Documentary

Life at Large

Lifestyles in Japan新・日本人のライフスタイル

  • 4 x 25 min.
  • EDC2S034-001~004
  • English, Spanish, French, Arabic, M/E, HD

©NHK Foundation

1. Japan’s Changing University / 変わりゆく日本の大学

Along with a widespread fall in academic performance, Japanese universities are suffering a severe decline in international competitiveness. With Japanese birth rates declining also, the continuing existence of many universities is being put to question. To ensure their survival, Japan’s major universities are looking to exploit their unique characteristics. Two universities are highlighted - one regional and one in Tokyo.

2. The Future of the Salaryman / 明日を見つめる日本の「サラリーマン」

With many companies abandoning the tradition of guaranteed lifetime employment, a Japanese salaryman’s life has begun to change. With a mature economy and low growth, how can a salaryman survive? We examine the issue through the lives of two men, one working for a giant global company and one who has left the corporate race to forge an independent career.

3. Family Life in the Wake of Disaster / 震災で見つけた新しい家族の姿

The Great East Japan Earthquake changed Japan in major ways. This is the story of a young entrepreneur who, with his wife and children, was inspired by the disaster to return to his family village, where traditional values still rule. How will this contemporary Japanese family, accustomed to life in the big city, fit in with a farmers’ life?

4. Beginning　a Second Life / 「第二の人生」を楽しむ

No country faces such an acute problem of population aging as Japan. However, some of Japan’s elderly are seizing this opportunity to do new things - to blossom afresh in their old age. After careers in the city, some are moving to the countryside to start new lives. We examine the hopes and problems of the elderly in today’s Japan.

%consol