How are Gen Zers ushering in the end for gender binaries? Why might city life change for good? And what might solo living look like in the post-pandemic era? This Cultural Snapshot uses local stats and case studies to explore the behavioural norms shared by Japanese people in 2021.

Japanese singletons were looking for love in lockdown, with online dating soaring. But as swipe fatigue grows, love letters are being rekindled in the South West city of Miyazaki. By removing elements of judgement and the anxieties around instant replies, the project aims to lead to better matches.

With local economies hit hard by COVID-19 and many offices shut, people are exploring new workplace possibilities. Tapping into this, the Japanese government has provided funding to national parks to improve their facilities in a bid to encourage potential teleworkers to take ‘workcations’.

Stressed out Gen Yers are looking for an escape from city life, and the ocean, with its therapeutic properties, is emerging as a support system. Thera-Sea is introducing urbanites to the sea’s healing powers, and awakening an understanding of this powerful but fragile ecosystem.