Host Marco Werman and his team of producers bring you the world's most interesting stories that remind us just how small our planet really is. The World, the radio program, is heard each weekday on over 300 public stations across North America.

Sumo wrestling from Japan is among the world’s oldest sports, dating back at least 1,500 years. The rules are simple: square off with an opponent, in a ring lined with sand, then try to push the other person out. Another rule: Japanese professional sumo is also off limits to women. As The World’s Patrick Winn reports, Japanese women wrestlers who achieve champion status at international sumo events are frustrated to face prejudice back home.This story originally aired June 12, 2024.

Sumo wrestling from Japan is among the world’s oldest sports, dating back at least 1,500 years. The rules are simple: square off with an opponent, in a ring lined with sand, then try to push the other person out. Another rule: Japanese professional sumo is also off limits to women. As The World’s Patrick Winn reports, Japanese women wrestlers who achieve champion status at international sumo events are frustrated to face prejudice back home.
This story originally aired June 12, 2024.

Women in the sumo ring

In 1848, Ranald MacDonald, the son of a Chinook chief and a Scottish settler, staged a shipwreck near Rishiri Island to gain entry into Japan — then a closed country under isolationist policies. Despite being briefly imprisoned upon his arrival in Japan, MacDonald ultimately became a highly influential figure in fostering US-Japan relations. Rebecca Rosman brings us the story from Rishiri Island, in Hokkaido.This story originally aired on Feb. 4, 2025.

In 1848, Ranald MacDonald, the son of a Chinook chief and a Scottish settler, staged a shipwreck near Rishiri Island to gain entry into Japan — then a closed country under isolationist policies. Despite being briefly imprisoned upon his arrival in Japan, MacDonald ultimately became a highly influential figure in fostering US-Japan relations. Rebecca Rosman brings us the story from Rishiri Island, in Hokkaido.
This story originally aired on Feb. 4, 2025.

The forgotten story of Japan's first English teacher in the 1950s

Fans of Hello Kitty might be drawn to the simple lines of the cartoon, or the "cute" style of Japanese culture. Leslie Bow takes the conversation much deeper. When Hello Kitty had her 50th birthday in Fall 2024, Host Carolyn Beeler talked to Bow about Hello Kitty's global fame and the meaning of the "Kawaii" style. Bow is a professor of English and Asian American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.This interview originally aired on Oct. 31, 2024.

Fans of Hello Kitty might be drawn to the simple lines of the cartoon, or the "cute" style of Japanese culture. Leslie Bow takes the conversation much deeper. When Hello Kitty had her 50th birthday in Fall 2024, Host Carolyn Beeler talked to Bow about Hello Kitty's global fame and the meaning of the "Kawaii" style. Bow is a professor of English and Asian American Studies at the University of Wisconsin-Madison.
This interview originally aired on Oct. 31, 2024.

It's Hello Kitty's world, we're just living in it

Japan's government says keeping older folks in the workforce is one way it hopes to bolster its economy as the working-age population decreases. But most medium- and large-scale Japanese companies are enacting mandatory retirement ages — at 60 or 65. As The World's Carolyn Beeler reports, those policies are complicating efforts to keep people working longer.This story originally aired on Dec. 2, 2024.

Japan's government says keeping older folks in the workforce is one way it hopes to bolster its economy as the working-age population decreases. But most medium- and large-scale Japanese companies are enacting mandatory retirement ages — at 60 or 65. As The World's Carolyn Beeler reports, those policies are complicating efforts to keep people working longer.
This story originally aired on Dec. 2, 2024.

Mandatory retirement complicates Japan's effort to keep people working longer

Beijing and Tokyo have reached an agreement for China to import fish from Japan. The move comes after a dispute over slightly radioactive water around the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. Meanwhile, the dispute between the US and Japan over tariffs on Japanese cars exported to the US continues. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Beijing and Tokyo have reached an agreement for China to import fish from Japan. The move comes after a dispute over slightly radioactive water around the Fukushima nuclear power plant in Japan. Meanwhile, the dispute between the US and Japan over tariffs on Japanese cars exported to the US continues. Hosts Carolyn Beeler and Marco Werman have more.

Two trade deals key for Japan

Thousands of people were displaced following an earthquake in Ishikawa province in Japan in January 2024. The epicenter was on the Noto Peninsula, an area known for its traditional lacquerware crafts. Reporter Hannah Kirshner talks with some of the artisans who relocated about how their centuries-old craft continues on.This story originally aired June 17, 2024.

Thousands of people were displaced following an earthquake in Ishikawa province in Japan in January 2024. The epicenter was on the Noto Peninsula, an area known for its traditional lacquerware crafts. Reporter Hannah Kirshner talks with some of the artisans who relocated about how their centuries-old craft continues on.
This story originally aired June 17, 2024.

Lacquer craft artist still displaced by earthquake in Japan

They go by a few different names, but Japan's "listening lounges" are going through something of a revival. They're music bars where simply sitting and listening to records is the main attraction. The World's Matthew Bell reports from Tokyo.This story originally aired on Feb. 25, 2025.

They go by a few different names, but Japan's "listening lounges" are going through something of a revival. They're music bars where simply sitting and listening to records is the main attraction. The World's Matthew Bell reports from Tokyo.
This story originally aired on Feb. 25, 2025.

Japan's 'listening lounges' offer pure music, with a side of drinks

In most so-called "mega-cities" with populations over 10 million people, traffic is a mega-problem, and so is the air pollution. But Tokyo — with a population of 37 million — bucks that trend with a massive public transit system. As our Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, Tokyo may not serve as a model for other parts of the world.This story originally aired on Feb. 19, 2025.

In most so-called "mega-cities" with populations over 10 million people, traffic is a mega-problem, and so is the air pollution. But Tokyo — with a population of 37 million — bucks that trend with a massive public transit system. As our Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, Tokyo may not serve as a model for other parts of the world.
This story originally aired on Feb. 19, 2025.

How Japan created a culture of transit in a world of cars

Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are set to sign a peace deal brokered by the Trump administration in Washington today. Insurgent group M23 currently occupies areas of eastern DRC. Critics of today's peace deal note that the insurgents — who Rwanda is accused of backing — say that they aren't beholden to the agreement. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Michelle Gavin, senior fellow for Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and former ambassador to Botswana from 2011 to 2014.

Democratic Republic of Congo and Rwanda are set to sign a peace deal brokered by the Trump administration in Washington today. Insurgent group M23 currently occupies areas of eastern DRC. Critics of today's peace deal note that the insurgents — who Rwanda is accused of backing — say that they aren't beholden to the agreement. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler spoke to Michelle Gavin, senior fellow for Africa studies at the Council on Foreign Relations and former ambassador to Botswana from 2011 to 2014.

DRC and Rwanda peace deal brokered by US

Thor Pedersen, a former UN soldier originally from Denmark, went on a decade-long adventure that took him to every country in the world, but never took a flight on an airplane. By train, bus, boat and other forms of transport he covered over 220,000 miles. He got home to Copenhagen last year. Now he has a new book out about his adventure called, "The Impossible Journey." The World's Host Carol Hills spoke to Pedersen in 2023 soon after he returned home from his travels. This story originally aired on Dec. 4, 2023.

Thor Pedersen, a former UN soldier originally from Denmark, went on a decade-long adventure that took him to every country in the world, but never took a flight on an airplane. By train, bus, boat and other forms of transport he covered over 220,000 miles. He got home to Copenhagen last year. Now he has a new book out about his adventure called, "The Impossible Journey." The World's Host Carol Hills spoke to Pedersen in 2023 soon after he returned home from his travels. 
This story originally aired on Dec. 4, 2023.

How one man visited every country on Earth without taking a flight

In Syria, tens of thousands of people with connections to ISIS have been detained for years in sprawling camps. The country’s transitional government is now trying to clear those camps by sending prisoners back to their home countries. Levi Bridges reports the program is considered a success, but that success is now in jeopardy.

In Syria, tens of thousands of people with connections to ISIS have been detained for years in sprawling camps. The country’s transitional government is now trying to clear those camps by sending prisoners back to their home countries. Levi Bridges reports the program is considered a success, but that success is now in jeopardy.

Kazakhstan's bold attempt to repatriate former ISIS members

On the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu, more than a third of the population — out of about 10,000 — has applied for a chance to win a special climate change visa for Australia. The first-of-its kind visa program will allow 280 Tuvaluans to become permanent residents of Australia each year.

On the Pacific island nation of Tuvalu, more than a third of the population — out of about 10,000 — has applied for a chance to win a special climate change visa for Australia. The first-of-its kind visa program will allow 280 Tuvaluans to become permanent residents of Australia each year.

More than a third of Tuvalu applying for climate visa

This week, Venice is the site of the Bezos nuptials — as Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and one of the world’s richest men, marries Lauren Sánchez, a journalist, entrepreneur and astronaut. Venetians, themselves, however, don’t seem to be entirely onboard with the party, as reporter Angelo van Schaik with our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, has been finding out.

This week, Venice is the site of the Bezos nuptials — as Jeff Bezos, Amazon founder and one of the world’s richest men, marries Lauren Sánchez, a journalist, entrepreneur and astronaut. Venetians, themselves, however, don’t seem to be entirely onboard with the party, as reporter Angelo van Schaik with our partners at Deutsche Welle, DW, has been finding out.

Venice is the setting for Jeff Bezos' wedding celebrations

The Atacama Desert in Chile is home to a massive, and growing, mountain of discarded clothes and textiles. The items are remnants of secondhand clothes imported into the country to resell. To address the problem, the Chilean government has added textiles to its producer responsibility law. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with fashion geopolitics expert Barbara Pino about the problem, and the proposed solution.

The Atacama Desert in Chile is home to a massive, and growing, mountain of discarded clothes and textiles. The items are remnants of secondhand clothes imported into the country to resell. To address the problem, the Chilean government has added textiles to its producer responsibility law. The World's Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with fashion geopolitics expert Barbara Pino about the problem, and the proposed solution.

Chile to crack down on textile waste dumped in Atacama Desert

NBA Draft organizers didn't give Yang Hansen a prime seat at this week's Draft event in Brooklyn, New York. So, it came as a huge surprise when the Chinese center was picked 16th in the first round. The World's Bianca Hillier has more.

NBA Draft organizers didn't give Yang Hansen a prime seat at this week's Draft event in Brooklyn, New York. So, it came as a huge surprise when the Chinese center was picked 16th in the first round. The World's Bianca Hillier has more.

First round NBA Draft pick surprises league experts

Lalo Schifrin, the widely celebrated Argentine American film score composer, died yesterday at the age of 93. Schifrin was most well known for penning the "Mission: Impossible" theme music. But his career spanned seven decades and many styles of music. Host Carolyn Beeler dives into Schifrin's legacy.

Lalo Schifrin, the widely celebrated Argentine American film score composer, died yesterday at the age of 93. Schifrin was most well known for penning the "Mission: Impossible" theme music. But his career spanned seven decades and many styles of music. Host Carolyn Beeler dives into Schifrin's legacy.

Remembering Argentine American composer Lalo Schifrin

Over the last several months, international students at US campuses have found themselves caught up in political havoc. The Trump administration has announced enhanced scrutiny of student visa applications. And specifically for Harvard University, has moved to block admittance for all international students. Some colleges abroad are now stepping in to help. Kirk Carapezza covers higher education for GBH Boston and joins Host Carolyn Beeler to discuss all this.

Over the last several months, international students at US campuses have found themselves caught up in political havoc. The Trump administration has announced enhanced scrutiny of student visa applications. And specifically for Harvard University, has moved to block admittance for all international students. Some colleges abroad are now stepping in to help. Kirk Carapezza covers higher education for GBH Boston and joins Host Carolyn Beeler to discuss all this.

US schools creating contingency plans for international students

Earlier this week, Israel bombed Evin prison in Tehran, long seen as a symbol of the Iranian government’s repression. The facility has housed political prisoners, students, and activists for decades. Israeli officials called the strike a symbolic blow against oppression. But survivors describe terror and confusion, and a former hostage says the attack only deepens the suffering of those it claims to help.

Earlier this week, Israel bombed Evin prison in Tehran, long seen as a symbol of the Iranian government’s repression. The facility has housed political prisoners, students, and activists for decades. Israeli officials called the strike a symbolic blow against oppression. But survivors describe terror and confusion, and a former hostage says the attack only deepens the suffering of those it claims to help.

Former hostage condemns Israel's strike on Iranian prison

Thailand has sealed off its border with Cambodia — delivering a sharp blow to the country’s economy. Everything, from goods to tourists, is now stopped from crossing over. This is the latest strike in a dispute between the two countries, one centered around a remote piece of border land that both countries claim. The World’s Patrick Winn is following the story from Bangkok.

Thailand has sealed off its border with Cambodia — delivering a sharp blow to the country’s economy. Everything, from goods to tourists, is now stopped from crossing over. This is the latest strike in a dispute between the two countries, one centered around a remote piece of border land that both countries claim. The World’s Patrick Winn is following the story from Bangkok.

Thailand hits Cambodian economy by closing border

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler update you on headlines in the news you may have missed.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler update you on headlines in the news you may have missed.

Things you might have missed

You might think your beach resort wish list is already pretty exotic. But here’s a spot you can add if you’re up for it: North Korea. The "Hermit Kingdom" is opening a sprawling oceanfront complex in the Wonsan-Kalma tourist zone. Rachel Minyoung Lee, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center's Korea Program, tells The World’s Host Marco Werman what’s in store for tourists.

You might think your beach resort wish list is already pretty exotic. But here’s a spot you can add if you’re up for it: North Korea. The "Hermit Kingdom" is opening a sprawling oceanfront complex in the Wonsan-Kalma tourist zone. Rachel Minyoung Lee, a Senior Fellow at the Stimson Center's Korea Program, tells The World’s Host Marco Werman what’s in store for tourists.

North Korea's new destination for beach blanket bingo

At least 16 people died in Kenya, most of them killed by police, during yesterday's protests across the country against police brutality. Around 400 injuries were reported in total, including wounded police officers. Host Carolyn Beeler has more details.

At least 16 people died in Kenya, most of them killed by police, during yesterday's protests across the country against police brutality. Around 400 injuries were reported in total, including wounded police officers. Host Carolyn Beeler has more details.

Protests across Kenya leave 16 people dead

Reporter Levi Bridges recently tagged along on a modern pilgrimage to a pair of underground mosques in remote western Kazakhstan. On his journey, he witnessed a Muslim community reconnecting with traditions they'd lost during the Soviet era.

Reporter Levi Bridges recently tagged along on a modern pilgrimage to a pair of underground mosques in remote western Kazakhstan. On his journey, he witnessed a Muslim community reconnecting with traditions they'd lost during the Soviet era.

A modern pilgrimage gains popularity for Muslims in Kazakhstan

Kenyan runner Faith Kipyegon has accomplished everything a professional athlete could hope for. She's a three-time Olympic champion and holds multiple world records. But today in Paris, she set her sights on perhaps an even more ambitious goal: running a mile in under four minutes. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Kenyan runner Faith Kipyegon has accomplished everything a professional athlete could hope for. She's a three-time Olympic champion and holds multiple world records. But today in Paris, she set her sights on perhaps an even more ambitious goal: running a mile in under four minutes. The World's Bianca Hillier reports.

Nike supports Kenyan runner to push limits with "Breaking4" project

It's mango season, and that means people around the world are flocking to buy the popular fruit. In Belize, the village of Hopkins hosts an entire festival dedicated to mangoes. Stoney Ferguson of Memories Farm supplied the mangoes for this year's festival. He spoke to The World's Host Marco Werman about what makes the best mango and why he keeps his business local.

It's mango season, and that means people around the world are flocking to buy the popular fruit. In Belize, the village of Hopkins hosts an entire festival dedicated to mangoes. Stoney Ferguson of Memories Farm supplied the mangoes for this year's festival. He spoke to The World's Host Marco Werman about what makes the best mango and why he keeps his business local.

Inside the mind of a mango farmer

UNICEF has raised a warning on the border between Sudan and Chad. Hundreds of thousands of children who have fled the war in Sudan — with or without their families — are malnourished. That's to say nothing of the increasingly fatal conditions within Sudan. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Alex de Waal, the executive director of the World Peace Foundation at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

UNICEF has raised a warning on the border between Sudan and Chad. Hundreds of thousands of children who have fled the war in Sudan — with or without their families — are malnourished. That's to say nothing of the increasingly fatal conditions within Sudan. Host Carolyn Beeler speaks with Alex de Waal, the executive director of the World Peace Foundation at the Fletcher School of Law and Diplomacy at Tufts University.

Children affected by Sudan war are increasingly malnourished

This summer, Tokyo is set to surpass Paris as the second most popular destination for travelers from the US. As our Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, the massive spike in tourism is fundamentally changing life — and the economy — in the world's largest city.

This summer, Tokyo is set to surpass Paris as the second most popular destination for travelers from the US. As our Transportation Correspondent Jeremy Siegel reports, the massive spike in tourism is fundamentally changing life — and the economy — in the world's largest city.

Summer travel to Japan surges

NATO allies have agreed to a dramatic boost in defense spending — pledging to invest 5% of their economic output by 2035. The agreement was reached at a NATO summit at the Hague today. The move will be seen as a major victory for US President Donald Trump, who has long accused European members of not spending enough on collective defense. But the decision wasn’t unanimous in spirit. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry spoke to Host Carolyn Beeler.

NATO allies have agreed to a dramatic boost in defense spending — pledging to invest 5% of their economic output by 2035. The agreement was reached at a NATO summit at the Hague today. The move will be seen as a major victory for US President Donald Trump, who has long accused European members of not spending enough on collective defense. But the decision wasn’t unanimous in spirit. The World’s Europe Correspondent Orla Barry spoke to Host Carolyn Beeler.

Under US pressure, NATO members commit to historic defense spending hike

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler catch us up on a few global headlines flying under the radar.

Hosts Marco Werman and Carolyn Beeler catch us up on a few global headlines flying under the radar.

Things you may have missed

Demonstrations in Kenya mark the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests that left 60 people dead; others remain missing. They come on the heels of last week's protests against police brutality in the country. Awino Okech told The World's Host Carolyn Beeler that the protesters have more than one grievance with the government. She's a professor at the University of London in the UK and has been following the events in Kenya.

Demonstrations in Kenya mark the one-year anniversary of anti-tax protests that left 60 people dead; others remain missing. They come on the heels of last week's protests against police brutality in the country. Awino Okech told The World's Host Carolyn Beeler that the protesters have more than one grievance with the government. She's a professor at the University of London in the UK and has been following the events in Kenya.