Just as cooking failures led to new discoveries, some Japanese dishes were born out of a “mottainai” awareness that reduces food loss. I’ll introduce some Japanese cuisines that are popular among the locals, yet their origins aren’t well known...
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...
Of all the citrus fruits in the world, Japanese citrus is among the most beloved, reflecting the Japanese people’s passion for citrus. There are estimated to be more than 100 varieties of citrus fruits, ranging from seedless and sweet to tangy...
When it comes to addressing environmental issues in the fashion industry, circular fashion is gaining considerable attention. Unlike the conventional practice of disposing of unwanted items, circular fashion aims to generate zero waste through...
While Halloween celebrations have started to catch on in Japan, they are not necessarily for children to gather candies but rather for grownups to go out partying in costumes. Nonetheless, the Japanese kids grow up hearing plenty of indigenous ghost...
In a world where sustainability and eco-conscious living have taken center stage, the concept of upcycling has emerged as a remarkable way to breathe new life into old materials while reducing waste. Here, you’ll discover a delightful and...
When a homeowner leaves a house, tools of daily life that were once used in everyday life are left behind in the vacant house. These old tools are still usable, but they are thrown away as garbage, along with the memories of their owners. It is...
One of the most useful items to stockpile in the event of a disaster is food. It is recommended to stockpile at least three days to a week’s worth of emergency food, depending on the length of evacuation. Emergency provisions such as dried...
As a growing trend, many are curious to learn how to adopt a sustainable lifestyle. However, sustainable living is not a new concept in Japan. Here, it takes form in the practice of the concept of “mottanai.” In the Japanese language...
Sustainability in Japan may be somewhat of a mystery for those residing outside of the island country. Fortunately, we are here to give you 15 interesting facts about ventures, organizations, and information about the country’s efforts to move...