In Japan, various dye techniques developed during the Edo period, such as kusaki-zome, a natural dyeing technique that draws colors from plants, flowers and fruit. Back then, natural pigments were used for textile dyeing, which was eco-friendly and...
Since Japan is an earthquake-prone country, preparing for disasters on a daily basis is something that every citizen is recommended to do. In Japan, September 1st is Disaster Prevention Day, which is observed to disseminate disaster prevention...
Six years of elementary school and three years of junior high school: nine years of compulsory education is provided at almost no cost to every child in Japan. Students spend approximately 200 days at school every year, taking 945-980 hours of...
From the Edo to Meiji periods, merchants called Omi-shonin (Omi is a province currently known as Shiga) traveled parts of the main island of Japan by foot to sell merchandise such as kimono, fabric and linen. The philosophy of their business was...
If you look up the sky at dusk or dawn, you may find something that looks like a shooting star, except that bright streak will last much longer than a meteor. It’s most likely to be a satellite orbiting the Earth, which is not hard to find...
Choosing a gift for someone or buying a treat for yourself from time to time is delightful. What if that shopping is sustainable or contributes to realizing a better society? Wouldn’t it be even more fulfilling? Today, we are at a point where...
Many of us have become used to carrying our reusable water bottles around when we go out. It helps us avoid buying bottled water, thus reducing plastic consumption and waste generation. Still, there are times when you run out of water. Maybe it was...
Although the current situation related to refugees in Japan indicates poor support, the current status is not so hopeless. Some businesses are starting to support refugees in Japan. People Port Corp. is a Japanese company that engages in resolving...
It’s not easy to put yourself in someone’s shoes, especially if you were born and raised in a politically, economically or environmentally stable country. Take, for instance, life in Japan. The young generation has no experience of war...
Theatergoing or art appreciation is an essential element of life for many, regardless of whether we have difficulties, illnesses or not. They are also important for young children, as art experience is an essential part of aesthetic education and...