Environmental activism is at the heart of Nagoya's international community
The search for friendship and community among foreign residents of Nagoya has become intimately tied to environmental education and activism.
How COVID-19 is forcing us to re-examine food waste
The pandemic is breaking down the "invisible wall" between food producers and consumers. But is it enough to change wasteful habits?
A self-described "multipassionate" entrepreneur, Gizem Sakamaki's main source of joy is a sustainable food culture.
Travel to Kamikatsu for a green epiphany: ‘Zero waste is about knowing yourself’
The INOW program allows visitors to fully immerse themselves in Kamikatsu’s renowned zero-waste lifestyle.
Top 5: Food trends our critics want to see Japan embrace in 2021
Eyes (and stomachs) are already turning to 2021. Five of The Japan Times’ critics share the dining trends they’d like to see the country embrace.
20 Questions: The best answers of 2020
The 20 Questions format aims to get people in Japan to tell us about their thoughts and beliefs in their words. Here are some of the most interesting answers from 2020.
Japan’s first community fridge opens in Okayama
The Kitanagase Community Fridge provides free food, produce and household goods to low-income families.
Material Market finds beauty in recycling Japan’s craft waste
With a slick, minimalist design, Material Market is one of the few ventures in Japan that allows the general public to purchase craft waste materials.
Cheap, spacious, crowd-free: Rural Japan is having a moment with the foreign community
Laura Blackhall took a risk purchasing an empty house in the Ibaraki countryside. Amid and following a pandemic, though, it's a choice that just might pay off.
Joy Jarman-Walsh: 'Japan could be a world-leader in post-COVID-19 travel'
Joy Jarman-Walsh pushes sustainable tourism in her podcasts and YouTube series, and she's optimistic about Japan's role in it.
An outsider's look at the problems plaguing rural Japan
When new people come to town they bring a flurry of new ideas with them. In the small town of Nakatsugawa, this has meant an exciting cultural exchange.
Pandemic accelerates development of eco-friendly, plant-based 'meat' in Japan
New production methods harnessing cutting-edge technologies enable consumers to enjoy healthy, plant-based products with tastes similar to conventional meat.
