Mizuno and Kaneka's co-developed biodegradable artificial turf "Re Green Grass 9" has been installed at Vantelin Dome Nagoya — a world first for professional sports facilities. Using Kaneka's "Green Planet" biopolymer that decomposes even in seawater, this innovation tackles the growing microplastics crisis in sports infrastructure.
Kindai University has achieved the world's first full-cycle aquaculture of Nodoguro (Blackthroat seaperch), a high-end deep-sea fish known as the "White Toro." Learn about the decade-long journey, the technical challenges overcome, and what Japan's aquaculture leadership means for global food security.
Singapore startup Flint begins mass production of biodegradable paper batteries. Made from cellulose, decomposing in 6 weeks, with no lithium or cobalt. Pilot programs with Logitech and Amazon underway, AA/AAA formats expected in 2026. Could this be the solution to battery waste?
Japanese aquaculture breakthrough enables female eel production through patented technology. "Enman" offers richer flavor and texture, emerging as a premium delicacy. Explore how Japan is revolutionizing traditional eel farming.
Marking 20 years since Professor Shinya Yamanaka's groundbreaking iPS cell discovery, Japan advances toward world-first regulatory approval of regenerative medicine products in 2026. Explore the latest clinical trials for Parkinson's disease treatment and heart failure therapy, and discover how this Japanese innovation is revolutionizing global medicine.
On January 5, 2026, a purple sea urchin from Hakodate, Hokkaido sold for a record-breaking 35 million yen ($228,000) at Tokyo's Toyosu Market - five times last year's record. Learn about Japan's unique New Year auction culture and the $6,500 uni bowl it will become.
At Toyosu Market's 2026 New Year auction, a 243kg Oma bluefin tuna sold for a record ¥510.3 million ($3.2M). Learn why Japan's "ichiban maguro" tradition commands such astronomical prices and what it means for fishermen, businesses, and Japanese food culture.
Japanese startup Pormedtec targets 2027 for Japan's first pig-to-human organ transplant trials. With only 4% of 16,000 registered transplant candidates receiving organs annually, xenotransplantation offers hope. US trials show gene-edited pig kidneys functioning over 7 months in human patients. Will this breakthrough transform Japan's organ shortage crisis?
Researchers at Japan's JAIST discovered that Ewingella americana bacteria from Japanese tree frog intestines completely eliminated colorectal cancer in mice with a single dose, achieving 100% complete response rate. This breakthrough significantly outperformed existing chemotherapy and immunotherapy treatments.