environment

Japan Tackles Its Plastic Problem

From Cup Noodles to onigiri wrappers, some major Japanese businesses are taking steps to reduce plastic waste. But many experts say these…

A Subway Train in Japan Gets a Second Life…as a Vending Machine

A long-serving train car on Tokyo Metro's Ginza line isn't heading entirely for the scrapyard: a part of its gets to live…

Mottainai Culture: The History and Philosophy of Waste in Japan

Though sometimes honored more in the breach than the observance, Japan's philosophy of "waste not, want not" strongly influences everyday culture.