News Headline
Nippon TV appoints Satoru Hiramatsu as global content MD
Mumbai: Nippon TV Japan’s leading multiplatform entertainment powerhouse, announced the appointment of Satoru Hiramatsu to the position of managing director of global ontent business. Hiramatsu, previously from Nippon TV’s linear and streaming programming division, will now report directly to Yuzo Kuwahara, operating officer and president of content business, and replaces Mikiko Nishiyama who is now executive advisor of global strategy headquarters.
In his new position, Hiramatsu will oversee the global content sales and promotion team that is responsible for the company’s success of its internationally acclaimed formats led by Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank, Old Enough! and Mother, and further expand Nippon TV’s presence in the industry.
“Nippon TV is one of Japan’s leading content companies, with the longest history among private television networks and consistently earning the highest ratings in the country. Several of our formats, including Dragons’ Den/Shark Tank, Old Enough! and Mother, have already garnered international acclaim. However, Nippon TV still holds a wealth of equally creative formats and ideas that have yet to be fully introduced to the world,” commented Hiramatsu “My goal is to promote these new IP in a timely and compelling manner. I believe that the global content market is witnessing a rising wave of interest in Japanese-origin content, not only in anime but also in live-action formats. At Nippon TV, we aim to play a pivotal role in amplifying this wave by working closely with our global partners.”
Hiramatsu began his career at Nippon TV’s news department, where he covered national and international news, including the September 11th terrorist attacks in the U.S. in 2001 and the East Japan earthquake and tsunami in 2011. He played a key role in the launch of News Zero, the most famous and popular nightly news program on the Japanese commercial network, which he produced and helped grow into the ongoing success it is today. After his time in the news, Hiramatsu transitioned to
Nippon TV’s advertising sales division and content marketing division. Prior to this new position as managing director of global content business, he was responsible for determining Nippon TV’s broadcast schedule at the programming division, including the programming and launch of new programs.
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.
