Japan is seeing an increase in foreign arrivals, including a surge in refugee status applicants. Many struggle due to a lack of residency status, making them ineligible for essential services like health insurance and work permits. This pushes them...
The concepts of mottainai and zero waste form a powerful pair against the detrimental convention of mass consumption. Zero waste is a movement to reduce waste and re-evaluate our consumerist lifestyle, and having a sense of mottainai cultivates the...
As renewable energy rapidly expands worldwide, solar power has gained prominence alongside established sources like hydropower and wind energy. By the end of 2021, solar power capacity surpassed 900 GW while wind power exceeded 800 GW, both...
Wabi-sabi is a Japanese aesthetic that finds beauty in imperfection, impermanence, and the natural cycle of growth and decay. You can find in it the weathered surface of an old wooden temple, the worn leather of a favourite chair that becomes softer...
Kunio Yanagita’s concept of “Hare” and “Ke” is a key idea in Japanese folklore studies and cultural anthropology. It explains the contrast between special moments and daily routines in traditional Japanese life. The...
Upsoil Company Inc. is contributing to the circular economy for gardening with “upsoil” and “Circular Soil,” two products designed to make soil recycling easy, reduce waste, and promote sustainable practices. The inspiration...
CRASSO is a collaborative open factory event in eastern Kagawa, Shikoku Prefecture, where local manufacturers and artisans unite to showcase their crafts and engage with the community. Local manufacturers and artisans open their production sites to...
Youth-led environmental groups across Japan have intensified their calls for the government to adopt stronger greenhouse gas reduction targets as the country approaches a critical climate policy review. The government’s current proposal, a 60%...
Rinne.bar, a creative upcycling space operated by RINNE Inc., is marking its fifth anniversary in February 2025 by launching a crowdfunding campaign to raise 5 million yen. The funds will sustain operations for six months at its Shin-Okachimachi...
“Why do we feel good when we enter a forest?” City life’s relentless noise and pace can overwhelm urban dwellers, causing stress and fatigue. Escaping to nature offers a vital relief, restoring one’s peace and balance. Spending time in the...