CATCH JAPAN (Sep. 2024)

Explore a colorful variety of modern Japan’s most popular topics, including food, technology, ecology and regional promotions, with a focus on the innovative ideas and passionate effort from the people behind it all.

J-TECH

The development of a temperature management system for the distribution of perishable foods using two-dimensional barcodes and smartphones is underway. While the conventional system measured the ambient temperature of the container in which the products were packed, the new system measures temperature changes of individual products, such as fish, and sends it to a server. We will focus on new initiatives that are expected to contribute to reducing distribution costs and environmental burden, including eliminating the need for excessive refrigerants.

J-CULTURE

The “Sado Island Gold Mines”, off the coast of Niigata, were central to Japanese gold production, serving as a major source of funding for the Tokugawa Shogunate (1603-1867), and producing about 10% of the entire world’s mined gold in the first half of the 17th century. Explore the vast history of Sado Island through the eyes of 88-year-old Sado resident Dakurige Hiroshi and find out how important the most productive mines in Japanese history were to the nation.

J-TOWN

Located near Tokyo's Haneda Airport is Kawasaki City in Kanagawa Prefecture. It's home to many large-scale factories that provide pivotal support to Japan's heavy chemical industry. Including the inland area, the city hosts over 26,000 small and medium-sized companies engaged in diverse forms of manufacturing, including metal and stationery products. This segment features Kawasaki City's industrial prowess and diverse manufacturing ecosystem, as well as the stories of individuals and businesses contributing to its heritage and innovation.

J-FOOD

Rice confectionery has a deep-rooted popularity in Japan. Headquartered in Niigata, eastern Japan, Kameda Seika has been manufacturing rice confectionery for 70 years. It’s conducted research on their taste, features, and production methods since the 1950’s, attracting attention from companies overseas. This segment documents the company’s passionate work on rice processing.