NTT ArtTechnology shows regional art anywhere, anytime

Maiko Muraoka
Contributing writer

Culture can be a powerful tool to invigorate a region because everything else — the economy, society, education, people’s lives...

First Ronnie Prize aims to revive traditional Japanese crafts

Maiko Muraoka
Contributing writer

JapanCraft21, a volunteer group that aims to reinvigorate Japan’s traditional crafts, is launching its first Japan Traditional Craft Revitalization Contest,...

Tottori game meat spices up dinner table while curbing waste

Maiko Muraoka
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Game birds and animals have been attracting attention in recent years in Japan not only as healthy, flavorful delicacies but...

Mutsu turns waste into grapes, dolphins and history into tourism

Maiko Muraoka
contributing writer

The city of Mutsu in Aomori Prefecture, at the northern tip of Honshu, has inspiring examples of how a rural...

Citizen revitalization projects take root in Tsukuba district

Maiko Muraoka
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

In the Oda district of the city of Tsukuba, citizens are starting to engage in projects aimed at revitalizing the...

With Seino service, sell your excess stuff when you move

Maiko Muraoka
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

People who are moving tend to wonder what to do with all the items they find they don’t need. Sometimes...

How Mie preserves firms, farms, fishing and tourism

Maiko Muraoka
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Mie Prefecture, located in the center of the Japanese archipelago, has a balanced economy supported by industry, agriculture, fishing and...

Small but creative Toyooka has outsized presence

Maiko Muraoka
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

The small coastal city of Toyooka has developed renowned presence by imaginatively developing the vitality of its economy and community....

Oji turns wood into alternative materials of glass and plastics

Maiko Muraoka
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Oji Holdings, with a history of more than 140 years since its establishment, has always been a leader in Japan’s...

ESG awards recognize efforts on energy, child labor

Maiko Muraoka
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

To achieve the 17 U.N. sustainable development goals and bring a better future for all, what is needed is action...

ESG awards recognize efforts of Suntory, Fuji Oil

Maiko Muraoka
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Environmental, social and governance (ESG) factors are attracting ever more attention from all stakeholders, from investors to consumers, as some...

Harnessing the power of finance to lessen emissions from energy

MAIKO MURAOKA
CONTRIBUTING WRITER

Effective use of the power of finance is becoming more important to making significant advances in responding to climate change,...