Hydrogen Filling Station Utilizing Solar Panels in Japan
Honda Motor Co. has set up a solar hydrogen fuel station at the Saitama Prefectural Office. Saitama has procured its first “FCX Clarity” fuel cell electric vehicle, which its manufacturer claims is the world’s first dedicated platform electric vehicle. Over the next two years the prefecture, Honda and the local government will conduct joint testing […]
Universal Design Traffic Light in Japan
A new type of universal design traffic light that is easy to see for people suffering from a type of color vision deficiency that makes it difficult for them to distinguish between yellow and red, has been installed at intersections in Fukuoka and Tokyo. Developed by Professor Taro Ochiai at Kyushu Sangyo University, it’s said […]
Environmental Initiatives Are Prerequisites for Leading Companies in Japan
The Dentsu advertising agency released the results of a consumer awareness survey conducted in February. The greatest topics of social concern were “the environment,” followed by “natural catastrophes” and “the tax system.” Among environmental concerns, “global warming” was named first, followed by “environmental pollution” and “nuclear plant accident/spread of radioactive materials.” The survey showed a […]
Bicycle to Work in Japan!
Pandemic Cyclist Fashions Since COVID-19, more people in Japan have been commuting to their jobs by bicycle. Some are seeking healthy exercise and others ride two-wheelers out of fears that if another major quake strikes and public transport is affected, they will have no means to return to their home. Retail clothing chain AOKI has […]
Haiku and Tanka by Masaoka Shiki
Haiku by Masaoka Shiki 柿くへば Kakikuheba鐘が鳴るなり Kaneganarunari法隆寺 Horyuji <English Translation>Chewing a persimmon,I hear the temple bell tollfrom Horyuji. いくたびも Ikutabimo雪の深さを Yukinofukasawoたづねけり Tadunekeri <English Translation>Time and time againI have asked the same question:How deep is the snow? Tanka by Masaoka Shiki くれなゐの Kurenaino二尺のびたる Nishakunobitaru薔薇の芽の Baranomeno針やはらかに Hariyaharakani春雨のふる Harusamenofuru <English Translation>In bright crimson redstretching up a full two […]
Standpoint from non-Japanese: Japanese Hospitality Service
By Ian D. Robinson Greetings of "Irasshaimase!" “Irasshaimase!” How many times a day does one hear this shouted welcome in Japan? In shops, cafes, restaurants, even in the most humble establishment it is called out by service staff with a cheery sincerity. The level of friendly, polite service in Japan can almost be shocking for […]
Japan's Beauty Business
Japanese Women Are Big Consumer of Beauty Goods Japanese women are well-known to have perhaps the most excessive relationship with beauty items. According to different studies they are the world’s per capita largest spenders on beauty goods. They carry more items in their bags and purses than any other woman. Their routines are the most […]