Kendama: Simple Toy, Powerful Connection

Join our PR team as we head to Fukushima to discover a transportation system that might just change how we get around—by building roads in the sky.In this episode, we introduce Zippar, a next-generation transportation system developed by Zip Infrastructure. It looks like a ropeway, but works in reverse: the rope stays still, and the cabin drives itself. You'll hear what it's like to ride one—not a roller coaster thrill, but something surprisingly calm and quiet. So quiet, you can even hear insects outside.You'll also learn why Fukushima became the home for this innovation. After the 2011 earthquake, the region launched a national project focused on "creative reconstruction"—not just rebuilding, but creating entirely new industries.And here's what makes it practical: construction costs at 1/3 of light rail, timelines cut from years to about 1 year, and fully autonomous operation—ideal for areas facing driver shortages. With plans for public roads by 2033 and growing attention from Asia, this Fukushima-born technology could soon help ease traffic far beyond Japan.A story of recovery, innovation, and reimagining how we move.Related articles or posts:https://www.japan.go.jp/topics/2026/11/japans_self-driving_ropeway.html□JapanGovhttps://www.japan.go.jp/　https://www.facebook.com/JapanGov/　https://x.com/japangov/https://www.linkedin.com/company/japangov/　https://www.instagram.com/japangov_official/　□Prime Minister's Office of Japanhttps://japan.kantei.go.jp/https://www.youtube.com/@pmojapan　https://www.facebook.com/Japan.PMO　https://x.com/JPN_PMO/https://www.instagram.com/kantei/

Join our PR team as we explore an unexpected partnership between a small Japanese company and Kenyan farmers—built not on aid, but on working together.In this episode, we introduce Rinnesha, a Japanese company making mosquito-repelling incense from 100% natural ingredients. The key ingredient? Pyrethrum—a white, daisy-like flower actually grown in Kenya.You'll hear how a chance encounter led to a surprising connection. Kenyan farmers had long grown pyrethrum, but only exported it as raw material. Through their partnership with Rinnesha, they began exploring ways to turn this locally grown resource into finished products.Rather than simply teaching skills and leaving, Rinnesha helped farmers form a cooperative union—a system where they could process, produce, and sell incense themselves. It's not about doing business in Kenya. It's about doing business together with people in Kenya.A story of connection, trust, and shared growth across continents.Related articles or posts:https://www.japan.go.jp/topics/2026/10/reviving_kenyas_pyrethrum_together.html□JapanGovhttps://www.japan.go.jp/　https://www.facebook.com/JapanGov/　https://x.com/japangov/https://www.linkedin.com/company/japangov/　https://www.instagram.com/japangov_official/　□Prime Minister's Office of Japanhttps://japan.kantei.go.jp/https://www.youtube.com/@pmojapanhttps://www.facebook.com/Japan.PMOhttps://x.com/JPN_PMO/https://www.instagram.com/kantei/

Join our PR team as we explore a surprising Japanese innovation that uses light to keep fruits and vegetables fresh longer.In this episode, we introduce iR Fresh, a patented technology developed by Shikoku Research Institute in Kagawa Prefecture. Using near-infrared light—the same type found in ordinary TV remotes—the technology triggers plants' natural defense mechanisms, helping reduce water loss and slow spoilage.You'll hear how decades of research and trial and error led to a world-first discovery, and why it initially gained more attention overseas than in Japan. We also explore how innovations like this can reduce waste while bringing real benefits to farmers—like protecting brand value and helping them get properly rewarded for their work.Food loss is a global challenge. Reducing it with light is a simple idea—but one with the potential to make agriculture more sustainable around the world.Related articles or posts:https://www.japan.go.jp/topics/2026/09/japans_new_foodtech.html□JapanGovhttps://www.japan.go.jp/　https://www.facebook.com/JapanGov/　https://x.com/japangov/https://www.linkedin.com/company/japangov/　https://www.instagram.com/japangov_official/　□Prime Minister's Office of Japanhttps://japan.kantei.go.jp/https://www.youtube.com/@pmojapan　https://www.facebook.com/Japan.PMO　https://x.com/JPN_PMO/https://www.instagram.com/kantei/

Join our PR team as we explore how drone technology is transforming delivery services in Japan's most hard-to-reach places.From remote mountain villages to isolated islands, many communities across Japan face challenges accessing everyday essentials. In this episode, we introduce Aeronext, a Japanese company using drones to deliver goods where traditional logistics struggle to reach.We'll explain the patented technology that keeps cargo stable during flight—so stable it can carry a bowl of ramen without spilling a drop. You'll also hear how residents in Kosuge Village, Yamanashi Prefecture, now receive food and daily necessities in as little as 30 minutes, and how drone deliveries provided critical support after the 2024 Noto Peninsula earthquake.We also look beyond Japan to Ulaanbaatar, Mongolia, where the same technology is helping deliver blood supplies and improve emergency medical access.The sky as infrastructure—maybe that future is already here.Watch the drone delivery video featured in this episode:https://youtu.be/qgYPySdWXNYRelated articles or posts:https://www.japan.go.jp/topics/2026/08/sky-based_infrastructure_with_drones.html□JapanGovhttps://www.japan.go.jp/　https://www.facebook.com/JapanGov/　https://x.com/japangov/https://www.linkedin.com/company/japangov/　https://www.instagram.com/japangov_official/　□Prime Minister's Office of Japanhttps://japan.kantei.go.jp/https://www.youtube.com/@pmojapan　https://www.facebook.com/Japan.PMO　https://x.com/JPN_PMO/https://www.instagram.com/kantei/

Join our PR team as we dive into Japan’s creative reuse of closed schools!Faced with school closures due to declining birthrates, communities across Japan are turning these spaces into opportunities—revitalizing local areas and showcasing the unique appeal of Japan to the world.Related articles or posts:https://www.facebook.com/100064276976236/posts/pfbid034YGR2HQMJMrhwMivBHMaHejd2WupFCx1ctjeMJTxx83QWEqHWVpZ2CmhBaLXcxfel/?d=nhttps://x.com/japan/status/1924344312239948159https://x.com/JapanGov/status/1924344308196602022https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7330109972602609664/□JapanGovhttps://www.japan.go.jp/　https://www.facebook.com/JapanGov/　https://x.com/japangov/https://www.linkedin.com/company/japangov/　https://www.instagram.com/japangov_official/　□Prime Minister's Office of Japanhttps://japan.kantei.go.jp/https://www.youtube.com/@pmojapan　https://www.facebook.com/Japan.PMO　https://x.com/JPN_PMO/https://www.instagram.com/kantei/　

Join our PR team as we explore how Japan is helping build trust in the age of AI through Frontria, an international consortium led by Fujitsu that brings together organizations from around the world to advance AI governance.As AI-generated content becomes increasingly realistic, how can we tell what is real? And how can societies embrace AI while maintaining trust?In this episode, we look at how Frontria is tackling real-world challenges such as disinformation, deepfakes, and AI security by promoting practical solutions through international collaboration. We also explore Japan's broader efforts to support trustworthy AI, including its research ecosystem and initiatives that bridge innovation and social implementation.Through an interview with one of Frontria's founding members, you'll hear why Japan hopes to serve as a bridge between different approaches to AI governance and help create a more trustworthy and resilient information society.Related articles or posts:https://www.japan.go.jp/topics/2026/06/building_trust_in_the_age_of_ai.html□JapanGovhttps://www.japan.go.jp/https://www.facebook.com/JapanGov/https://x.com/japangov/https://www.linkedin.com/company/japangov/https://www.instagram.com/japangov_official/□Prime Minister's Office of Japanhttps://japan.kantei.go.jp/https://www.youtube.com/@pmojapanhttps://www.facebook.com/Japan.PMOhttps://x.com/JPN_PMO/https://www.instagram.com/kantei/

Join our PR team as we explore metacol(TM), a Japanese innovation that transforms CO₂ and unused iron into new materials for everyday products.From sports goods to stationery, metacol(TM) gives new value to these resources by transforming them into useful new materials.In this episode, we explore how this technology works, why it has the potential to reduce the use of petroleum-based plastics, and how it could contribute to a more sustainable future.We'll also take you behind the scenes of its development—from an unexpected conversation between two researchers to a breakthrough inspired by a uniquely Japanese way of thinking. Along the way, you'll discover the spirit of mottainai—making the most of things instead of throwing them away—and how that idea continues to inspire innovation in Japan.Related articles or posts:https://www.japan.go.jp/topics/2026/07/making_more_emitting_less.html□JapanGovhttps://www.japan.go.jp/https://www.facebook.com/JapanGov/https://x.com/japangov/https://www.linkedin.com/company/japangov/https://www.instagram.com/japangov_official/□Prime Minister's Office of Japanhttps://japan.kantei.go.jp/https://www.youtube.com/@pmojapanhttps://www.facebook.com/Japan.PMOhttps://x.com/JPN_PMO/https://www.instagram.com/kantei/

Discover with our PR team how kendama, a traditional Japanese toy, has become a driving force for regional revitalization! In Nagai City in the Tohoku region, kendama connects people of different generations and cultures, even across national borders. It brings new energy to the local community and contributes to the city’s revitalization efforts. Competition audio provided by Global Kendamas Network (GLOKEN)https://www.japan.go.jp/kizuna/2026/01/revitalizing_kendama.html　 □JapanGov⁠https://www.japan.go.jp/⁠　⁠https://www.facebook.com/JapanGov/⁠　⁠https://x.com/japangov/⁠　□Prime Minister's Office of Japanhttps://japan.kantei.go.jp/　https://www.facebook.com/Japan.PMO　https://x.com/JPN_PMO/