Restrictions, NHK Japan

China officially winds down its zero-COVID policy, shifting focus from infection prevention to vaccination and treatment. New protocols eliminate neighborhood lockdowns, mandatory isolation for positive cases, and quarantine requirements for inbound travelers. While PCR tests upon arrival are waived, travelers still require a negative test 48 hours before departure, and overseas group tours remain restricted.

The Nurge
Episode 1469

1469: The Nurge

Sumo Wrestling, NFL Exhibition Match Proposal

John C. Dvorak reports on the July sumo tournament and the performance of wrestler Terranofuji. The discussion covers the physical requirements of sumo, the training methods documented by NHK, and a hypothetical exhibition match between sumo wrestlers and NFL offensive guards.

super-mutation
Episode 1382 2:08:43 - 2:12:00

1382: super-mutation

Sumo Wrestling, Aki Basho Tournament

The Aki Basho sumo tournament is currently underway, with Terunofuji favored to win. The hosts discussed the unique culture of sumo, including the god-like status of Yokozunas in Japan and the technical depth of the sport as broadcast on NHK TV.

Mass Formation
Episode 1373 2:17:09 - 2:21:31

1373: Mass Formation

Global Flooding, Climate Change Media Narrative

Severe flooding in Turkey and Japan is being linked to climate change by media outlets like NPR. Critics argue that the "climate change angle" is being shoehorned into weather reports to support political agendas, even as massive disasters in Japan receive relatively little coverage in Western media.

Q Victims
Episode 1313

1313: Q Victims

Sumo Wrestling Technicality, NASCAR Comparison

A discussion regarding the technical appeal of sumo wrestling highlights its similarities to the precision of NASCAR racing. Personal anecdotes include meeting American and Hawaiian sumo superstars at an exhibition in Paris. The conversation notes that sumo's technical depth is often overlooked by those who view it simply as a sport for large athletes.

Crone
Episode 692 1:26:03 - 1:29:26

692: Crone

Kenji Goto Background, Haruna Yukawa, Japanese Identity Laws

Research from a Japanese producer reveals that Kenji Goto had taken his wife's surname (Jogo) to distance himself from past financial issues, a common practice in Japan. The background of the other captive, Haruna Yukawa, is described as "delusional," citing his blog posts about being a reincarnation of a 1903 soldier. The segment questions the mainstream media's portrayal of both men as standard journalists.

Struggling Masses
Episode 439 2:35:50 - 2:40:38

439: Struggling Masses

NHK World, Pro-Romney Propaganda Analysis

The Japanese state-supported broadcaster NHK World is analyzed for its overtly pro-Romney and anti-Obama coverage. The hosts observe that the English-language reports use loaded terms like "Americans bought into Obama's promises" and lack balanced perspectives. They question why the Japanese government would be interested in propagandizing American voters in favor of the Republican candidate.

Cheerleaders for Science
Episode 256 1:00:36 - 1:02:49

256: Cheerleaders for Science

North Korea Artillery Exchange, Russia-China Euro Trade

North Korean state media expressed regret over civilian deaths following an artillery exchange with South Korea, claiming the South used civilians as human shields near military facilities. The hosts suggest the conflict serves as a distraction from a significant geopolitical shift where Russia and China have agreed to use the Euro for bilateral energy trade. This move is interpreted as a direct effort to circumvent the United States dollar as the global reserve currency.