WASHINGTON, March 29, 2018 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Effective Monday, April 2, 2018, NHK WORLD-JAPAN will be the new name for the international television broadcasting service of NHK, previously known as NHK WORLD TV.  This fresh start as NHK WORLD-JAPAN is intended to establish greater global recognition for the service’s Japanese roots in advance of the Tokyo 2020 Summer Olympic and Paralympic Games.  NHK WORLD-JAPAN is distributed in the Washington, DC and Baltimore markets, and across the state of Maryland by Maryland Public Television (MPT).

NHK WORLD-JAPAN, the English-language channel operated by Japan’s sole public broadcaster, will continue to provide a Japanese perspective in news coverage and an array of entertaining lifestyle programs that bring the culture and traditions of Japan to a global audience. Closer coordination with NHK’s domestic services in Japan will supply even more content to satisfy the interests of the NHK WORLD-JAPAN audience, which now reaches more than 300 million households in 160 countries and regions via local satellite and cable TV providers.

Fresh on the heels of the rebranding, NHK WORLD-JAPAN will have great visibility at one of the most widely attended annual events in Washington, DC – the National Cherry Blossom Festival.  That’s because the channel’s lovable mascot, Domo, will participate once again in the National Cherry Blossom Festival Parade, to be held on Saturday, April 14 at 10 AM on Constitution Ave.

Carried throughout the U.S. since 2009, the growth of the channel that will now be known as NHK WORLD-JAPAN has been particularly strong in major U.S. markets.  In addition to its partnership with MPT, the 24/7 broadcast station also reaches viewers through affiliates in New York, Los Angeles, Chicago, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Seattle, Denver, Orlando, Charlotte and, just announced this month, Atlanta.

“With the 2020 Tokyo Olympics and Paralympics drawing near, the new name of NHK WORLD-JAPAN is intended to emphasize the service’s role as a public media organization transmitting from Japan,” said Yoshihiko Shimizu, President, of the NHK subsidiary JIB, responsible for the channel’s distribution. “While under a new name, NHK WORLD-JAPAN will continue to be true to its mission of providing fair and impartial news, as well as diverse programming, from Japan to the world.”

“From shows featuring English-speaking visitors traveling the length of Japan to award-winning chefs introducing viewers to the techniques, ingredients and harmony of Japanese cuisine, NHK WORLD-JAPAN provides enticing and original content to discerning Washington, DC, Maryland and northern Virginia viewers,” said Steven Schupak, MPT executive vice president and chief operating officer.

Among the new NHK WORLD-JAPAN programs starting in April 2018 are:

Biz Stream
Saturday 10:10a/ 4:10p /10:10p Sunday 4:10a (EDT)

This new program focuses on the latest Japanese business trends, corporate strategies and technologies. We look behind the scenes and discuss their global impact from various perspective.

Japan’s Top Inventions
Wednesday 11:30a/ 5:30p /11:30p Thursday 5:30a (EDT)

This program introduces the stories behind much-loved global products born in Japan. Interviews and drama segments illustrate the spirit of Japan’s craftsmanship in easy-to-watch 15-minute segments.

J-Arena
Friday 12:30a/ 4:30a/ 12:30p/ 6:30p (EDT)

Japan ranks at the top level in many sports, including those—such as judo—that originated in the country. This program features the athletes, showing the places where they train and compete. 

About NHK WORLD-JAPAN
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) is Japan’s sole public broadcaster, operating the nation’s largest domestic and international television network. In Japan, NHK broadcasts four TV channels and three radio stations. NHK also transmits two international television channels, NHK WORLD-JAPAN (English, HD, 24/7) and NHK WORLD PREMIUM (Japanese, HD, 24/7), as well as international radio services in eighteen languages.

NHK WORLD-JAPAN reaches over 300 million households in 160 countries and regions via local satellite and cable TV providers. Online live streaming and VOD (video on-demand) services through the free mobile app and the website, give viewers access to NHK WORLD-JAPAN anywhere and anytime. You can also connect through Apple TV and Amazon Fire TV. Presenting an extensive range of Asia-centered programming, NHK WORLD-JAPAN is your window to Japan, Asia, and the rest of the world. For more details, visit https://www.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/

About Japan International Broadcasting, Inc.
Japan International Broadcasting Inc. (JIB), a subsidiary of NHK, is responsible for the worldwide distribution of the HD English language news/lifestyle channel “NHK WORLD-JAPAN,” as well as the HD Japanese language channel “NHK WORLD PREMIUM.” Currently, the two channels are broadcast around the world on three international plus domestic satellites in their respective markets and reach households, hotels and others via DTH, cable, IPTV, and terrestrial broadcast.

About Maryland Public Television
Launched in 1969 and headquartered in Owings Mills, MD, Maryland Public Television (MPT) is a nonprofit, state-licensed public television network and member of the Public Broadcasting Service (PBS).  MPT’s six transmitters cover Maryland plus portions of contiguous states and the District of Columbia.  Frequent winner of regional Emmy® awards, MPT creates local, regional, and national television shows.  Beyond broadcast, MPT’s commitment to professional educators, parents, caregivers, and learners of all ages is delivered through year-round instructional events and the super-website Thinkport, which garners in excess of 14 million page views annually.  MPT’s community engagement connects viewers with local resources on significant health, education, and public interest topics through year-round outreach events, viewer forums, program screenings, and phone bank call-in opportunities.  For more information visit mpt.org.