The leaders of Japan and the United States have been discussing how to take their relationship into a new era. Shinzo Abe and Barack Obama want to work more closely in the Asia Pacific region on issues such as trade and security. We hear from one of the key figures of this alliance. Caroline Kennedy, daughter of John F. Kennedy, is the US Ambassador to Japan.

NHK's senior commentator Aiko Doden sat down with her to talk about where the US-Japan alliance is heading and what we can learn from her father's legacy.

The Tokyo Olympic and Paralympic Games are just five years away - and ahead of the event Tokyo is making plans to turn itself into a truly global city. Standing in the way of Tokyo's aim is the challenge posed by the English language. Many people are eager to learn English, and both the public and private sectors are offering English study programs. But the reality is harsh.