Sara Yoshihara: ‘The best reaction is when a kid with allergies stops by and gets to have a treat’
A wheat allergy diagnosis prompted Hototogisu Bakery and Farm to switch to gluten-free products, which has helped foster a community.
Atsushi Murakami: ‘If Tono becomes synonymous with hops in Japan, I’ll be happy’
Atsushi Murakami has played many roles in his life, including as the creator of the Murakami Seven hop variety.
Kristopher Kwiatek: 'If you keep working hard, you'll end up somewhere pretty good'
Most parents get involved with their child's schooling at an early age and back off as they get older. Principal Kristopher Kwiatek says, "stay involved."
A photographer couple in Kyoto discusses why they prefer analog film and how they're helping their son discover his creativity.
Mayu Nakamura: ‘Why can't a woman be sexy and a mother at the same time?’
Mayu Nakamura is known for her critically acclaimed documentaries. After a hiatus, she's back with a drama that aims to change how we view older women.
Hiroto Watanabe: 'If there is no vision, there is nothing to work toward'
Youth poverty is a largely hidden problem in Japan that stems in part from a mindset that pushes young people to hide their failures.
Diane Kichijitsu: ‘Human interactions provide plenty of comedic material’
The male-dominated world of "rakugo," traditional Japanese comic storytelling, has welcomed a British woman who's in on the joke.
Biankah Bailey: ‘Poetry speaks to the heart of society as it exists from moment to moment’
During Black History Month, writer Biankah Bailey has worked with the Tokyo Poetry Journal to produce "Umoja," a book featuring the work of Black creatives.
Yu Shibuya: ‘Creating something from nothing requires a huge effort’
Yu Shibuya made the decision early on in his life to “rescue” modern Japanese culture from crass commercialism. He chose the theater as his weapon.
Bunny Awchat: ‘Cuisine should have no borders’
Bunny Awchat attended the prestigious Cordon Bleu culinary school in France. After working in Europe, he decided to follow an interest in Japanese food and arrived in Osaka.
COVID-19, diversity and art were among the things we were talking about in 2021
Paralympics announcer Jason Hancock said it best, "I feel our generation has the ability to bring a fully inclusive Japan closer to reality."
Saori Iwano: ‘Anyone who wants to make lasting change in the world is an activist’
Saori Iwano had a busy year that was capped off with her attendance at the United Nations Climate Change Conference where she picked up a few new ideas on how to approach the topic in Japan.
