Program Contents (September 4th, 2010)

"Who Will Rule North Korea?"
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North Korean Leader, Kim Jon II, made a sudden visit to China in late August. North Korea is making moves to establish Kim's successor. The most likely candidate, the leader's 3rd son, Kim Jon Un. Little as known about this youngest son of Kim Jon Il, a few reports say he will be the next supreme leader. Sources suspect Kim Jon Un will make political debut at the meeting of North Korean workers representitives in early September. Experts in Notrth Korea see that the meeting is likely to adopt a plan for personal change to insure the smooth transition of his power. Today's Closeup" will look at behind the scene and who is going to be North Koreas next leader.

"The Excution System in Japan Revealed"
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"TBA"
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"JAPAN VIDEO TOPICS"

Episode #79: "Washi"
The high-quality hand-made paper called washi was invented in Japan in the 7th century. It is widely used today for various purposes that make full use of its thinness, strength and beautiful texture. Washi has traditionally been used not only for letter paper, but also for umbrellas, lanterns, ukiyo-e woodblock prints, and as an architectural material. It provides a distinctive sense and charm to Japanese life and culture. In the 17th century, the Dutch painter Rembrandt appreciated washi's ability to fully express shading and he used it to print his copperplate etchings. Because washi provides a very effective way to moderate and soften light, it is attracting designers and artists worldwide. They are eagerly searching new ways to put it to artistic use, such as using it to wrap the exterior walls of a hotel and car bodies and interiors. This segment introduces the attractions of a traditional craft item that brings a simple and soft atmosphere to Japanese life.

Episode #80: "Why is Japanese Fruit so delicious?"
Japanese fruits are world renowned for their superb quality and taste. What are Japanese growers doing to get such delicious fruits? We look at some of the techniques used to grow some of the world's finest fruits, focusing on apples as a typical example. Half Japan 's apples are produced in Aomori , and a visit to a major grower and exporter reveals the hard work, delicate care and innovative techniques they use to produce their flawless, delicious apples.

Episode #81: "Miso Power"
Miso, the product of boiled and fermented soy beans, has been a part of the Japanese diet for centuries, especially in the form of miso soup, but recently the rest of the world has been catching on to the health benefits of this delicious food. After research showing miso to be effective in preventing a range of diseases, including various cancers, worldwide use of the say-based food has increased enormously.

Episode #82: "Japan's Advanced Vending Machines"
There are probably more vending machines on the streets of Japan than anywhere else, selling an ever wider range of items. New technology keeps adding more convenience, such as machines serving both hot and cold drinks, varied to match seasonal needs. Choose your type of coffee, cup size, cream and sugar amounts - and watch your cup being brewed on an eye-level monitor. Internal elevators improve accessibility by delivering purchases at a convenient height. And because these machines are everywhere, they make a useful place to provide emergency medical or survival equipment.

Episode #83: "Kumiko Latticework"
Kumiko latticework is a craft tradition that became established in the 17th century, when craftsmen were brought together from all over Japan to decorate the shogun's great mausoleum at the Toshogu Shrine in Nikko. Ideas and techniques shared during this project formed the basis for the distinctive look that the craft would develop in later centuries - complex geometric patterns, often imitating nature, created from lattices of thin wooden sections. These are sawn or planed to an incredible precision of 1/100mm, so that they will fit firmly together without any nails or adhesive.