Maebashi’s MDC paves the way in private sector-led revitalization

Maiko Muraoka Contributing writer

Maebashi, a city in Gunma Prefecture in the northern Kanto region that once had a thriving silk industry, boasts a...

Oji seeks optimal approaches to nurturing and utilizing forests

Maiko Muraoka Contributing writer

Oji Holdings, Japan’s leading paper maker, owns and manages 635,000 hectares of forests across the globe. Forest resources — for...

Poppins Corp. provides care from babies to elderly

Maiko Muraoka
Contributing writer

Poppins Corp. was established 37 years ago to provide nanny service for working mothers. The founder was an executive who...

CCJA winner’s nonprofit Charm helps sick foreigners

Maiko Muraoka Contributing writer

This year’s grand prize of the Champion of Change Japan Award (CCJA) went to Rieko Aoki, who runs Charm, a...

Famed farm, sea products create potential for gastronomy tourism

Maiko Muraoka Contributing writer

The second panel session, moderated by Kosuke Motani, the chief senior economist at the Japan Research Institute Ltd. and an...

Yoichi event spreads strategies for rural revitalization

Maiko Muraoka Contributing writer

Experts discuss keys, challenges to Hokkaido’s success in tourism The Hokkaido town of Yoichi, historically known for whisky and rapidly...

Musubie links kids’ cafeteriasand connects communities

Maiko Muraoka Contributing writer

Sustainable Japan Award: ESG Special Award The Japanese phrase ibasho means a place where people feel they belong and are...

Hokkaido’s potential to be transmitted globally in 5th satoyama event

Maiko Muraoka Contributing writer

Ahead of the fifth event to share insights and experiences about revitalizing rural economies through the sustainable use of resources,...

Suntory nurtures water, forests and future generations

Maiko Muraoka Contributing writer

Just like Suntory Holdings says in its corporate philosophy, “To inspire the brilliance of life, by creating rich experiences for...

Shonai connects rural areas to people nationwide, global markets

Maiko Muraoka
Contributing writer

A sophisticated wooden structure overlooks fields in Yamagata Prefecture’s Shonai region, famed for its rice: Suiden Terrace, a hotel run...

Tottori wagyu and wine paired at New Otani Tokyo fair

Maiko Muraoka
Contributing writer

The Tottori Wagyu Fair is taking place at six restaurants in the Hotel New Otani Tokyo until July 15. The...

Poppins helps working women and their kids build better lives

Maiko Muraoka
Contributing writer

Poppins Corp. started providing services to support working women 37 years ago, when the concept of social entrepreneurship was not...