Top 11 sustainability articles from Japan 2021

It’s been a wild year. Japan hoped to see the end of COVID in 2021, especially with its implementation of vaccinations. It has affected all aspects of life, which pains us with each news of loss and pain. But certain local governments have been shown their mantle by tiding it through with their citizens well. Now, only time will tell if Japan will be resilient to the effects of the Omicron variant.

And social good and sustainability in Japan have not weakened their efforts. While the COVID appearance in 2020 left many disarrayed, organizations have figured out how to progress despite a pandemic in 2021. These include the reevaluation of the rigid system of work, the redefinition of what a sustainable lifestyle is, and, perhaps the most important, the need for a reflection on our relationship with nature.

Here, we have compiled the ten most popular articles read in 2021, including themes from genderless fashion to sustainable lifestyle habits, from sex education to genderless uniforms, from Awai philosophy to circular economy. It is a good opportunity to revisit Japan’s issues and solutions, and to catch up on what we missed this year.

Finally, thank you for reading Zenbird in 2021. And as the Japanese say, we shall once again be in your care in 2022.

Contents

1. Genderless school uniforms is beneficial for all students in Japan
2. Understanding what’s behind Japan’s loneliness and social isolation
3. Sex Education YouTuber Shiori-nu propelling Japan to address youth needs
4. Regenerative Leadership: Wisdom from nature and regenerative system transformation
5. Why is doughnut economics important for a circular future?
6. 12 Climate change quotes by inspirational leaders
7. Win by abduction: children are the losers in Japan’s barely-there custody system
8. What is the goal of sustainable fashion?
9. New kammeko app helps you live sustainably by building habits
10. Zero Waste Market: Japan’s first zero-waste supermarket leads a packaging-free Japan
11. 5 healthy, sustainable food delivery services in Japan

Genderless school uniforms is beneficial for all students in Japan

Even though conservative aspects of Japan continue to grip the nation with gender roles, the country must eventually let go and make a change in mindset. “Genderless” is a keyword that has been grabbing more attention as awareness and understanding of gender and sexuality grows in Japan. One of the most talked-about subjects is making school uniforms genderless.

Understanding what’s behind Japan’s loneliness and social isolation

Social isolation is a one of many issues behind the many issues of Japan’s incapability to address mental health. This is exacerbated by stay-home policies when the pandemic hit the country. We look at what loneliness looks like in Japan, and how it can tackle suicides and mental-related social issues.

Sex Education YouTuber Shiori-nu propelling Japan to address youth needs

When the government cannot create change, especially in Japan’s case of addressing gender equality, it is often the grassroots that take action. Against Japan’s severe lack of sex education, Shiori Onuki stepped up to the challenge. Learn in this interview why this sex education YouTuber decided to guide the youths of Japan.

Regenerative Leadership: Wisdom from nature and regenerative system transformation

Awai is a philosophy that refers to the space in between, referring to how the world is not just defined in black and white, but rather has complex relationships between one and the other. In this event coverage, we see that nature is indeed formed by these complex relationships, and hints how we can find regenerative leadership for the world to come.

Why is doughnut economics important for a circular future?

We may think that we are only starting to understand the circular economy, but it looks like our readers are ready to learn about the doughnut economy. Indeed, the doughnut economy describes the balance between ecological ceiling and social foundation, and it’s something we should pay attention to in 2022 and onwards. Read this simple explanation in the link below (from our Compendium series).

12 Climate change quotes by inspirational leaders

Every once in a while, we need a pick-me-up, especially facing the gargantuan task of tackling the climate crisis and fighting eco-anxiety. Here is a list of quotes from some of the most prominent climate leaders of our time to invigorate us back into action.

Win by abduction: children are the losers in Japan’s barely-there custody system

In a divorce in Japan, a parent can “abduct” their own children, rendering the other unable to see the children, and the law is helpless to help. Even lawyers agree that the child suffers the most in Japan’s broken custody system. In this interview, we hear the story of one man’s fight to see his sons once again.

What is the goal of sustainable fashion?

In the excitement of the growth of sustainable and ethical fashion, we should remind ourselves what sustainable fashion is. It goes beyond the result of making fashion good for society and the environment, containing other essences we need to strive for too. (Visit our Sustainable Fashion Compendium series here.)

New kammeko app helps you live sustainably by building habits

Ever tried to start to pick up sustainable lifestyle tips, but you couldn’t carry on? The pair of co-founders from the kammeko app wants to help you sustain the habit. As we learned from this interview, you need a system to build sustainable habits that will stay with you over time.

Zero Waste Market: Japan’s first zero-waste supermarket leads a packaging-free Japan

When Japan’s first zero-waste supermarket opened, many Japanese were thrilled. It shows how parched society is, thirsting for a solution to the irresponsible use of plastics in Japan. Find out what Zero Waste Market offers in our visit to the supermarket in Kyoto! It shows us what a zero-waste lifestyle can be like.

5 healthy, sustainable food delivery services in Japan

We end this compilation with five sustainable food delivery services in Japan. Spurred on by the stay-home policies in Japan due to COVID-19, sustainable options have been finding their way into food delivery services too. From vegan kits to D2C services, this is a list you’d want to bookmark for sustainable food services.