Season 2

2022 · 13 episodes

Episodes

1Zeroing In On ZeroIn this tenth episode, buckle up for 4 new ideas about efforts focused on reducing environmental impact. One California grower is practicing no-till agriculture, a potential farming method of the future. A university in Japan where students are taking the initiative to become the first in the country to achieve 100% renewable energy, an idea to stop the disposal of the ubiquitous plastic umbrella in Japan and a story of a volunteer who is breathing new life into old toys.
2We Can Do It!In this 11th episode, 4 ideas about overcoming adversity through cooperation. Twin brothers who have an older sibling with a disability promote art by people with disabilities and change people's preconceptions. A unique piece of technology that improves the care and quality of life of the elderly. A woman who reads books to nomadic children in Mongolia who have limited access to books. And in Japan, ongoing grassroots support Myanmar, which has experienced turmoil since the coup d'état.
3Responsibility to the FutureIn this twelfth episode, we introduce 4 ideas about taking responsibility for the future. One woman upcycles flowers destined for the trash into lasting creations. A wind power generation developer's effort to bring Japan up to speed when it comes to clean energy. We also present one woman's challenge to reduce food waste through a stylish and compact composting system. And the story of Ayu (sweetfish) that inhabit the clear streams of Tokyo and a master Ayu angler.
4Technology Opening PathwaysTechnology is opening pathways to the future. Robots being developed to enable participation in society by those with restricted mobility, or as soft and cuddly companions designed to be comforting. In addition, blind technology developer Asakawa Chieko's AI suitcase that breaks down the barrier to mobility for the visually impaired. Finally, many patients in the Philippines are getting their lives back thanks to a team from Japan using 3D printers to deliver prosthetic legs remotely.
5Sustainable FashionEveryone has an interest in or a basic awareness of fashion. This episode's theme is sustainable fashion. This familiar part of our daily lives is said to be the world's second leading cause of pollution. Mass amounts of clothes are produced, only to go unsold and end up discarded. We report on unique undertakings within the industry to save the planet, like reusing and remaking old clothes, and one company that makes clothes using traditional Japanese paper which returns to the soil.
6Building an Inclusive SocietyBuilding an inclusive society is an extremely important component and central principle of the SDGs' pledge of "leaving no one behind." The program introduces ideas to save the world to realize normalization in a variety of contexts, including the world of sports, facilities for people with severe handicaps, job placement for sexual minorities, and the field of therapy.
7Doing Away with Throwing AwayIn this episode, we introduce 4 ideas about making the conscious choice to not throw things away, which correlates to the SDGs of responsible production and consumption. In addition to reducing waste, new value is created through upcycling, and communication fostered by donating things to others in one's community. Using these ideas as a hint, see the impact you might create in your daily life, by making the choice to not throw things away.
8Building Communities to LastBased on the SDGs of sustainable cities and communities, this episode is packed with 4 wonderful ideas. Find out how digital art called NFTs are being used to help revitalize a depopulated village. One Canadian resident of Japan is making the country more accessible and open to people with disabilities. Also, unique services to support the elderly, and how a Japanese engineer is working to improve lives through better infrastructure for toilets overseas.
9Upcycling in Unique WaysHave you ever thought about what happens to excess skins after processing of fish, or coffee beans that don't get properly roasted? In this episode, we introduce four short stories about salvaging some most unlikely things like these that were meant for the trash. See how they're upcycled into various items that create new value thanks to ingenious ideas.
10Japanese Making a Mark on Global StageIn this episode, we focus on Japanese nationals working in Japan and abroad to make the world a better place. For example, protecting people's health in countries with insufficient medical care services, inspiring people in war-torn areas through art, helping visually impaired people from abroad develop their skills, and creating a brighter future for underprivileged communities through gymnastics. Witness how their efforts to solve various problems around the world are having a positive impact.
11Shining New Light on Old WaysThe wisdom of our ancestors, who lived in harmony with the earth and conserved the available resources, holds many hints for how best to ensure our survival into the future. By revisiting these practices and adding new ideas and inventions with a modern twist, we can ultimately protect the global environment. We introduce four such brilliant ideas.
12A Brighter World through DiversityAs human beings, we all have weaknesses, complexes and neuroses. Some of us particularly struggle with our differences from others. In this episode, we introduce the stories of four people who strive to overcome these difficulties and make the world a better place while communicating the importance of diversity.
13What We Can Do for the ElderlyWith about 30% of Japan's population now over the age of 65, problems that come hand in hand with an aging society are becoming more significant year by year. In this episode, we introduce four fascinating stories about people making the world a better place through offering tailored support for and staying present in the lives of the elderly. Their activities could very well provide hints for society and individuals to navigate a path of health and vitality in the future.