Sharing the Future

In Benin, a Japanese entrepreneur and his local partner are helping logistically isolated rural organic farmers connect with savvy urban customers who can pay good prices.

Mycelium leather is a new material developed in Indonesia from mushrooms and agricultural waste. There is now an attempt to create an "ethical society" by mass-producing it using Japanese technology.

Tanzania is currently struggling with a high maternal mortality rate. Kawabata Yasuo and his team have developed an app for expectant mothers that they hope will help solve this issue.

In Laos, young members of ethnic minority groups preserve folk tales as picture books and learn essential skills as they go. The project, led by Yokoyama Taizo, gives them control over their future.

Many teenage single mothers in Sierra Leone have difficulties continuing their education. Shimosato Yumemi has founded an NGO that helps these mothers and teach sex education across the country.