News On Japan

How centuries of self-isolation turned Japan into one of the most sustainable societies on Earth

Aug 11 (econotimes.com) - At the start of the 1600s, Japan’s rulers feared that Christianity – which had recently been introduced to the southern parts of the country by European missionaries – would spread.

In response, they effectively sealed the islands off from the outside world in 1603, with Japanese people not allowed to leave and very few foreigners allowed in. This became known as Japan’s Edo period, and the borders remained closed for almost three centuries until 1868.

This allowed the country’s unique culture, customs and ways of life to flourish in isolation, much of which was recorded in art forms that remain alive today such as haiku poetry or kabuki theatre. It also meant that Japanese people, living under a system of heavy trade restrictions, had to rely totally on the materials already present within the country which created a thriving economy of reuse and recycling). In fact, Japan was self-sufficient in resources, energy and food and sustained a population of up to 30 million, all without the use of fossil fuels or chemical fertilisers.

The people of the Edo period lived according to what is now known as the “slow life”, a sustainable set of lifestyle practices based around wasting as little as possible. Even light didn’t go to waste – daily activities started at sunrise and ended at sunset.

Clothes were mended and reused many times until they ended up as tattered rags. Human ashes and excrement were reused as fertiliser, leading to a thriving business for traders who went door to door collecting these precious substances to sell on to farmers. We could call this an early circular economy. ...continue reading

News On Japan
POPULAR NEWS

A deepening labor shortage in Japan’s construction industry is beginning to impact homebuyers, with some experiencing delays of more than six months before construction can even begin due to a lack of available carpenters.

From April 1st, a new regulation took effect across Osaka Prefecture requiring all restaurants with a customer seating area larger than 30 square meters to become entirely smoke-free indoors—unless they install a designated smoking room. Establishments violating the rule face fines of up to 50,000 yen, while customers may be fined up to 30,000 yen.

The Imperial Household Agency launched an official YouTube channel on April 1st to introduce the activities of Emperor Naruhito and Empress Masako.

Japan's new fiscal year began on April 1st, with companies across the country holding entrance ceremonies to welcome new employees.

The Japanese government has released an updated damage forecast for a potential Nankai Trough megaquake, estimating that up to 298,000 people could die in the worst-case scenario. This projection reflects a slight reduction from the previous estimate of 332,000 deaths made 13 years ago.

MEDIA CHANNELS
         

MORE Education NEWS

The Osaka Prefectural Board of Education has decided to move the general entrance exam date for public high schools to March 1st, starting three years from now.

The Imperial Household Agency announced that Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of the Akishino family, who will begin his studies at the University of Tsukuba this spring, will have a private apartment prepared near the university for potential solo living.

A cultural event at JR Asahikawa Station on Friday introduced children to traditional Ainu dance, aiming to preserve the heritage of Japan’s indigenous people.

Uragawa Elementary School in Tenryu Ward, Hamamatsu City, closed its doors after 151 years, marking the end of an era for the Uragawa district. Established in 1874, the school was the last remaining elementary school in the area, where there were once four.

"My horoscope tells me about my strengths and weaknesses, the best and worst parts of my personality, how my day is going, and who I am most connected with... it can even help me make smart decisions, like whether to date Todd."

Prince Hisahito, the eldest son of Prince Akishino and Princess Kiko, attended his final day of high school on March 18th. The Imperial Household Agency released a set of photos marking his time at Tsukuba University High School, including images of him playing badminton.

People usually prefer that they enhance their beauty by natural supplements rather than going for unnecessary dermatological procedures.

The need for communication is at the very heart of all our interactions and relationships. This is equally true in the professional world, where we can collaborate with companies on the other side of the world as easily as we can with those just down the street.