BIZ STREAM

Our first On-Site Report for 2019 is an interview with Toru Nishikawa, president of Preferred Networks. Its quick growth and promising technology have made it one of Japan's few unicorn companies and the attention it is drawing only continues to grow. After gathering some of the best and brightest engineers from around the world, Mr. Nishikawa is convinced that his company has a shot at challenging Google through major advances in automated driving, pharmaceuticals, and personal robotics. Find out what he has to say about the future of his company and the tech that has placed it on the global stage.

This episode introduces one of the lesser known types of Japanese cuisine - bento. These portable boxed meals feature partitions and compartments each offering tiny and well-balanced portions of tasty treats. A unique local version of bento known as "ekiben" that used to only be available at local train stations has been slowly on the decline as the rural areas surrounding the stations shrink. This challenge has forced local makers to become increasingly creative with their meals in order to have a chance at survival. Annual events showcasing these creations are also giving them a chance to show off their skills and to find new clients. While local popularity might be on the decline, bento box lunches have started to become popular with foreigners. In the tradition-steeped city of Kyoto, we found a shop selling bento boxes being run by a man from France! Join us as we look at how bento meals are evolving as Japan's population and economy continues to change.

Japan produces 6.46 million tons of food waste per year. Some of the foods that are thrown away are still edible but are tossed as they are deemed too damaged or deformed to sell in standard stores. In order to not only reduce waste, but to capitalize on an untapped business opportunity, a unique chain has begun purchasing these unwanted fruits and vegetables directly from farmers at discount prices, so it can then pass the savings on to customers. The company also uses the unsold produce to make boxed bento lunches and delicious smoothies, where appearance doesn't matter, to turn in even larger profits. Yet another "food loss prevention" business is using its technological expertise to help match shops with consumers who are looking to buy low-cost food and beverage products. This episode features new food businesses that are looking to make a profit while helping to eliminate food loss.

With its aging population, Japan sees nearly 1.4 million deaths every year. For a country where most observe Buddhist funeral traditions, the costs for funerals, a final resting place, and follow-up ceremonies can be quite expensive. Since Japan has a limited amount of space, cemetery costs are also climbing. This episode will introduce a cemetery that uses an automated storage system so innovative that it was selected as one of the most amazing cemeteries in the world. We will also look at how e-commerce is helping people to find monks for ceremonies that require their services. Join us as we explore the rapidly innovating world of funeral-related businesses in Japan.

Over the last 8 years, Japan has seen a devastating streak of natural disasters, including the Great East Japan Earthquake and the horrific tsunami that came soon after. This episode will introduce companies that are using their experiences with tragedy to create life-saving business concepts. One produces a nutritious emergency food that can even be eaten by the elderly and infants. The other has developed a GPS-equipped disaster capsule that can float.

Much of the roads, bridges, sewage pipes, and other major infrastructure across Japan will soon be more than 50 years old. With the potential for accidents increasing, the government knows that it will be necessary to repair or replace much of the country's infrastructure. In total, it is expected to take 40 years and cost over 3.5 trillion dollars. This episode will feature some Japanese companies that hope their innovative repair methods will help Japan to quickly and efficiently update its infrastructure. From transparent bridge repair sheets to sewage pipes that can be fixed without digging, we show how some companies are working to keep decades-old Japanese infrastructure running smoothly.

The production level of Japanese traditional crafts has been dropping since the 1980's and is now less than 20% of what it was at its peak. However, recently there has been a movement to revive and preserve these classic skills and products through innovation and adaptation. Young artisans from Kyoto Prefecture with various backgrounds in traditional crafts have formed a unique group that is looking to give new life to their old skills by creating products with a modern twist. From creating furniture using ancient weaving techniques to collaborating with a university and making use of its imaging analysis technology, this episode shows how traditional crafts are evolving in order to stay relevant.

Japan is now trying to figure out how to deal with one of the most rapidly aging societies in the world. While health care and social security are major concerns, some experts also see business opportunity. Yumiko Murakami, head of the OECD Tokyo Centre and regular commentator on our show, says that there is untapped business potential in Japan's growing elderly population. In this episode, we visit 2 companies that are already putting that theory to the test - a metal processing company which has lowered labor costs by hiring older employees and a business started by aging tech whizzes that makes high-performance speakers designed for the hearing impaired.

The Japanese government is including sports as a major part of its strategy to help the northern island of Hokkaido Prefecture to grow economically. This episode features 2 teams that are facing very different realities when it comes to success and popularity. Consadole Sapporo, a team in Japan's top level J1 soccer league is looking to give a boost to the local economy and capitalize on foreign talent by adding new player acquisitions like their recently signed star Thai sensation known by fans as "Messi Jay." Elsewhere, other pro sports teams like the city of Kushiro's hockey team, the Nippon Paper Cranes are struggling to stay alive. On the verge of disappearing, the team is now trying to keep its 70-year-old tradition going by gathering sponsors and raising the competitiveness of the team to a higher level.

On April 30, Japan's current Emperor will abdicate the throne to his son. The changeover will also mark the end of the 30-year long Heisei era in Japan. This episode will reflect on how the Japanese economy has fared over this long period which included the burst of the bubble economy. It will also examine why growth has slowed and how Japan is positioning itself as it enters the new Reiwa era.

Over the past few years, Japanese whisky has developed a global reputation. Popular whiskies have seen a steep increase in prices. Some bottles now sell at auction for sums that could rival vintage wines and rare works of art. Buyers with discerning tastes and thick pocket books can often be found searching through secondary market shops hoping to swipe up rare or trending whiskies for both local and foreign clientele. The major distilleries aren't the only ones who are making a name for themselves. Hoping to capitalize on Japan's new-found whisky fame, smaller craft distilleries are also popping up across the country. One maker even scoured the country until it found an ideal place to make its whisky - a region in the north of Japan that has a climate very similar to Scotland's Isle of Islay.

The negative economic impact that illness and health problems have on businesses is becoming a major concern for companies large and small around the world. This episode introduces businesses that are hoping to increase productivity by placing an emphasis on keeping their staff healthy. One company specializes in sleep management and encourages its clients to listen to their body clock rather than watching the actual time. Another company is promoting fitness coaching for employees and teaching them exercises that can be done in the workplace.

Originally created for those with allergies or as a solution to international food shortages, alternative foods are now starting to gain in popularity in Japan. Rice and soy, the staple food in Japan, are now being used in creative ways to revolutionize the kitchen. One maker has succeeded in developing Rice Gelee, a gluten alternative that gives a nice chewy texture to its bread and sweets. Another company has come up with a meat substitute made from soybeans that can not only create chicken, pork, and beef alternatives, they are now working on creating cheese and even a sea urchin alternative for use in sushi. This episode features food makers who are using common ingredients to make creative food alternatives here in Japan.

Biomimetics, or the mimicking of biological designs and processes, has been used in the design and development of everything from furniture to spacecraft. Recently, many Japanese manufacturers are placing more emphasis on incorporating biomimetics into their design process. One company has implemented design cues and functional elements learned from dolphins, cats, and birds into appliances like vacuum cleaners, washing machines, and air conditioners. Another company is hoping that it can catch new clients with a new type of fiber inspired by spider thread that is 340 times stronger than steel. Check out this episode to learn more about the amazing concept of biomimetics.

This month, Japan will host the G20 Summit in Osaka. The country's 3rd largest city has a reputation for its shrewd merchants and wacky comedians, but just east of the city you will find the manufacturing town of Higashi Osaka. Known for both quality and innovation, the area's 6,000 small factories are mostly independently owned. One maker there has developed a unique faucet nozzle which can reduce water usage by 95%. Another company has made a business out of connecting other businesses in the area to help facilitate further innovation and better service. This episode will show you why Higashi Osaka is one of Japan's most exciting and innovative manufacturing areas.

Despite being the 3rd largest economy in the world, Japan is ranked 20th among 36 OECD countries when it comes to productivity. However, some companies are starting to figure things out on their own. A traditional Japanese inn located in the suburbs of Tokyo was facing bankruptcy, but by incorporating high tech scheduling system, and closing on days that average fewer guests, they have started to turn things around. Elsewhere, a locally owned home appliance store has found success by intentionally reducing customers! Their strategy is to increase product prices, but offer unparalleled levels of customer service and support in order to attract customers who are willing to pay a premium for VIP treatment. This episode features some creative Japanese companies that are breaking norms to improve efficiency.

Small and medium-sized businesses make up 99% of all companies in Japan. However, with a population that continues to age, the number of older business owners with no-one wanting or willing to take over after them is rapidly increasing. About half of these enterprises are expected to go out of business in the near future. One company has made it its mission to help save some of these companies by providing a matching service that links aging owners without successors to potential entrepreneurs who are interested in becoming business owners. Another business has taken a more direct approach and is acquiring local factories that lack successors, helping to keep them going as the company itself expands in size and scale. This episode focuses on how some businesses are working to help ensure that companies lacking successors can survive under new ownership. ,

Over the last 20 years, the number of farmers in Japan has dropped over 50% to less than 2 million. In order to prevent the number from declining further, some farms are now trying to attract a new generation of farmers by focusing on the increasing popularity of organic produce. This episode features one business that has developed a smartphone app that allows urban consumers a chance to virtually participate in the cultivation process of the produce they order. We will also introduce you to a unique farm that markets its organic tomatoes based on sweetness level. With sales soaring, it has been able to bring new life to unused farmlands and draw in new workers.

One of the most pressing issues facing the world today is plastic waste. With over 8 million tons polluting the sea each year, it is wreaking havoc on our global ecosystem and has become a threat to most living creatures. This episode focuses on Japanese companies that are using science and technology to deal with this major problem. One business has developed a new type of biodegradable plastic which can be used in compost or fertilizer when it has reached the end of its life-cycle. Another company is working on the other end of the issue and has developed a new method for recycling the standard plastics that are already threatening our environment by breaking them down on a molecular level. Check out some of the new cutting-edge technology that might save the world.

From India and Japan to the US and Europe, scorching heat waves are searing locations across the globe. Last June was the hottest on record and wild fires, draught, and heat stroke are causing damage and death in multiple countries. One way to combat these increasing temperatures is to strive for creating a "carbon-free society." Some organizations in Japan are making ground-breaking advances that may help to reach this goal. This episode introduces a major imaging and electronics company that was the first Japanese corporation to join the RE100 (a group of companies committed to using 100% renewable electricity) and a local government that is hoping to make a positive impact on both its timber industry and the environment by using carbon-neutral biomass power generation.

Just 1 year remains until Tokyo hosts the Olympic and Paralympic Games. In the lead-up to the arrival of thousands of athletes and spectators, several new initiatives for barrier-free services and products have appeared in the city. Our title story shows how one company is looking to use the power of the internet to create an accurate and reliable map that provides barrier-free routes across Tokyo for people with disabilities. We will also introduce you to a new type of robotic power-suit that can respond to brain signals in order to give previously unimaginable strength and control to a user's arms and legs. Join us as we dive in to give you a closer look at some of the new technology that's aiming to make a difference at the 2020 Tokyo Games.

Fukuoka is the largest city on Japan's southwestern island of Kyushu and is known for being a cultural and economic gateway to Asia. In recent years, it has been attracting entrepreneurs from all over the world for another reason -- it is now becoming known as an ideal location for startups. Not only is it geographically convenient with an international airport located just minutes from its city center, Fukuoka also offers tax incentives and a wide range of support programs for businesses willing to call the city home. This episode will show you why companies from as nearby as Taiwan and as far away as London have chosen to base their businesses in Fukuoka.

When it comes to startups, the key words are no longer just "innovative" or "profitable." The newest trend for companies hoping to draw investors is now "social impact." If a new company wants to compete, it doesn't just have to show how it will benefit investors, it now needs to show how it will benefit society. One company is hoping to help revitalize local wood-related business across the country by providing a software solution that allows almost anyone to create furniture and even wood construction materials on their own through 3-D printing. Another business venture is looking to use "super larva" to help create a healthier and more efficient food cycle that may help put a dent in the world's food supply problems. This episode will show you how some companies' business models rely on having a positive impact on society.

Despite half of all Japanese women now working outside of the home, many are still left with the burden of doing most or all the housework. However, recently, things are starting to change. One company is trying to help married men to be able to share more in household duties by offering video cooking courses specifically geared towards them. Another business has created a new website where housewives can earn money by offering their knowledge and skills to help busy dual income families. This episode shows how new business models are helping to end old stereotypes as Japan looks to free working wives from the unfair expectation that housework is only for women.

As Japan's pet market expands, the number of abandoned cats and dogs is also increasing. Sadly, this means many animals must be euthanized. One startup is working to help save these animals by providing them homes in pet cafes and creating unique "kitty condos" which are rental apartments that come with an in-house cat that all residents can enjoy. Another company is working to help dog owners to keep their older pets happy and healthy as long as possible by providing a wide range of goods and services specifically made for aging canines. This episode shows how taking better care of animals can not only be good for business, but good for society.

Seafood loving Japan has one of the largest fishing industries in the world. But in recent years, depleted populations are leading to poor catches. Even under these circumstances, the industry has strict quality standards and as much as 30% of all seafood caught in Japanese waters is discarded. Even if they make it to the market, many fish are tossed for being too small or slightly damaged as they are considered unsellable. This episode looks at 2 businesses that are trying to conserve on resources by making use of fish and seafood that would normally be thrown away.

The biennial Tokyo Motor Show features the newest in automotive technology and innovation. However, something's different at this year's show - some automakers are choosing to pass on the event and hold their own individual showcases separately. Could this spell the beginning of the end for such massive events, or does it simply suggest a shift in the companies that choose to participate? This week's episode features the newest from the automotive industry and looks at how the auto show seems to be evolving into a different type of event.

The market for beauty products and services in Japan has been steadily growing. Over the last 5 years, it has increased by almost 25%. One large electronic beauty device maker is using new technology to expand its lineup by creating skin care products not just for women, but also for men. Meanwhile, a major cosmetics maker is going high-tech by incorporating AI and skin care data that they've gathered from customers to create highly customized beauty products. This week's episode will give you a glimpse at how modern beauty products are benefitting from a technological makeover.

With the number of inbound Muslim visitors increasing, the demand for food that they can eat while in Japan is also on the rise. By the time the Olympics are held in Tokyo next year, the size of the halal food market is expected to be 2.5 times larger than it was just 8 years ago. In this episode, our camera crew joins halal inspectors to see the strict rules that restaurants must abide by in order to be certified. For example, we show how Japanese restaurants manage to get around halal restrictions that prevent them from using standard soy sauces. We also feature an alternative strategy, which leaves the decision making to Muslim consumers by providing detailed information on the food products and letting the buyer judge whether it is acceptable or not. This episode shows how halal related businesses are finding innovative ways to make food in Japan more accessible to Muslim visitors.

Japan is facing an unprecedented decline in population and its extremely low birthrate means that it won't be reversing the course anytime soon. 500 elementary and junior high schools are closing every year and even some hospitals and government buildings in shrinking areas are now being left abandoned. This episode will show you some of the ways these forsaken spaces are being used to create new business opportunities on both a local and national level.

Despite having a massive food service industry, running a restaurant in Japan is anything but easy. With a high level of competition and extremely picky consumers, 70% of all restaurants go out of business within 3 years of opening. With a labor shortage and increased competition from takeout-based food businesses, the market isn't getting any easy for entrepreneurs to enter. This episode features a business that is helping restaurants to make ends meet by renting out their floor space to other restaurants during their down times and a unique restaurant that features a rotation of individual chefs that share the restaurant's top-notch location and staff as they strive to find success.

With the eyes of the world set to fall on Tokyo for the 2020 Olympic and Paralympic Games, Japan is making an effort to go as green as possible. One area of focus is using hydrogen as a cleaner source of fuel. The Olympics will feature hydrogen fuel cell vehicles for shuttling athletes and many spectators around and officials are even planning on installing hydrogen powered lights in the Olympic village. Meanwhile, officials in Fukushima Prefecture are preparing to open a unique zero-emission hydrogen production plant that runs solely on solar power. This episode gives you an inside look at how Japan is hoping that hydrogen can play a major role as it strives for cleaner and more sustainable energy.