Kyoto City is leveraging its history, culture, and a deep-rooted sense of “Shimatsu-no-kokoro”—a spirit of mindful frugality and respect for resources—to lead the transition to a circular economy. It aims to forge a new urban future...
Iruma City is launching a new initiative for well-being: the Miyadera-Nihongi District eSports Model Project. This programme integrates eSports into a community-based care framework for the elderly and has gained attention as one of Japan’s more...
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...
Spring is approaching, but chilly days still linger. As the cold weather continues, many people find comfort in a warm bath. For Japanese people, bathing is not just a way to unwind but also a cultural tradition for staying warm, as seen in hot...
You have likely heard the phrase “get your mind right,” which emphasizes the importance of both physical and mental well-being. This column explores authentic Japanese practices for achieving this balance. Why is resetting the body and mind...
Kunio Yanagita’s concept of “Hare” and “Ke” is a key idea in Japanese folklore studies and cultural anthropology. It explains the contrast between special moments and daily routines in traditional Japanese life. The...
How do we maintain our well-being when we might live over 100 years? Japan boasts the world’s longest average life expectancy at 84.6 years (the number is higher for women at 87.14 years), trailed by Singapore’s 83.7 years and Australia and Norway’s...
Japanese people have long loved fall as the harvest season, satisfying their appetites with seasonal flavors, especially fruits. Even today, they eagerly participate in activities celebrating the taste of fall. In honor of the upcoming SDGs Week...
It took a long time to get out of the traffic in Tokyo, and by the time I noticed, it was pitch dark outside. As I drove down a road without even streetlights, I saw something along the white line. Was it a living creature or just an object? I...
Are you looking for your next travel destination? We previously talked about Aomori Prefecture as the hot spot for wellness tourism in Japan. There are other places full of attractions throughout the country, although most of them are not yet...