BBC World News to Broadcast Japan Direct Season

Friday, 03 February 2012 11:12

Written by Newsdesk

On 5 March 2012, one year on from the earthquake and Tsunami in Japan, BBC World News will broadcast a special series of documentaries and news programmes that go behind the headlines to report on life in Japan.

From the overall state of the nation’s economy to the day-to-day lives of people throughout the country, the Japan Direct Season will explore the challenges and opportunities Japan faces today.

Programming highlights will include;

Working Lives: Kyoto

Saturday 10th March 09:30, 22:30 GMT, Sunday 11th March 02:30, 15:30 GMT

This special edition of Working Lives take us to Kyoto. Presented by Roland Buerk, this programme highlights six workers on varying steps of the economic ladder and discovers more about their day to day lives and lifestyles.

One Square Mile

Saturday 10th March 12:30, 20:30 GMT, Sunday 11th March 00:30, 07:30 GMT

This month, One Square Mile is in Japan to explore a neighbourhood in the city of Nagasaki. Presented by the BBC's Mariko Oi, this programme explores one concentrated square mile of Nagasaki, by talking to local people about their everyday concerns and life in the city. The programme also looks at the architectural landscape of the city. Exploring Japan's oldest Chinatown, One Square Mile looks at the Chinese influences in the city, by visiting the Nagasaki Lantern Festival during the Chinese New Year.

Mariko also visits Nagasaki's historical architectural sites including some western style mansions which reveal Dutch influences in the city. The city was founded by the Portuguese in the 16th Century, who brought Christianity to the city and even though it was banned following riots in the country, this programme shows that Nagasaki has the highest percentage of Christian's in Japan who regularly use churches.

Asia Business Report

Up until 23rd March, Sundays 23:30, Mondays 01:30, 02:30, 03:30, 23:30, Tue – Thur 00:30, 01:30, 02:30, 03:30, 23:30, Fri 00:30, 01:30, 02:30, 03:30 (GMT)

25th March onwards, Sundays 22:30, Mondays 01:30, 02:30, 22:30, 23:30, Tue – Thu 00:30, 01:30, 02:30, 22:30, 23:30, Fri 00:30, 01:30, 02:30 (GMT)

Presented by Rico Hizon, Asia Business Report covers the latest business and market news for Asia and previews the stories that will shape the business day.

Asia Business Report broadcasts from Japan this month to examine how one year on from the devastation of the earthquake and tsunami in Japan, the country is faring on the global economic stage.

Click

Saturday 10th March 06:30, 16:30 GMT, Sunday 11th March 03:30, 13:30 GMT

The BBC's technology programme Click will this month feature a special report by Dan Simmons on how the earthquake in Japan precipitated a wave of hi-tech developments to safeguard the nation the next time a disaster of that magnitude occurs.

Fast:Track

Saturday 10th March 04:30, 13:30, 19:30 GMT, Sunday 11th March 06:30 GMT

Up until last year, the tourism industry wasn't Japan's priority. Last year's events however, left a huge gap in tourist arrivals which made Japan more aware of the importance of tourism on a broader level. But could tourism play a big role in recovering the Japanese economy? Fast:Track travels from Nagano to Tokyo to find out what Japan is doing to bring the tourists back.

Colin Lawrence, Commercial Director, BBC World News and Representative Director BBC World Japan says: “Many of our global audiences have come to know Japan through the last twelve months of news. BBC World News always promises audiences insight and depth and through special programming like One Square Mile and Click, we are continuing to report on the dynamics of this vitally important economy and society.

"The Japan Direct season is another strong example of our increased commitment to locally based, accurate and impartial journalism in Asia.”

The Direct Seasons on BBC World News go behind the headlines to explore everyday life in one country. The season explores a range of issues and topics, from the economy and the challenges facing the local workforce, to standards of living for people at every level of society, and the local culture. Previous Direct seasons have focused on India, Indonesia and Ukraine.