What is one example of Japan’s unique food-waste solutions?

The Big Issue Japan, a social magazine sold by homeless people on the streets, is now taking up the issue of food waste by running a bakery that only opens at night. Yoru no Panya-san (Night-time Bakery) procures leftover bread from popular bakeries around Tokyo and puts them on sale again between 7:30- 10:30 p.m. every Thursday, Friday and Saturday. While bakeries try to ensure careful management of baked items, weather conditions and other external factors can lead to unsold food. This bread is given another chance before being thrown out by being offered to those who wish to support the cause or who simply enjoy an eclectic selection of baked goods.

This initiative also provides an opportunity for Big Issue vendors to work as shop staff. The sales of Big Issue magazines have been dropping due to the impact of COVID-19, one of the main reasons being the subsequent drop in numbers of people passing by. A percentage of the sales from the night-time bakery goes towards these vendors, helping them make their way out of poverty.