20 QUESTIONS

Student startup incubator Sekai Creator founder Steve Sakanashi on the most creative pitch he's ever heard, what sets Japanese youth apart from their American counterparts and how he kicks off his mornings.

Photographer Yuta Kato on his "Hazime-Mashite" project, his experience in Vancouver and his go-to karaoke song.

Choral conductor Masatoshi Takami on how he prepares pieces for performance, what surprised him about the American Midwest and which movie has the best soundtrack.

Name: Craig Mod Age: 38 Nationality: American Occupation: Writer Likes: Myōga (Japanese ginger) Dislikes: Mukade (centipedes) 1. What first brought you to Japan? University brought me. Friends, family, walks and a relatively well-functioning socialist layer of society keep me based here. 2. How should people answer the "where are you from" ...

Name: Kenro Taura Age: 62 Nationality: Japanese Occupation: Executive director of Kiko Network Likes: Justice and equal rights, positive thinking Dislikes: Selfishness, authority 1. What does Kiko Network do? Kiko Network is an environmental non-governmental organization that works to tackle climate change by bringing forth major changes in society. 2. How ...

Meet the man who has only used a toilet 14 times this century: "Poop soil master" Masana Izawa explains the philosophy behind his carefully perfomed outdoor bathroom habits.

Now that technology has made it so easy to get the word out, it's a great time for Japanese brands to join the Asian online marketplace says David Wang of Pinkoi.

Once an anatomical model maker, always an artist, Freyja Dean's work is inspired by science and mythology — and a little prog rock.

One of Japan's emerging leaders in the sake world talks about the delight of discovering Japan's renowned beverage.