One might think that musical instruments are readily available in Japan, since they can be found in music colleges, music classes, school club activities, hobby circles and home. However, there are various problems and considerations to get hold of...
Have you ever seen a circular symbol made up of blue, representing the sky; black, a person holding one arm aloft; and green, symbolizing growth? Yes, you’ve probably seen it printed on a package of a chocolate bar. It’s the Fairtrade...
Urbanization was once associated with the threat of population decline in bees, but now many cities are using their limited space to boost local agriculture and business. Furthermore, bees travel within a 2-3 kilometer radius to collect nectar from...
Studies show a link between declines in bee populations and climate change. Some honey bees species can only survive within limited temperature ranges, pushing them to higher altitudes. It also means constricting them to smaller areas. It is...
In an extremely dense city like Tokyo, you can find beehives on top of high-rise buildings in areas such as Ginza and Shibuya. For instance, the Ginza Honey Bee Project was initiated by a group of people who are interested in urban beekeeping. The...
According to the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare, 1,104 people with disabilities lost their jobs between February and June 2020, increasing 16% from the same period last year. Such severe circumstances continue due to COVID-19. A plan to...
Japan is often thought to be a homogenous culture, but the reality is a little more complex. The vast majority of its population is ethnically Japanese, though there are some segments that are not. Places like Okinawa famously have their own...
Tabio Corporation and BRING have launched a sock recycling campaign. Founded in 1968, Tabio is one of Japan’s most popular sock brands. With 270 stores in Japan and several in Europe, they produce over 30 million pairs of socks for people...
Minato Mirai 21 is an urban development in Yokohama filled with museums, shopping malls and renowned hotels, all situated on a beautiful waterfront. In a bid to enhance mobility and accessibility around Minato Mirai 21, the city has initiated a...
Food waste is nothing new, and each of us has probably been guilty of throwing away a few scraps every now and then. Yet, the downsides of throwing out food add up in the long run. There are adverse effects on not only our mental health but also the...