What's Your Connection?

We received a question from a Chinese listener living in Shanghai who had visited Japan. He was impressed by the convenience and efficiency of the Tokyo transportation system despite the vastness of the city. Reporter Duan Wenning is from China. She interviews a professor at the University of Tokyo who is a "Traffic Jamologist" and offers tips on how to deal with traffic congestion. She also introduces initiatives undertaken by transportation authorities to alleviate overcrowding, starting with the rush hour. Would you rather stand up for your commute or pay extra and use your time more effectively? Do you want to stay fit and healthy? Let's take a closer look at new modes of transportation in Tokyo, and hear some answers to these questions.

This time, we answer a question from Pakistani Mehar Abdul Sattar Salfi: "What do office workers in Japan wear to work?" Our reporter is Urdu broadcasting announcer Bilal Khan, who is also from Pakistan. Although suits have long been the norm in Japanese companies, a growing number of businesses are adopting a flexible dress code. But picking out clothes for work each day can be a real headache, so shopping sessions with a professional stylist are gaining popularity. In contrast, some people have no problems with putting together an outfit, including a hair stylist who can dress for a year using just a dozen items of clothing, including tops and bottoms, who claims that a smaller wardrobe can improve both finances and emotional health.

This time, we answer a question from carpet designer Abdelilah Boubchir, a resident of Algeria, who wants to know about Japanese carpet making and the history. Our reporter is Karima Elsamny, an Arabic broadcast announcer from Egypt. In Okayama Prefecture's Kurashiki area, local Igusa rush grass is used to produce Hanagoza mats and Igusa carpets called Kurashiki Dantsu. Both were once exported overseas. Made of dyed Igusa rush grass woven into patterns, Hanagoza mats were especially popular. Igusa can absorb moisture and thus be used in hot, humid Japanese summers. We explore the appeal of rugs and carpets designed for the climate of Japan.

In this episode, we answer a question from a viewer living in Russia, "Can you tell me what is happening with plastic waste in such a technologically advanced country?" Our reporter is Russian broadcast announcer Anastasia Monakova. Japan is advanced in separating and recycling trash, but it also produces a significant portion of the world's plastic waste. To reduce waste, shops started charging for plastic shopping bags in July. But the amount of plastic waste generated by households is increasing due to COVID-19. We visit Kamakura, which was the first city in Japan to make a "zero plastic waste" declaration. In addition, bioplastics are attracting attention as they are kind to nature and recyclable options. Some are made from plant-derived materials and some are decomposed by microorganisms. We visit the laboratory of Professor Iwata Tadahisa of the University of Tokyo, who is a leader in this field. We cover the professor's work at the forefront of bioplastic research.

This time, we respond to a request from a viewer in Pakistan who wants to know about kite-flying in Japan. Our reporter is Bilal Khan, an announcer in our Urdu broadcasting division. A kite-flying event is held all over Japan to offer wishes for an end to the COVID-19 pandemic. By attending the event, Bilal learns about the unique meaning of kites in Japan. Japan's kite-flying culture goes back to the 8th century. It experienced a boom during the 17th century and then developed differently from region to region. Bilal visits Niigata Prefecture where a huge kite battle will take place. He experiences a culture of unique large kites with a 300-year history and meets a craftsman who makes kites using traditional techniques. Bilal tries to make and fly a kite himself. How are kites unique in Japan? And will his kite fly?