Affairs

In Focus

Discover the extraordinary role that Japan plays in driving innovation and improving lives in cities and societies around the world. Join us as we meet the inventors and inspirational figures at the heart of these stories of progress in technology, sustainability, inclusivity and establishing global benchmarks.

Latest episode

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 of biomass waste to purifying water in developing countries.

Play most recent

View in schedule

Latest episodes

Episode	Date	Description	Download	Play
7	27 Aug 2020 11 min	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 of biomass waste to purifying water in developing countries.	Download Share X Facebook LinkedIn LINE Email	Play
6	20 Aug 2020 15 min	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, from coffee shops to disaster relief.	Download Share X Facebook LinkedIn LINE Email	Play
5	13 Aug 2020 12 min	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 clean up its oceans, and how Japan’s research into microplastics could help other nations around the world.	Download Share X Facebook LinkedIn LINE Email	Play
4	6 Aug 2020 13 min	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, when it comes to eco-friendly clothing manufacturing, Japan’s fashion history continues to inspire contemporary designers.	Download Share X Facebook LinkedIn LINE Email	Play
3	30 Jul 2020 14 min	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 learn how generating energy locally is as good for the economy as it is for the environment.	Download Share X Facebook LinkedIn LINE Email	Play
2	14 Jan 2020 18 min	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.	Download Share X Facebook LinkedIn LINE Email	Play
1	23 Nov 2019	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 creating conversation between those who speak different languages or giving disabled people the independence to navigate cities.	Download Share X Facebook LinkedIn LINE Email	Play
0	21 Nov 2019 1 min	In Focus Introducing our brand-new programme exploring Japan’s role in driving innovation and improving lives worldwide, through technology, sport and cultural exchange. We meet inventors, athletes and communities looking forward to a more inclusive future.	Download Share X Facebook LinkedIn LINE Email	Play

Affairs

In Focus

Latest episode

Latest episodes

How rice husks could help the world

The friendly face of robotics

Navigating our oceans’ plastics crisis

Buckling down to create a sustainable future

Re-energising local ecology and economy

Taking strides to empower women

Talking to the world

In Focus