Creating a more sustainable society and economy takes time, effort and planning. Thankfully, Japan has several initiatives towards this goal. In May, the Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry announced “Industrial Technology Vision 2020.” It is a...
Imabari City in Ehime Prefeture is known to be one of Japan’s leading shipbuilding towns in the Setouchi region, facing the Seto Inland Sea. The city prides in building beautiful ships that travel the world, but shipbuilding has its drawbacks: tens...
It’s the moment we have all been waiting for: the completion of Kamikatsu town’s Zero Waste Center. It’s been more than a year since we first heard of its plans. Now, the town’s efforts has come to fruition, and the execution is better than...
Japan Women’s University announced last month that it will start accepting transgender students, joining a recent trend among women’s universities here. In consideration of its current enrollment, it has set 2024 as the start date for entrance of...
The outbreak of COVID-19 has disrupted sources of income and reduced work opportunities in Japan. This has impacted the living situation of foreign residents. Furthermore, even after the COVID-19 State of Emergency was lifted, the food and beverage...
Significant action against climate change is required in order to avoid the worst of its effects. According to a 2018 report by the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change, we have to reduce our carbon emissions to zero by...
Food waste is not a new problem in Japan. Every year, 6.12 million tonnes of food is being thrown out. This amounts up to 132 grams of food waste per person, the equivalent of tossing out a bowl of rice every day. Furthermore, with the ongoing...
A deep blue face wash soap with Japanese Indigo extract, ‘Indigo Balancing Soap’ is now on sale from amritara, an organic cosmetics company based in Tokyo. The product attracts the eye by its alluring color, but that’s not the only benefit of adding...
It’s no secret that Kyoto is one of the largest cultural hubs in Japan. It’s no surprise given its rich history in art, theater, royalty and fashion. While also being home to some of Japan’s best and most well-known tea, Kyoto also stands out...
When it comes to pearls, perfection is the standard, mostly represented by a smooth, round shape. Ise-Shima region in Mie prefecture is known as the birthplace of Japanese pearl cultivation. The calm waters of the intricate coastline provide an...