Nobody expects the Japanese national team to go very far at the upcoming FIFA World Cup in South Africa, but that isn't going to stop television stations from dreaming. TBS will get the ball rolling, so to speak, on Thursday night with a special two-hour preview, "2010 FIFA World Cup Kaimaku Zenyasai" (2010 FIFA World Cup Opening Eve Festival; 7 p.m.).

The program will explain all the teams competing this year and their prospects. Countries that have figured prominently in past World Cups will be described using footage from history-making matches. There will also be lots of humorous anecdotes from members of Japan's team, including superstar Shunsuke Nakamura.

Several months ago, NHK launched an ambitious music appreciation show hosted by keyboardist- composer Ryuichi Sakamoto called "Sukora" (Schola; NHK-E, Sat., 11:45 p.m.). Every month, Sakamoto surveys a specific genre or subsection of music over the course of four weekly half-hour programs. He explores the roots of the musical topic in discussions with guests who provide special insight.