Biz Buzz Japan

Japan is home to traditional musical instruments, but it's also a key player in making classical Western instruments, and in developing new, digital ones. As the number of children in Japan falls, some are looking to new markets abroad. Discover how piano makers are making a mark in China, how a new digital wind instrument was made, and explore the world of traditional Japanese instruments. Tune in for a detailed look at the extraordinarily varied world of Japan's musical instruments business.

Japanese textiles are known for their excellent quality and functionality. This applies to everything from the famous producer of denim to the latest high-tech, water-repellent fabrics. A newly developed machine has made global headlines by creating the world's first seamless knitwear, and can easily produce bespoke, customized pieces. Join us for the latest on Japan's textile business.

Even in the modern era, Japan's stationery industry is a source of fast-paced innovation, with thousands of products hitting the shelves each year. We visit a stationery fair to see how companies target certain sectors of the market, with items like masking tape and novelty sticky notes. Then we take an in-depth look at an invention which swept the globe: erasable pens. Finally, we meet a maker of traditional writing brushes, to learn how they're using classic techniques in surprising new ways.