Japanology Plus mini

Ueno is home to world-class cultural facilities, a bustling street market, a historic shrine, and much more. We look at some of the many features that make this diverse urban environment so popular.

Most commercial honey in Japan comes from Western honeybees, whose honey can be harvested several times a year. Japanese honeybees are much less productive but keeping them can be a real education.

Due to their small size or unusual shape, many types of fish are discarded. But as the global catch of fish dwindles, these "unused fish" offer immense potential and a path to fishing sustainability.

In Japan, garbage is incinerated before being used for land reclamation, but space is running out. We explore new approaches to waste, such as biogas power generation and a litter-picking app.

Japan's population is aging, but "active seniors" energetically participate in work and hobbies. We meet a salesperson and a clockmaker who are both centenarians and learn the secrets to good health.