Very often, organizations tackle one or a few aspects of SDGs (Sustainable Development Goals). This, of course, makes sense. Not everyone would be an expert to tackle all the problems present in this world. Neither does anyone have the resources to...
Mima City, located in Tokushima Prefecture, is known for Udatsu Townscape, which is a symbol of the city’s old days. The main characteristic of the buildings is the presence of “Udatsu,” extensions of the roof that served as protection from...
Sento (public bath house) is one of the traditional Japanese cultures. It is a place where people take a warm bath and have a chat in a relaxed atmosphere. You see the delicate works of Japanese artisans in the paintings, walls and floors too. Due...
Few of us will ever have the experience of moving to another country on a long-term basis. That is when we call the new place home, the place to return to. But what if you came to the realization that that you are unable to fit into the community...
The town of Kawara is located in Fukuoka, Japan. Here sits Rengeji Temple, usually protecting the Kawara town as it looks out from the side of the hill. However, for one night, it turns its attention inwards, as local residents gathered in the main...
In recent years, the concept “sharing economy” has spread gradually spreading in Japan. It’s an idea where individuals and companies mutually share their idle resources, thereby circulating and building the economy efficiently, in a wasteless...
Japan welcomed the new era of Reiwa in May this year, with many Japanese visiting the shrines, participating in a mark of change in history. These Shinto shrines have been the oasis providing emotional support for the past millennium. And now, the...
In downtown Kamaishi City, in Japan’s northeastern Iwate Prefecture, I asked a taxi driver to take me to Nakamise Street. “Nakamise Street?” he says. “It’s just a shuttered shopping strip.” “The place used to bustle with life,” he added. It was just...
For centuries Japan has portrayed itself as a mono-racial nation of people with straight, jet black hair. However, a recent television commercial has sparked discussions not only about how wrong that idea is, but also about how detrimental it is to...
Hirota is a town in Rikuzen Takata city, Iwate Prefecture; everyday young people relocate here, providing a breath of fresh air. They are organizing events which involves the locals, and are promoting a vacation rental business. In the background...