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.