Culture Crossroads

Yotsukaido City, Chiba Pref., has Japan's largest Afghan population. Language and religion create difficulties for women at schools and hospitals. This program shows people who go all out to help.

This episode introduces Japan's unique volunteer fire corps composed of local residents who often arrive at a disaster scene before professional firefighters. A Thai reporter visits Sano City.

What preparations are needed to protect children in the event of a disaster? This episode considers not only their physical safety, but also their mental well-being during stressful evacuation.

Japanese high-tech toys, fusing advanced technology and "kawaii" culture, are booming, even in education and space exploration. Through a Chinese woman at a toy maker, we look at their global advance.