Season 2024 - Episode Guide

Japanese swords are called "metal made art." The once lost techniques used to make them prior to the 16th century are now on the verge of rediscovery.

Do you love soy sauce or sake? Discover how a single type of microbe, Aspergillus Oryzae, enhances the flavor of Washoku, captivating fans worldwide.

In this episode, a faster and more accurate weather radar system provides instantaneous full 3D images of storm cloud activity 10km up into the sky, promising more precise weather forecasting.

Research is ongoing to apply 3D generative AI to structural design. Koji Nishiguchi of Nagoya University is on the frontline, with a simulation method which used to be thought of as impractical.

Prof. Jun Takahashi succeeded Nobel laureate Prof. Shinya Yamanaka as director of Kyoto University's CiRA. Find out the goals under the new leadership as we look at the latest research on iPS cells.

Japanese scientists discovered microorganisms that can survive for more than 100 million years deep below the ocean floor. What they can tell us about the big question, "What is life?"

In 2021, a massive submarine volcano erupted off Japan. We follow Japanese researchers' efforts to understand the eruption and witness their discovery of obsidian and even new sea creatures.

All animals need sleep. Explore why and how it evolved. Also meet the developer of the AI Suitcase that helps the visually impaired walk more freely.

Discover how eels navigate 3,000km in the vast ocean without getting lost. Also find out about a new technology that can share physical sensations.

Researchers pursue the mysteries of the sun in order to prevent damage to telecommunications equipment and potential space disasters caused by the magnetic storms following major solar flares.

At Kyoto University's CiRA, Kenji OSAFUNE is using iPS cells to find drug for hereditary kidney disease and has also created cells for kidney transplants. Take an in depth look at his challenges.

Octopuses are smart. They can even perceive textures and shapes with their arms. This episode explores octopuses and the nature of intelligence, as well as new bio-hybrid robots that combine living tissues and machines.

Tiny nematodes can survive in harsh environments, regenerate damaged tissue, remember things and make decisions. Sharing 70% of their genome with humans, they're being studied for hints about new medicines and human longevity. We'll also look at the world's first fully recycled concrete.

To realize a sustainable society, large wooden buildings are being created around the world. Japan's revolutionary "unburning wood" now contributes greatly to possibilities for wooden architecture.

This episode looks at Japan's leading shipping innovations, such as the world's first electric tanker and fuel-saving "air lubrication." Also, out-of-body illusions.

This episode looks at energy savings and carbon reduction in Japan's leading train systems, including hydrogen fuel cells and silicon carbide power electronics. Also, visualizing emotions.

This episode looks inside the time capsule project, in which cells and other samples from a variety of endangered species unique to Japan are frozen in order to preserve the future of biodiversity.

Originally used to study habitats and behaviors, sensors attached to animals are now being used to monitor the Earth's environment more broadly.

The global race to develop flying cars is heating up, with Japan leading in key parts like batteries and motors. The revolution in air travel is here!

The ferocious hornet's stingers have evolved over 300 million years. How do they work? Discover the secrets behind the hornet's incredible strength.