The 2025 Japan International Exposition (Osaka / Kansai Expo) will mark the second time the World Expo is held in Osaka, following the first in 1970. Over the past half century, both Expos have shared a common mission: to present technological innovations and visions for the future of society to the world. One of the key areas drawing attention is the electrification of the automotive industry, particularly the development of EVs (electric vehicles). In recent years, as inter

July 31, 2025 Kanon Kito Osaka-Kansai Expo, started in April 2025, will focus on big global issues like climate change and aging. Its theme is “Designing a Future Society that Shines with Life.” It sounds exciting and full of hope. Recently, however, the organizers announced that pets would not be allowed inside the Expo site. This leads us to an important question: If animals that live closely with us are left out, can we really call it a society of coexistence? They’re Part

June 31, 2025 Chisato Nakatsugawa What do you think about Osaka Expo’s theme, “Designing Future Society for Our Lives.” In general, EXPO is an opportunity to present and exchange state-of-the-art technology and knowledge among many countries and areas. Although the term “Live” seems far from the latest technology, we can find a good connection between them. Through EXPO, we can find some challenges and problems in Japan related to “Lives”. Japan Is Facing Challenges of “Liv

July 24, 2025 Rino Furuya The Expo 2025 Osaka, Kansai, Japan aims to create a “super smart venue” incorporating the latest technologies such as AI, automatic translation, and advanced reservation systems for pavilions, with the goal of creating an “Expo without queues.” Has this goal been achieved? 〇Official Charactor “Myaku-Myaku” https://bestcalendar.jp/articles/press/43929　　 Truth Behind the Booking System At the Expo, many major pavilions have adopted an advanced reservat

July 24, 2025 Sora Matsuo At the Osaka Expo in 2025, various companies exhibit products that contribute to society through the “Co-design Challenge program.” Edish, which is Marubeni Corporation’s recyclable tableware focusing on ocean issues. Edish establishes an upcycling process and has the advantage of being ecological. Edish is not the first eco-product, rather similar goods were created back in 1998. The core issue is whether people actually use these products. Environm

July 24, 2025 Sayaka Nakamura When you hear the word “Expo,” what comes to your mind? Cutting-edge technology? Global cuisine? Or perhaps a moment to reflect on the future? For me, it was a powerful moment of connection between the world and myself when I visited the Osaka-Kansai Expo 2025 on May 25th. When the Future Starts with a Queue It took much longer than expected to get inside. The gates were crowded with people. Even before experiencing “the society of the future,” I

July 24, 2025 Saki Wada About three trillion yen. That’s the estimated economic impact of the Osaka-Kansai Expo, according to Japan’s Ministry of Economy, Trade and Industry. It sounds like a huge amount of money, and it seems like it will really help Japan’s economy. However, who exactly benefits from this economic effect? Big companies? The tourism industry? Or us, the people living in Japan? It's easy to get excited about big numbers and futuristic ideas. However, when we

October 24, 2024 Rino Furuya and Kanon Kito Silk, once accessible only to the wealthy, is now attracting interest from Generation Z and seniors as an enabler of a more sustainable future. Can silk, which began to be used 5,000 years ago and has been patronized as the “queen of fibers,” become a part of our lives and a means to a sustainable world? Growing Environmental Awareness Across Generations People's concern for environmental issues is gradually increasing, with the mos

November 14, 2024 Chisato Nakatsugawa and Sora Matsuo The frequency of seeing kale in Japan is perhaps less than in other countries. If so, only a few would know how delicious kale is. Saori Nakajima has been farming for 15 years, mainly in Ota city, Gunma Prefecture. Her business vision was clear and positive to engage with social issues and nature through the cultivation of multiple vegetables such as kale and eggplant, and to consume vegetables in a delicious way. Its Init

November 14, 2024 Saki Wada and Ayaka Tsuchiya ”Build a stone wall with Konnyaku.” This is a Japanese proverb that means doing impossible things. Who could imagine that a stone wall could be built with something as slimy as Konnyaku? Actually, Konnyaku is a Japanese traditional food that is tasteless. Even though there is big potential in Konnyaku. Here is the article about “the possibility of Konnyaku”. What is Konnyaku? Konnyaku is a very famous food in Japan, but it is

July 27, 2023 Akari Yoda Anime is not just a form of entertainment; it is a symbol of Japanese culture that has influenced people worldwide. In creating these works, producers have used their creativity and imagination to depict a variety of stories and characters. However, while freedom of expression is highly valued, societal changes and evolving norms have led to certain expressions becoming targets of criticism, sometimes resulting in regulation. Has this shift allowed cr

July 27, 2023 Haruka Miki Different countries and individuals have different standards of beauty. Some people strive for beauty, while others have an inferiority complex about their appearance. Sometimes beauty can change one's life. It has that much power. What is the standard of beauty for you? Trends in Cosmetic Surgery Today, more and more people are choosing cosmetic surgery as a means to achieve their ideal body. In Japan, according to the "Summary of Static/Dynamic Sur

January 27, 2024 Fuka Arai Japanese companies tend to ask job seekers to wear “recruit suits” with a black jacket, skirt/trousers, pumps, and white shirt during job hunting while companies also ask them to show their individuality and personality, which is one of the contradictory cultures in Japan. Japanese “Unique” Recruitment System Are you familiar with the Japanese recruitment method called “ikkatsu saiyou”? In the United States, for instance, companies recruit employees

January 27, 2024 Yuka Tamura Almost 80% of Japanese female university students wear makeup when going to a convenience store, as reported by Mynavi Co., a publishing company. This raises the question: why do they place so much importance on their makeup? Makeup is a Manner in Japan For many Japanese women, makeup is seen as a form of social etiquette. They prefer not to be seen without makeup, especially by people they know. Some even feel obligated to wear makeup because the

July 27, 2023 Kiwa Tomonari A Japanese cosmetics brand called Canmake Tokyo has changed their jingle from "Girls are very enjoyable!" to “You can meet KAWAII!” And the new jingle was highly praised especially by men who wear makeup. However, as of this writing, their website still carries their slogans "Girly, Pop & Shiny” and many people do not realize it. Japanese Cosmetic Brand Changed Their jingle Canmake Tokyo is a very popular brand among the younger generation in Japa

January 27, 2024 Momo Muraki There is no standard definition of "beauty." If it is truly so, you can define it whatever you like. But have you ever adjusted yourself to other people’s standards of beauty? In recent years, lookism, “prejudice or discrimination based on physical appearance,” has prevailed in Japan due to the spread of social media. Lookism has affected not only young people's appearance but also their minds. Japanese Diversity and Lack of Confidence in Appearan

June 21, 2023 Akari Kanaya Since Japan is an island country with little to no diversity compared to countries combined with various cultures, skin colors, and body shapes, it is sometimes difficult for people in Japan to embrace their bodies as it is. It leads people to have toxic habits of trying to “fit into” society. Japanese Beauty standard Double eyelids, pale smooth skin, slim body. All of these beauty standards still dictate Japanese people’s mindset till this day. Esp

July 2, 2022 Saki Nakamura Do you like your face? Do you like your shape? In Japan, a lot of young women seem not to be confident in their appearance. It affects their daily life and even harms their health when they conduct the excessive diet or unbalanced diet. It seems to closely related to the spread of “lookism.” What is Lookism? Lookism is to judge a person simply by the appearance or to discriminate on the basis of appearance. For example, it is still common in Japan t

July 3, 2022 Momoho Kumekawa Kim Kardashian, a celebrity and business person in the U.S., has launched a brand Skims, which sells underwear, loungewear, and shapewear for all women. A concept of the brand is “Solution For Every Body.” Its product line can suit changing shapes of women’s bodies. She focuses on a very unique point because such adaptive clothing has not been developed well in the underwear market yet. Although her brand has a good concept for diversity and, in f

July 2, 2022 Ayaka Bando In Japan, during the Meiji period from 1868 to 1912, almost all women were not able to get enough education. However, now there are many women who can access to the higher education. What have changed in women’s education in Japan? There are many turning points that is related to change. During Meiji period, because there was no university that women were able to enter. In 1872, Gakusei (official education system) was promulgated. This document clearl