What is sustainable travel? We use the word “sustainability” a lot, but can you define it? It’s not easy, is it? The United Nations defines sustainability as “meeting the needs of the present without compromising the ability of future generations to...
A Tokyo-based social welfare corporation, Azalee Group, has collaborated with the non-profit organization KultureCity (USA) to make their multipurpose community facility “A-Cube” accessible to those with sensory needs and invisible disabilities...
How would you describe a women-friendly workplace? One of the most common problems facing women is related to menstruation. Some suffer from PMS or PMDD, which causes physical and emotional discomfort before, during and after periods. The symptoms...
When walking through a city in Japan, we can see various barrier-free designs such as gentle slopes, braille blocks, and voice-activated traffic signals. However, not many places and facilities have such innovations. In fact, there are only a...
“Irankarapte!” Cheerful voices greet the viewer upon the click of the play button. The owners of the voices are two young YouTubers, Maya and Yōpin. They already have more than 60 videos uploaded to their Shito-channel and have gained...
A nonprofit organization “WAIKI” from Lifecare Vision Co., Ltd., operates assisted living residences for the elderly. Recently, it has launched “Ikinuki cafe,” meaning stress relief cafe, in Osaka for children going through a tough time but who do...
The social recognition for LGBTQ people is growing, and moves toward equal rights for LGBTQ people are progressing. In Japan, same-sex marriage is not recognized yet. However, some local governments have recently introduced partnerships, and...
The pet toy industry has become keen to design products catered to the increasingly diverse lifestyles of pet owners in recent years. Some people also look for sustainable pet items. A Japanese cat play equipment brand, neuneko, released a cat tower...
Flygskam – this Swedish word, meaning “flight shame,” travelled all over Europe a few years ago to encourage people to stop flying to reduce greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions. It consequently spurred the use of another Swedish phrase, tågskryt, or...
Ever come across an apple with a bruise or a cucumber overly bent in Japanese supermarkets? Chances are you will say, “no.” Japan is particularly strict when it comes to putting vegetables and fruits out in the market. Severe standard...