Japan - The Government of Japan

Dive into the culinary bounty of coastal Aomori Prefecture with Kaiyaki-Miso! This blend of simmering scallops 🦪, seasonal fish, and rich miso, traditionally cooked in a scallop shell, has been loved since the Edo period (1603-1868). Perfect with local sake 🍶 and rice 🍚, its flavor is as enticing as the scenery. From lush grasses and forests to Hirosaki Park’s famed cherry blossoms 🌸 and the vivid greenery of Oirase Gorge, Aomori is a nature-lover’s dream. Landscapes are matched by traditions like the Aomori Nebuta Festival, a renowned event spanning over 400 years. #LocalCuisine #JapaneseSensibility

Introducing two historic houses-turned-inns where you can savor the joys of farming 🌾 and community! Nestled amid the sun-soaked landscapes of Ei Town in Minamikyushu City, Kagoshima Prefecture, the "Kurashi no Yado Fukunoya" inns were once unoccupied but later renovated by locals. They offer activities including corn harvesting 🌽 with area farmers 👨🌾, a tea-brewing workshop, and a picnic in the tea fields. Blending agriculture, tourism, and vacant home renewal, these two sought-after destinations attract visitors, support farmers, and boost rural sustainability. #RegionalRevitalization #SDGs

Japan’s CREST program is accelerating Blue Carbon research, with universities and companies exploring its potential. Watch to learn what Blue Carbon is and how it could provide a sustainable solution for the country.

To help children who have faced natural disasters and war, one Japanese NPO harnesses the healing power of art 🎨! Founded in 1988, Kids Earth Fund has established "Kids Earth Homes" in 12 locations worldwide 🌍, such as Croatia and Viet Nam, providing a safe living environment and opportunities to join art workshops. It also holds drawing workshops in disaster-affected countries and organizes children's art exhibitions. The fund aims to empower kids to share their voices and support each other through creative expression, fostering kindness and understanding 💖. #GlobalGoals #SDGs

Seaweed farming has sustained Japan’s food culture for centuries. Now, researchers are investigating its potential for CO2 sequestration, or 'Blue Carbon.' Watch to learn how Japan is leveraging its unique geography to fight emissions and create a sustainable future.

#MeetTheChangemakers: KOYAMA Tina blends deep-rooted tradition and contemporary appeal to bring Japanese craftsmanship to the world 🌍! Raised in Switzerland, Koyama worked in Silicon Valley’s IT industry before founding POJ Studio. Her Kyoto-born mother's love for crafts took her to see Japanese artisans nationwide, inspiring her to support them. Through collaborative modern products infused with her sensibilities, she helps their handiwork go global. Her website reaches 160 countries, and at her renovated Kyoto townhouse store, Koyama offers workshops on techniques like "kintsugi" ceramic repair 🏺.

Weeding out rice paddy 🌾 overgrowth is easier than ever with Aigamo-Robo, the free-roaming robot! Developed by ISEKI & Co., Ltd. and NEWGREEN Inc., it is inspired by the aigamo duck breed traditionally used in rice paddies for insect and weed control. Just place it in a paddy and it glides like a duck in all directions, stirring up water to hinder photosynthesis of weeds and slow their growth without chemicals. Compact, solar-powered, and boasting autonomous navigation, the robot was showcased at the G7 Agriculture Ministers’ Meeting and is gaining global attention 🌏. #InnovationJapan

#PhotoOfTheMonth: April is a magical time in Japan, awash in the splendor of cherry blossoms 🌸! Lending an ethereal touch to the landscape, these fleeting blooms are beloved symbols of springtime. At Kiyomizu-dera Temple, where approximately 1,000 cherry trees flourish, the vivid vermilion of the three-story pagoda and softer pink hues offer a stunning contrast. #JapaneseSensibility

Conventional satellites can't see much of the ground due to darkness and clouds, but SAR satellites can. Learn how a Japanese company uses this technology to monitor disasters more effectively. #DisasterResponse #EarthObservation #SARsatellite

Majestic castles 🏯 and breathtaking cherry blossoms 🌸 come together in this year's Spring Special Issue of #HighlightingJapan! Explore each blossom-dotted page to discover the striking views and timeless heritage that make this season so beloved.