Conveyor belt road proposed to ease trucker shortage
signal·
13 Nov 2024
An ageing population and overtime laws are placing pressure on Japan’s trucking industry, with the country projected to have 36% fewer truck drivers than needed by 2030. A new automated cargo transport corridor solution hopes to tackle labour shortages while reducing carbon emissions.
Japanese 'healing fiction' featuring cats is gaining popularity among English readers. This iyashikei trend offers comfort amid modern anxieties and everyday challenges, with communities on social media driving interest in soothing yet fantastical narratives that facilitate escapism.
Short-form content boosts voter engagement in Japan
signal·
6 Nov 2024
Japanese election candidates are flocking to YouTube Shorts to reach voters. While short videos boost accessibility, there are misinformation concerns about influencers and memes shaping political discourse, resulting in a push for increased media literacy for citizens based in Japan and abroad.
How Ni-chōme’s safe spaces attract LGBTQ+ revellers and their allies
report·
5 Nov 2024
While Japanese LGBTQ+ people still face challenges in their quest for equal rights, Tokyo’s predominantly queer Ni-chōme district has thrived thanks to its tight-knit social circles and atmosphere of activism. While the district mostly comprises smaller ‘box’ bars, there are still plenty of lessons that bigger brands can learn from their success.
Discothèque's perfumes smell like infamous nightclubs
signal·
29 Oct 2024
Discothèque’s perfumes aim to capture the smells of infamous nightclubs from around the world, speaking to Gen Zers' nostalgia for more unfiltered days in a globalised context and ensuring an array of nightly touchpoints are captured.
Japanese gamers prove skills to obtain Playstation 5 Pro
signal·
28 Oct 2024
To get their hands on the PS5 Pro, Japanese gamers need 30+ gameplay hours, preventing scalpers and prioritizing genuine gamers. This approach combats reselling, engages the core audience, and strengthens brand loyalty while aligning with the growing trend of 'status skills' over 'status symbols'.