NHK on Monday began a 24-hour all-English global broadcasting service targeting overseas viewers via satellite and the Internet.
The newly expanded NHK World TV features "NEWSLINE," a 30-minute news show broadcast on the hour, as well as programs that introduce small and medium-size businesses in Japan and English versions of popular programs, including "Today's Close-up."
The broadcasts will not be aired in Japan, but some can be seen on NHK World's Web site.
NHK began international broadcasting in 1995, currently reaching about 80 million households worldwide.
NHK plans to expand coverage areas mainly in Asia with the aim of increasing viewership to some 110 million households worldwide by March, officials said.
NHK subsidiary Japan International Broadcasting Inc. is also involved in production and other operations of the global broadcasting service.