speaks with hospital staff at his Kissa Rinri (Ethics Cafe) at Miyazakihigashi National Hospital in late June. TOMOKO OTAKE PHOTO

Clad in blue apron, he actually does serve customers. But they are by and large medical professionals who seek his counsel on life and death issues, ranging from whether to switch off the artificial respirator of a baby with no chance to recover, to dealing with a family who wants their mother, in a vegetative state, kept alive so they can continue to receive her pension income.

Our Planet

An employee of Daikin Cambodia explains the use of different tools during an air conditioner installation training session in Phnom Penh. Daikin is one of Japan’s oldest air conditioning companies, but as Japan’s population falls, the firm is keying in on overseas growth.
As Southeast Asia heats up, a Japanese cooling giant sees a major opportunity

Longform

Mount Fuji is considered one of Japan's most iconic symbols and is a major draw for tourists. It's still a mountain, though, and potential hikers need to properly prepare for any climb.
What it takes to save lives on Mount Fuji