On December 6, Japan's Hayabusa2 probe successfully returned a capsule to Earth after a six-year voyage through space. It is believed to contain sub-surface materials collected on Ryugu, an asteroid some 300-million kilometers away. They may shed light on the origins of life on Earth. The mission faced a series of unexpected challenges and NHK went behind the scenes to see how the team achieved the extraordinary feat of two touchdowns on Ryugu and the safe return of the sample container.

Japan is currently experiencing a sharp spike in coronavirus infections, leading the government to declare a second state of emergency. Hospital beds are filling up and in one case, a patient was rejected by 24 emergency care facilities. At the same time, new strains from around the world present the threat of a further surge. We take a look at how experts are using the latest data and technology to avoid a worst-case scenario.

Japan is in the midst of a third wave of coronavirus infections, the worst yet. The collapse of the medical system could soon become reality. With beds in short supply, ambulances transporting patients are increasingly being turned away from hospitals. Many people have no choice but to recuperate at home, anxiously monitoring for a sudden deterioration in their conditions. We ask medical experts how Japan can bring the situation under control.