Establishment of NHK Sustainability Committee and Summer 2026 Campaign: 'Protecting Lives from Heatwaves and Heavy Rain'

Establishment of the NHK Sustainability Committee

~Comprehensively Advancing and Strengthening Initiatives on Social Issues and Organizational Management~

As society collectively moves toward a sustainable future, NHK has established the 'NHK Sustainability Committee' on April 25, 2026, to further strengthen its sustainability initiatives. Additionally, Director Takako Higashi has been appointed as the committee's Chief Sustainability Officer (CSO).

NHK has long been disseminating multifaceted content addressing social issues such as disaster prevention, the environment, human rights, peace, regional development, and diversity. The newly launched 'Sustainability Committee' will go beyond content dissemination, taking a cross-organizational approach to promote sustainability initiatives based on the perspective of 'what value can NHK continue to provide to society as a public media organization?'

[Comment from Director Higashi]

'We aim not only to be a public media organization that reports on social issues but also to be a trusted entity in society. We will continue our efforts to ensure NHK remains necessary and trusted by society.'

[Recent NHK Sustainability Initiatives]

◆ DEI (Diversity, Equity, Inclusion)

In April 2026, NHK formulated a five-year action plan based on the Act on Promotion of Women's Participation. Key targets include achieving a female managerial ratio of 18% or higher by fiscal 2030, an annual paid leave utilization rate of 75% or higher, and a 100% male paternity leave uptake rate. NHK has also newly established a 'Disability Employment Policy' to build an organization where diverse talent can thrive.

Achieved 'Eruboshi' (Level 2) Certification!

On June 17, 2026, NHK received the 'Eruboshi' certification (Level 2) under the Act on Promotion of Women's Participation by the Ministry of Health, Labour and Welfare. The 'Eruboshi' certification is awarded to employers who meet certain criteria, including excellent implementation of initiatives promoting women's active participation.

◆ Human Rights

In April 2026, NHK formulated and published its Human Rights Policy. It clarified its commitment to human rights based on the 'NHK Ethics and Conduct Charter,' 'Action Guidelines,' and 'Broadcasting Guidelines.' This year, NHK will further strengthen human rights-respecting management by developing measures aligned with the United Nations 'Guiding Principles on Business and Human Rights.'

◆ Environment

Over the past year, NHK has enhanced its efforts toward achieving its environmental goals: carbon neutrality by 2050 and a 50% reduction in CO₂ emissions by fiscal 2030 (compared to fiscal 2018). This includes centralizing energy consumption management across all broadcasting stations and transmission sites nationwide and promoting energy efficiency through energy-saving diagnostics. In program production, NHK is reducing environmental impact by adopting LED lighting and reusing art sets even at live broadcast sites, advancing efforts toward a decarbonized society and a circular economy.

Intensive Summer Campaign: 'Protecting Lives from Heat and Heavy Rain'

NHK is strengthening its content dissemination to address societal challenges and changes, contributing to a sustainable society. This summer, amid forecasts of severe heat, NHK will intensively broadcast related programs and news from August to September to protect lives from heatwaves and heavy rain.

Programs Scheduled for Summer 2026

(Note: Program titles and broadcast times are subject to change)

During this period, NHK will air a variety of programs on heat, climate change, and torrential rain.

Related programs on NHK General and E-Tele will be simultaneously streamed and available for catch-up via 'NHK ONE' (for one week after broadcast).

'Close-up Gendai: Over 40°C Worldwide! How Should We Respond to “Extraordinary Heatwaves”? (Tentative)'

NHK General, Wednesday, July 22, 2026, 7:30 PM– (Regular episode)

'Science ZERO: Next-Generation Paints That Will Repaint the Future!'

E-Tele, Sunday, July 26, 2026, 11:30 PM–12:00 AM

'Next-generation paints' are now gaining attention as a game-changer in solving global issues like climate change. These paints have evolved to offer multiple functions—applying them can improve fuel efficiency in aircraft and ships, contributing to CO₂ reduction. Moreover, the 'Cool Black' paint, which uses copper oxide particles, reflects near-infrared light, making it less heat-absorbent despite its black color. This program explores the cutting edge of next-generation paints that could repaint our future!

'Close-up Gendai: Summer Special—Is Japan Undergoing a 'Transformation' Due to Scorching Heat?'

NHK General, Wednesday, August 5, 2026, 7:30 PM–

This summer is predicted to be record-breaking hot, accelerating 'transformations' across all aspects of daily life, demanding urgent countermeasures. What are the lesser-known risks of heatstroke, which continues to cause increasing numbers of hospitalizations? Discover the forefront of innovative methods to protect workers and the elderly from heat. Additionally, a large-scale experiment reveals effective ways to use windows and curtains to block indoor heat. Changes are also appearing on our dining tables—amid ongoing crop failures and fishing shortages due to heat, what are producers' next moves? This program deeply explores the scientific frontlines and countermeasures against summer 'transformations' from multiple perspectives.

'NHK Special: Earth Super Analysis—Decoding Heatwaves and Heavy Rain in Full'

NHK General, Sunday, August 23, 2026, 9:00 PM–9:59 PM (10-minute extension)

Intense heatwaves and torrential rains are occurring worldwide—in Europe, North America, Japan, and beyond—leading to frequent extreme weather events. What exactly is happening on Earth? The key to answering this question lies in the global 'circulation of atmosphere and water.' Using the latest science, this program comprehensively analyzes Earth from multiple perspectives. It also visits the rapidly warming Arctic and Greece, a country confronting climate change, to report on the frontlines of research and initiatives. Let's explore together the 'abnormal situations' unfolding on our planet.

[Encore Broadcasts]

'Anime: FUTURE KID TAKARA (Part 1)' (Encore)

E-Tele, Sunday, July 19, 2026, 3:20 PM–3:50 PM

An anime where children learn about global warming with Takara, a child from the year 2100 (voice: Yuki Kaji).

Part 1 focuses on the mechanisms of warming, extreme weather, food, and biodiversity.

'Anime: FUTURE KID TAKARA (Part 2)' (Encore)

E-Tele, Sunday, July 19, 2026, 3:50 PM–4:25 PM

An anime where children learn about climate action with Takara, a child from the future (voice: Yuki Kaji).

Part 2 focuses on sports (featuring Shunsuke Ono, Norikazu Nakamura, and Atsuto Uchida) and forest conservation.

'Frontier: Chasing Nanoplastics Sneaking into the Brain' (Encore)

BS Premium 4K, Tuesday, July 28, 2026, 9:51 PM–; BS, Friday, August 7, 5:00 PM–

'Frontier: The Hidden Kingdom of Bhutan—Racing Across the Skies' (Encore)

BS Premium 4K, Tuesday, August 11, 2026, 9:51 PM–; BS, Friday, August 21, 5:00 PM–

'Frontier: Scientists and Indigenous Peoples—Truths of the Arctic' (Encore)

BS Premium 4K, Tuesday, August 18, 2026, 9:50 PM–; BS, Friday, August 28, 5:00 PM–

'Frontier: The Future of Fashion' (Encore)

BS Premium 4K, Tuesday, August 25, 2026, 9:50 PM–; BS, Friday, September 4, 5:00 PM–

'Science ZERO