NHK

Television drama.

A regional news program on NHK News, broadcast weekdays at noon on NHK General from June 1, 2020.

An exploration of the unique combination of events and forces that have formed our planet.

This series unfolds in four episodes. The three episodes reveal the secrets behind the rise and fall of the Incan, Aztec, and Mayan civilizations, together with is a travelogue of the pre-Columbian civilizations presented through stunning aerial photography. Secret Civilizations provides a wealth of intellectual entertainment that evokes historical romanticism with beautiful images and fascinating fact.

This program aims to revive the invaluable words of renowned individuals from history using the vast audio and visual archives preserved by NHK, working towards the creation of the "Japanese Visual Archive."

After making its debut in the world 150 years ago, Japan has been aiming "up the hill" and became one of the Five Powers after the First World War. Focusing on four themes that have held Japan's fate since the Meiji era (1868-1912) as it attempted to compete with the Western powers: "Asia," "The Emperor and the Constitution," "Trade," and "Military," the program examines from a global historical perspective why Japan, once a "first-class" country, became isolated and burnt to the ground in the international community.

In 18th-century Edo, Tsutaya Juzaburo rises from a poor background to become a leading publisher. Despite political changes threatening his career, he works to shape Edo’s cultural scene through innovative books and collaborations with artists.