Japanese international service NHK World–Japan is bringing National Public Radio’s “Tiny Desk Concerts” concept to Japan. The inaugural session first airs on March 29, 2024, and features singer-songwriter Fujii Kaze.
Since 2008, NPR has produced intimate online video performances of artists from the broadcaster’s headquarters in Washington, D.C. The performances are recorded at the literal desk of the show’s originator, host Bob Boilen. Boilen retired from NPR in 2023.
In bringing the Tiny Desk concept to Japan, NHK World–Japan is hoping to introduce viewers at home and abroad to new Japanese Artists, such as Fujii. Keeping true to the show’s name “Tiny Desk Concerts Japan” will originate from a smalls space at the NHK Broadcasting Center in Shibuya, Tokyo.
This is the second Asian iteration of the Tiny Desk concept. In July 2023, Korean mobile network operator LG U+ launched “Tiny Desk Korea” under license from NPR.
