Ulaanbaatar, September 14, 2025 — NHK is delighted to announce that three of its programs have been honored at this year’s ABU Prizes, including a best-in-category award and a Special Jury Prize. The ABU Prizes is an international competition that recognizes excellence in television, radio, and digital content produced by member broadcasters in the Asia-Pacific Broadcasting Union (ABU). Founded in 1964 by NHK and other leading broadcasters, the ABU now comprises 226 members from 66 countries and regions (as of September 2025), fostering collaboration and creativity across the region.
This year’s competition drew 318 entries – 162 for television, 117 for radio, and 39 for digital media. The winners were announced during the ABU Prizes Award Ceremony, held on the evening of September 14th as part of the ABU General Assembly week. Each year, an ABU Prize is awarded to the best entry in each of the 15 categories, along with several special prizes selected by the jury.
ABU Prize for Radio/Audio Drama
Beautiful Shoes
(First broadcast on December 21, 2024, Produced by NHK)
A pair of sneakers are brought to the attention of Hiiragi, a sneaker appraiser. They're from a coveted line of shoes that was abruptly removed from the market. The sneakers look genuine... except this particular pair has an unlikely elegance the original sneakers wouldn't have. Drawn to the shoes' beauty, Hiiragi pays a lot of money for them despite his skepticism. Who made them...? Hiiragi's curiosity leads him to a shoemaker named Homare. She has just lost her grandfather who was her mentor. She took over the grandfather's made-to-order shoe business, only to find out that he left her with a failing business and a large debt. In her desperation, Homare comes up with a high-stakes plan in the hope of turning her luck around.
Special Jury Prize for TV/Screen
Run Against Time: The Snowman Race in Bhutan
(First broadcast on January 19, 2025, Produced by NHK in co-production with BBS and GEDEON Programmes)
Bhutan is a small country that values harmony with nature and was the first in the world to achieve carbon negativity. In October 2024, the Kingdom of Bhutan hosted a grueling very-high-altitude ultra-marathon in the Himalayas. The race was aimed at drawing the world’s attention to the crisis known as "global boiling". Melting Himalayan glaciers are raising water levels in glacial lakes and, more than ever before, magnifying the risk of outburst floods that can destroy the way of life in Bhutan. NHK and the Bhutan Broadcasting Service teamed up to show the entire race for the first time. Athletes battling hypoxia as they ran through the harsh terrain used compact cameras to record what they were seeing and feeling. What they witnessed were the spectacular, gradually disappearing scenery and the crisis looming over Bhutan. The runners, who had come from around the world, underwent personal transformations through life-changing realizations while deepening their bonds beyond borders.
Special Commendation for Radio/Audio On-Air Personality
Hikikomori Radio
(First broadcast on November 29, 2024、Produced by NHK)
In this monthly live radio show, NHK announcer Kurihara Nozomu gives voice to Japan’s “hikikomori” – individuals who are socially withdrawn. Through heartfelt messages and song requests, the show shares personal struggles that have remained unspoken elsewhere. Some can’t go out for fear of being seen, whereas others find life difficult and suffer from depression.
Now in its sixth year, the show is a gathering place for "hikikomori" listeners all over Japan and receives nearly a thousand messages each time. Kurihara has been hosting the program since 2020 and works to express himself in a way that allows listeners to contribute to the program with peace of mind. Sticking to the motto, "speak as if listening," he doesn't judge, stereotype, or categorize. Listening is the priority. Kurihara won the Radio Personality category of the 50th Hoso Bunka Foundation Prize. He was commended for showing true empathy; with warmth and kindness, he clearly communicates information while maintaining a quiet, receptive standpoint.
About NHK
NHK (Japan Broadcasting Corporation) is Japan’s sole public service media organization. Funded by receiving fees from Japanese households, it has a reputation for impartial, high-quality programs including news, documentaries, children’s and educational programs, music, entertainment, culture, animation, and drama. Known as the pioneer of HD broadcast, NHK now actively produces programs in 4K and 8K.
NHK Program List / Contact NHK
www.nhk.or.jp/corporateinfo/
For further information, please contact
Fumina Koike (koike.f-ge@nhk.or.jp)
International Media Relations
NHK
