National May 1, 2022
Local Japanese governments aim to reduce plastic refuse and the emission of carbon dioxide from incineration at a time when marine plastic waste has become a serious problem.
National / Science & Health Oct 31, 2021
Into the 'plastisphere': Scientists comb Japan waters to study new eco-threat
by Etienne Balmer and Hiroshi Hiyama
Despite Japan's claims of high recycling rates and clean waterways, microplastics are being netted and analyzed off the country's coast.
Commentary / World Oct 28, 2020
Banning glitter won’t save the oceans
by Adam Minter
Those sparkly bits of plastic that make ornaments twinkle, wrapping paper glimmer and wreaths shimmer are increasingly seen as an environmental hazard.
Commentary / World Sep 22, 2020
Don’t give up on recycling plastics
by Adam Minter
Fortunately for the world, the recycling industry has a history of transforming what was previously “unrecyclable” into useful products. It’s poised to do so again.
Voices | FOREIGN AGENDA Jan 13, 2020
How my local Japanese supermarket killed 'Methuselah'
by William Lang
We all try to do our part for the environment, William Lang's contribution was "Methuselah," his trusty (and banged up) reusable shopping bag.
Business Aug 12, 2019
German minister prepares law to ban plastic bags after voluntary efforts by businesses fail
Germany plans a law to ban the use of plastic bags because voluntary agreements with retailers to curb usage have not yielded good enough results, Environment Minister Svenja Schulze said on Sunday. "My ministry will get a plastic bag ban on its way," she said, ...
Our Lives | JAPAN LITE Apr 21, 2019
The lesson from one student-led trash pick-up is that everyone needs to do their part
by Amy Chavez
It's April on Shiraishi Island in Japan's Seto Inland Sea. The nights are still crisp, dipping to 4 degrees Celsius, but the sky is clear and the stars arc over the beach like thousands of glittery sequins on a pop idol's stage dress. The ...
Commentary / World Jan 28, 2018
Better plastics for healthier seas
by Michael Stephen
The world does not need new bans or taxes on plastics. Rather, it needs people who work with plastic to take advantage of technological advances that make it safer for the environment.
Music | STRANGE BOUTIQUE Jan 28, 2014
Music scene loses a legend after Plastics' member Masahide Sakuma dies
by Ian Martin
On Jan. 16, 2014, the musician and producer Masahide Sakuma died after losing his battle with cancer. He was 61. I only had the pleasure of meeting Sakuma on a couple of occasions, but I was lucky enough on one of them to see him ...
Commentary / World | SENTAKU MAGAZINE Dec 23, 2008
As the odds grow that the No. 1 opposition Democratic Party of Japan will take the reigns of government after the next general elections, the focus in the Japanese political arena is shifting to the lineup of a Cabinet headed by DPJ leader Ichiro ...