Our Top Five Japan 2 Earth Stories of 2024

Thanks to our valued readers, Japan 2 Earth continued to grow in 2024, marking our second full year of operation. As the year draws to a close, we're excited to share our top three most-read articles, available in both English and Japanese.

Thousands of readers around the world tuned in for our coverage of sustainability initiatives from a Japanese perspective. From stories on sustainable gastronomy to innovative urban design efforts, these top five articles represent the content our audience found both informative and inspiring.

Take a moment to discover why these stories captured our readers' attention. Once again, thank you for being a part of our journey.

5. Asian Young Dietitian Network Launches in Japan

By: Mika Sugiura

Twelve countries and regions participated in the launch of the Asian Young Dietitian Network aimed at enhancing the status of dietitians in the region.

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*Kickoff meeting for the Asian Young Dietician Network, with Dr Andrea Wakita of Ajinomoto, right, as emcee. (©JAPAN Forward by Mika Sugiura)*

4. Tokyo Introduces Cool Pavements to Combat Heat Island Effect

By: The Sankei Shimbun

Cool pavements in Tokyo that reduce road temperatures by up to 10°C are part of the city's effort to curb the heat island effect and lower heatstroke incidents.

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*Roads paved with temperature-suppressing pavement, July 18, 2024, in Bunkyo Ward, Tokyo. (©Sankei)*

3. Sado Wildlife in Focus | Not Just a Scavenger, Behold the Mastery of the Black Kite!

By: Fumie Oyama

In his Sado wildlife series, photojournalist Fumie Oyama showcased the black kite, a bird of prey that uniquely captures the spotlight in the harvest season.

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*Black kite catching a leaping grasshopper (©Fumie Oyama)*

2. Washoku: Can Japanese Cuisine Be Made Even Healthier for Future Generations?

By: Mika Sugiura

10 years ago Washoku was registered as a UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage and has drawn attention globally as a healthy diet. But what exactly is Washoku?

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A typical traditional Washoku meal: rice, miso soup, mackerel (salted, dried, and grilled), spinach with tofu dressing, tamagoyaki rolled omelette, and simmered hijiki seaweed and soybeans. (©Fumie Oyama)

1. Biotech Company Amino Up: Improving Agriculture and Health Around the World

By: Mika Sugiura

Founder of Amino Up Kenichi Kosuna shared his company's philosophy on benefitting societies worldwide through unique innovations in agriculture and health.

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