On The Focus tonight we look into the civil war in Syria, where Russian airstrikes have transformed the conflict and made a complex situation even more complicated. As the turmoil enters a new phase after four and a half years, we ask whether what began as a domestic conflict is turning into a proxy war between two of the most powerful nations in the world.

Japanese film director Naomi Kawase is renowned for making independent movies that take on difficult social issues. Kawase has won many awards, including at the Cannes Film festival. Her latest work, "An" is set to be released in over 40 countries. It focuses on the social prejudice that affects a Japanese community. NHK looks at the themes of Kawase's films and the inspiration she takes from her own lifestyle.