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Nippon TV brews bold global play with Gyokuro Studio and LA hub
MUMBAI: Nippon TV is taking its global ambitions seriously—and stylishly. Japan’s leading multiplatform entertainment giant has just unveiled Gyokuro Studio, a premium content label for international audiences, and Nippon TV LA Business Office, a full-fledged U.S. outpost opening in July to chase co-productions and IP sales across North America and Latam.
The Tokyo-based Gyokuro Studio—named after Japan’s most exquisite green tea—plans to roll out 10 unscripted titles a year, aiming for a full-bodied portfolio of 100 global-ready formats in the next decade. It promises the same handcrafted quality as its namesake tea, brewed through a blend of in-house talent and heavyweight co-creators. Think less sushi bar, more global showbiz kitchen.
Kenichiro Akiyama, veteran chief producer of prime-time hits, will head the new studio. “We are restructuring our production framework from a domestic-focused model to one designed for global rollout, accelerating the development of a robust foundation for creating content that resonates with audiences worldwide,” said Akiyama. “We will actively engage in truly global ‘co-creation’ with our production partners both in Japan and abroad, and together we will strive to generate new needs and value in the global entertainment market. We will continue to take on new challenges every day, aiming to build a strong and sustainable presence.”
Meanwhile, the Los Angeles office will be led by Tom Miyauchi, vice president of Nippon TV International and the man behind the Canadian adaptation of cult favourite Old Enough!. Miyauchi moves to LA in June and kicks off operations in July.
“With the launch of our Los Angeles business hub at the forefront of the global entertainment market, we are here to tap into the pulse of local trends and connect with global audiences with precision and agility. By strengthening collaboration and co-creation with valued partners and creators, our aim is to lead every phase of the content journey – from content development and full-scale production to distribution and international rollout, and the establishment of local production frameworks. In collaboration with Gyokuro Studio, we aim to pioneer new frontiers for globally driven entertainment, proudly originating from Japan.”said Miyauchi.
Nippon TV has been flexing its format muscles globally, with Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank spawning 52 versions across 186 countries and Mother crowned as Asia’s most exported scripted format. Add to that the viral Old Enough! and Netflix-fuelled anime success, and you’ve got a broadcaster not just chasing trends—but setting them.
Now with Studio Ghibli in its corner, Nippon TV is stacking its global arsenal. The new studio and LA office mark a strategic two-punch play, positioning Japan’s content powerhouse to charm the west, one gyokuro-infused idea at a time.
NEW DELHI: Hamdard Laboratories gathered a cross-section of India’s achievers in New Delhi on Friday, handing out the Hakeem Abdul Hameed Excellence Awards to figures who have left their mark across healthcare, education, sport, public service and the arts.
The ceremony, attended by minister of state for defence Sanjay Seth and senior officials from the ministry of Ayush, celebrated individuals whose work blends professional success with a sense of public purpose. It was as much a roll call of achievement as it was a reminder that influence is not measured only in profits or podiums, but in people reached and lives improved.
Among the headline awardees was Alakh Pandey, founder and chief executive of PhysicsWallah, recognised for turning affordable digital learning into a mass movement. On the sporting front, Arjuna Awardee and kabaddi player Sakshi Puniya was honoured for her contribution to the game and for pushing women’s participation onto bigger stages.
The cultural spotlight fell on veteran lyricist and poet Santosh Anand, whose songs have echoed across generations of Hindi cinema. At 97, Anand accepted the honour with characteristic humility, reflecting on a life shaped by perseverance and hope.
Healthcare honours spanned both modern and traditional systems. Manoj N. Nesari was recognised for strengthening Ayurveda’s place in national and global health frameworks. Padma shri Mohammed Abdul Waheed was honoured for his research-backed work in Unani medicine, while padma shri Mohsin Wali received recognition for his long-standing contribution to patient-centred care.
Education and social development also featured prominently. Padma shri Zahir Ishaq Kazi was honoured for decades of work in education, while former Meghalaya superintendent of Police T. C. Chacko was recognised for public service. Goonj founder Anshu Gupta received an award for his dignity-centred rural development initiatives, and the Hunar Shakti Foundation was honoured for empowering women and young girls through skill development.
The Lifetime Achievement Award went to former IAS officer Shailaja Chandra for her long career in public healthcare and governance, particularly in the traditional systems under Ayush.
Speaking at the event, Hamdard chairman Abdul Majeed said the awards were a tribute to those who combine excellence with empathy. “These awardees reflect Hakeem Sahib’s belief that healthcare, education and public service must ultimately serve humanity,” he said.
Minister Seth struck a forward-looking note, saying India’s young population gives the country a unique opportunity to become a global destination for learning, health and wellness by 2047.
The ceremony also featured the trailer launch of Unani Ki Kahaani, an upcoming documentary starring actor Jim Sarbh, set to premiere on Discovery on 11 February.
Instituted in memory of Unani scholar and educationist Hakeem Abdul Hameed, the awards have grown into a national platform that celebrates those building a more inclusive and resilient India. For one evening at least, the spotlight was not just on success, but on service with substance.
