In Focus
Latest Episodes
How rice husks could help the world
We look at a new technology called Triporous – a porous carbon material made from rice husks – and discuss the various global issues it could help to solve. These range from the disposal…
The friendly face of robotics
Robots are well established in industrial settings but could they ever successfully work alongside humans in the service industry? We find out how they are being adapted in Japan for use across all sectors,…
Navigating our oceans’ plastics crisis
As the issue of plastic pollution in the seas climbs the agenda, we meet Dr Sanae Chiba from the Japan Agency for Marine-Earth Science and Technology to find out about the country’s efforts to…
Buckling down to create a sustainable future
We visit the city of Kiryu to find innovative new models for sustainable fashion businesses, which are using a combination of locally sourced materials and labour, technology and traditional techniques. We also discover how,…
Re-energising local ecology and economy
We visit Toyooka City, where organic farming has boosted biodiversity and enticed back its emblematic bird – and the return of the oriental stork has attracted more visitors. We also visit Yonago City to…
Taking strides to empower women
We head to Nagai City and Dar es Salaam to find out how Japan is encouraging equality in sport through Ladies First, which helps female Tanzanian athletes achieve their potential.
Talking to the world
We visit Tokyo to find out how Japan is driving innovation for inclusive societies. We meet the minds behind two technologies, ‘LiveTalk’ and ‘Nin_Nin’, which are helping people become better connected, whether it’s by…
