Thanks to you, our valued readers, Japan 2 Earth continued to grow in 2023, our first full year of operation. As the year comes to a close, we are delighted to invite you to read 2023's Top 10 viewed articles.
Thousands of users around the world followed our news and features on sustainability initiatives from the Japan perspective. From stories of local efforts to preserve biodiversity to corporate projects to improve the circularity of our economies and reduce greenhouse gas emissions, the Top 10 on Japan 2 Earth highlights the stories our readers found the most informative and entertaining.
Take a look to find out why your fellow readers clicked on these stories more than any others. And, once again, thanks for following Japan 2 Earth!
10. Bioplastic That Makes Better Use of Plant Waste Grows in Popularity
Business Innovation Partners created HEMIX, a bioplastic extracted from underused biomass like wood waste. Adopted by major companies, HEMIX's versatility and environmental benefits are evident.
9. [Vietnam! Moving Ahead Together] Daibiru's CornerStone Building Sets a Leading Example in Hanoi
By: Tsuneo Taguchi
Hanoi's CornerStone Building is the first office building in Hanoi to install a solar power system. CornerStone is leading the way in renewable energy initiatives, aligning with the growing global emphasis on sustainability and carbon neutrality.
8. Pedal Power: A Swiss Family's Journey Around Japan
The Swiss Pasche family completed an extraordinary six-month cycling journey around Japan, promoting sustainable mobility and the importance of experiencing the world through immersive travel.
7. Japan's First Surgical Robot: Technological Innovation in the World of Medicine
By: Hidemitsu Kaito
Japan's first domestically produced surgical robot, "Hinotori," was developed by Medicaroid Corporation. Hinotori is smaller, more affordable, and contributes to improved health and well-being.
6. In the Face of Opposition, Wind Power Moves Offshore
By: The Sankei Shimbun
Japan is witnessing a shift from onshore to offshore wind power farms, with the country's first large-scale offshore wind power plant beginning operations in Akita Prefecture in late 2022.
5. Behind the Beautiful Exterior of Osaka's Maishima Incineration Plant
By: Mika Sugiura
Osaka's Maishima Incineration Plant, designed by artist Friedensreich Hundertwasser, has an artistic exterior resembling a castle. The plant not only treats waste but also recycles steel and aluminum, and generates electricity using steam.
4. [Global to Local] Rogier Uitenboogaart: The Art of Japanese Papermaking in Kochi
Rogier Uitenboogaart, owner of Kamikoya Washi Studio in Kochi Prefecture, Japan, produces traditional washi paper using a chemical-free and machinery-free process, with a focus on sustainability.
3. How a Tokyo Hotel Makes Garden Planters Out of Abandoned Suitcases
By: Akiko Shigematsu
Hotel Niwa Tokyo repurposes forgotten suitcases as planters on its rooftop garden for pesticide-free vegetable cultivation, serving the homegrown produce to guests.
2. Tsushima Islander Captures Rare Photo of Endangered Bat Species
By: The Sankei Shimbun
Yukihiro Oota captured a rare photograph of the critically endangered and rarely-seen Hodgson's bat, also known as the copper-winged bat, in Tsushima Island, Nagasaki Prefecture.
1. [Sado Wildlife in Focus] The Enchanting Color of the Crested Ibis
By: Fumie Oyama
Fumie Oyama's brilliant photos reveal the endangered crested ibis' vibrant pink and orange-hued plumage in fall. Take a visit to Sado Island through this spectacular photo essay that was our most-viewed article of the year!
Thank you for reading "2023's Top 10 on Japan 2 Earth." Which was your favorite article? Let us know!