Recently, we featured the spirit of “shimatsu no kokoro” when we had an insight into Kyoto’s blueprint for a Circular Economy. It holds a foundational concept that may even “precede” mottainai, which is a dislike in creating waste...
Notifications from emails and messages. Relentless streams of news and social media updates. From the moment we wake up to the time we fall asleep, our minds are crowded with an endless list of to-dos. Amid the vague anxiety of wanting to achieve...
Kameoka City in Kyoto Prefecture will open a museum on Monday, 1 September, dedicated to the Edo-period philosopher Ishida Baigan, whose teachings on ethics and commerce are finding new relevance in today’s discourse on corporate social...
The Japanese organisation Inochi Kaigi has launched a new initiative to promote biodiversity conservation by re-examining the nation’s traditional views on nature. The project is part of its “100 Actions” campaign, aiming to demonstrate...
Those who are familiar with the “Bunshin robot” OriHime will already know how these little robotic creatures empower people with disabilities to work in a creative new way. So, we were quite excited when we learnt that a trial guided tour was going...
Matsuri, or Japanese festivals, are ideal for sustainability. Originally a ritual to respect kami and nature, these festivals have evolved to become a symbol for community building, a connection to nature, and even sustainable leadership...
“I vividly remember picking up a book in a bookstore, titled ‘Revolution in Ecological Materials,’ authored by Professor Ryoichi Yamamoto from the University of Tokyo. I was struck by the message that the Earth was in danger and that a...
Food culture during Japan’s Edo period (1603–1868) gives us significant insights into sustainability that we may take hints from, and they may be used against modern environmental challenges. A study of this era reveals origins of contemporary...
At Ise Jingu, one of Japan’s most revered Shinto shrines, a sacred tradition known as Shikinen Sengu is observed every 20 years. During this ceremony, a new shrine is constructed adjacent to the existing one, and the sacred object known as the...
Nissin Foods, Calbee, and Yakult are three major Japanese companies that have significantly influenced the food industry. These three brands are now so popular that they can be easily found in grocery stores outside Japan. However, not many are...