Biz Stream - Season 4 / Year 2021

[On-Site Report]
The Japanese government has recently pledged to become carbon neutral by 2050. Experts say that hydrogen will be one of the keys to achieving this goal. This episode features a company in northern Japan that is using cow manure to produce hydrogen, and a local government project that is providing local businesses with electricity that was generated using hydrogen produced from plastic waste.

[In Depth: Companies Pitch for Future at Virtual CES]
CES, the world's largest tech trade show, moved completely online due to the coronavirus. The breathtaking innovations unveiled at the event indicate that companies are thinking about how we live and work during the pandemic.

[Global Trends: A Walk in the Digital Forest]
Japan is leading in the new field of health care known as "forest therapy." Specially-trained guides show stressed-out people how to best absorb nature. For those who cannot make it to the forest, a digital version is available in the form of an immersive theater experience.

[On-Site Report]
The implementation of education technology, or "EdTech," is advancing rapidly around the world. In Japan, many EdTech companies are focusing on using technology to not only stimulate the minds of students, but to meet the changing needs of teachers. This episode features an Osaka-based company that has created easy-to-follow lesson plans for teaching robotics and a Tokyo startup that has drawn global attention for its intelligence-increasing smartphone apps.

[In Depth: Biden Takes the Reins of US Economy]
It's a new dawn for America as Joe Biden becomes the 46th President of the United States. He takes office pledging to restore the country's battered economy. We look at his plans and their global impact.

[Global Trends: Eco-Friendly Sugar Harvest Brings Sweet Success]
A growing environmental awareness in Thailand is bringing change to the country's sugar industry. Producers are turning away from the polluting ways of the past and finding new business opportunities.

[On-Site Report]
Jackets, sweaters and other products made from synthetic fibers inspired by spider silk are attracting attention for their comfort, durability and environmental friendliness. The fibers are made of synthesized proteins created by genetically modified microorganisms. This episode takes a look at the exciting potential these synthetic fibers are bringing to the fashion world and beyond.

[In Depth: Amateur Traders vs. Wall Street Giants]
An army of amateur investors who trade their stocks and information online have sent shockwaves through financial markets. By pushing up the share price of a money-losing retailer to dizzying heights, they have inflicted deep wounds on some of Wall Street's most sophisticated players.

[Global Trends: Virtual Marketing Goes from Niche to Mainstream]
With so many industries being devastated by the pandemic, virtual reality stands out as one that is thriving in these times. The entertainment industry is moving ahead with new ways to apply VR technology, from digitizing characters to staging concerts.

[On-Site Report]
Wearable devices are now expanding into safety and healthcare applications. A Kyoto-based company has created undershirts that can measure and display core body temperature, pulse and other biometric data. Construction businesses are using them to help prevent heat exhaustion and other health risks by monitoring their workers' biometric data and as Japan's elderly population increases, some local governments are using the technology to keep an eye on the health of senior citizens.

[In Depth: Tesla's Bet Boost for Bitcoin]
The world's richest person Elon Musk has taken a step to endorse bitcoin. Cryptocurrencies have faced years of skepticism, but we look into how they are gaining acceptance as a mainstream method of payment.

[Global Trends: Hydrogen Race Car Set to Take Lead]
The organizers of 24 Hours of Le Mans will open the race to fuel-cell cars in 2024, and are even developing a hydrogen-powered racing car. We look at how the project is pushing forward fuel-cell technology.

[On-Site Report]
According to a government survey, nearly 1.27 million small and medium-sized enterprises in Japan will be in danger of going out of business by 2025. Although the number of companies being forced to close during the pandemic is increasing, the number of prospective buyers is also on the rise. This episode looks at how Tranbi, an online matching service that helps facilitate mergers and acquisitions, is saving many small and medium-sized Japanese companies from going out of business.

[In Depth: China Celebrates New Year in New Way]
China celebrated the Lunar New Year this year but without the usual swarms of travelers. Concerns about a coronavirus resurgence have put a new spin on age-old traditions. We take a look at how people and businesses adapted.

[Global Trends: Entrepreneurs Rise from Bali Tourism Struggles]
The tourism industry on the Indonesian resort island of Bali has been hit hard by coronavirus restrictions. With foreign visitors out of the picture, many locals are charting a new course by starting their own businesses.

[On-Site Report]
In a country facing one disaster after another, the market for emergency survival goods is seeing both growth and innovation. A startup has created a gel-type survival food that can easily be eaten by people of all ages and now features minerals to keep them hydrated and catechins to provide a boost to their immune systems. Larger food manufacturers are also expanding their survival product offerings. One company has released the world's first canned cheesecake and another has launched a delivery service that provides customers with a new set of supplies every 3 months.

[In Depth: Myanmar's Coup Put Foreign Investments at Risk]
The death toll continues to rise in Myanmar as police and soldiers use force against pro-democracy demonstrators. Amid the turmoil, foreign firms that have heavily invested in the country are scrambling to navigate the fallout from the coup.

[Global Trends: SE Asia Raises the Bar for Chocolate]
Southeast Asia is getting a name for chocolate. Companies there are partnering with farmers to produce high-quality beans and bars. We take a look at why their delicious creations are winning awards and customers.

[On-Site Report]
Developed by a Japanese start-up, LIMEX is a plastic alternative material made primarily of limestone. The material is made with small amounts of petroleum-based resin, but the company has recently succeeded in creating a petroleum-free bag by making use of a plant-based resin. From research and development, to joint recycling projects, this episode revisits one of Japan's premier start-ups and highlights its efforts to become even more environmentally friendly.

[In Depth: China Sees Struggles, Challenges Ahead]
China's quick recovery from the pandemic-ravaged economy has increased momentum in the race to overtake the US as the largest economy in the world. But its bid for high-tech supremacy and self-reliance may not be progressing as officials envisioned.

[Global Trends: India's Digital Push Aids in Pandemic]
India's digital identification system is being used by 90 percent of its huge population. It allows easy access to public and private services, and has been useful in distributing aid during the coronavirus pandemic. We take a look at this cutting-edge effort in India.

[On-Site Report]
"YUCa's Japanese Cooking," is a Tokyo-based cooking class that became popular among foreign tourists as it gave them the opportunity to learn to cook traditional home-style dishes in the kitchen of a real Japanese home. At its peak, the class saw as many as 120 students per month. However, that number suddenly dropped to zero in 2020 when the pandemic hit. In response, the instructor decided to take her lessons online. This shift has allowed her to reach a much broader audience as well as to introduce more complicated and time-consuming dishes to her students.

[In Depth: New Chapter, New Challenges a Decade After Disaster]
Since a powerful earthquake and tsunami devastated northeastern Japan 10 years ago, there has been a massive rebuilding effort. But with many of the major projects nearly completed, people in the region are looking for new ways to revitalize the economy.

[Global Trends: Leaving New York Behind]
The era of work from home has made a move to suburbs a more attractive option for many city dwellers. NHK WORLD-JAPAN's Sam Suzuki reports from New York on people who are choosing to leave the bright lights behind.

[On-Site Report]
This episode examines how AI technology is being used by some Japanese companies to deal with human resource issues that have only worsened during the pandemic. By introducing an AI-based system that can judge the quality of a fish even faster than the trained eyes of professional buyers, a major sushi chain has come up with a way to continue purchasing high-quality tuna abroad despite strict international travel restrictions. While a shortage of instructors prompted a driving school to develop an AI-based teaching system, the move has proven to be even more valuable to the school during the pandemic as it lets the students focus on driving without worrying about social distancing issues.

[In Depth: Line Case Shows Risk of Globalizing Data]
Confidence in Japan's most popular messaging app has been tested amid revelations about how the provider handles user information. We look at what has customers so concerned and the measures that countries around the world are taking to protect privacy.

[Global Trends: Brazil Takes to Japanese Cosmetics]
The pandemic has brought change to the beauty industry in Brazil. With people spending more time at home and less time going out, Japanese cosmetics makers are seeing a surge in demand for their skin-care products.

[On-Site Report]
More and more people are heading outdoors as a safe way to spend their free time during the pandemic. This episode features a prefectural government's efforts to draw in tourism business by attracting campers and introduces a real estate company that is finding a new market for remote plots of land located across Japan's mountains and forests.

[In Depth: "Shadow Hedge Fund" Behind Losses at Major Banks]
Major financial institutions are facing huge losses after the failure of a relatively unknown fund. The US firm took on a massive bet under the radar that went bad. We explore what happened and the hidden risks that have been revealed.

[Global Trends: Airline Soars Despite Turbulent Times]
Airlines around the world are reeling as travelers stay home amid the pandemic. But one carrier in Africa has been a standout success, raking in profits while most other firms in the industry struggle. How has it managed to pull it off? We take a look.

[On-Site Report]
This episode highlights efforts to reduce food loss and food waste by implementing clever ideas and new technologies. A startup has developed a way to turn vegetables with cosmetic imperfections that would normally be thrown away into a new type of dry food product. Another business is teaching restaurants and other clients special freezing and unthawing techniques that can preserve the texture and flavor of almost any food.

[In Depth: Central Banks Look to Digital Future]
Policymakers at central banks around the world are starting to consider digital currency as an option. We look at the potential geopolitical impact if governments or other large-scale entities start issuing virtual money.

[Global Trends: Carp Cause a Splash in Indonesia]
Japan's Nishiki-goi, or colored carp, are prized around the world for their striking appearance and immense size. A country in Southeast Asia recently started large-scale breeding of the fish, and has ambitious plans to develop its own carp industry.

[On-Site Report]
Small and medium-sized businesses must rely on being able to quickly recognize and adapt to changes in the market in order to survive. This episode features a small company striving to become the world's top producer of artificial organs for use in surgical training and a family-owned business that decided to branch out from manufacturing cords and tubes to try something entirely different - caviar.

[In Depth: Ransomware Attacks Put Businesses on Alert]
A cyber-attack left the largest fuel pipeline in the US shut down for nearly a week. Security experts warn this could just be the tip of the iceberg ... as companies are more vulnerable to hackers after going digital during the coronavirus pandemic.

[Global Trends: Tackling Increased Plastic Use in Pandemic]
Food delivery services have seen a spike in business during the pandemic. Concerns about mountains of disposable containers have prompted France to start phasing them out. We look at eco-friendly and reusable options and a system to keep food containers out of the trash.

[On-Site Report]
Advances in technology are bringing a new wave of products to the eldercare industry. This episode features a wearable device that signals when users need to go to the restroom and a conversational robot designed to engage users in witty conversation.

[In Depth: Japan Economy Shrinks While US, China Grow]
The Japanese economy is in a slump, and the weakness is expected to continue as some coronavirus measures remain in place. In stark contrast, some other major economies are bouncing back as they accelerate reopening. We look at the factors behind this difference.

[Global Trends: France Extends the Lifespan of Home Appliances]
In France, one of the byproducts of the pandemic was the growing popularity of DIY repairs of home appliances. We have a report on how this innovation has become part of the country's drive to create a more sustainable society.

[Special Interview]
In this episode, host Shaula Vogue conducts a special interview with Kathy Matsui. The former vice chair of Goldman Sachs Japan joins us to discuss the benefits of having more women join the workforce, share her thoughts on the importance of education, and talk about Japan's progress towards closing the gender gap.

[In Depth: Toyota Backs Hydrogen in Race for Green Future]
More and more car manufacturers are shifting to electric vehicles as governments around the world set targets to reduce greenhouse gases. In addition to EVs, Japan's biggest automaker is betting on a carbon-free engine technology that works more like the power plants in today's cars.

[Global Trends: Tech for Pets Takes Off]
An increasing number of people are keeping pets as they spend more time at home due to the pandemic. We look at some advanced technologies available in Japan that help owners manage the health and fitness of their cats and dogs.

[Special Interview]
Recently, a Tokyo-based startup called SHARE DINE has started offering a food catering service that sends professional chefs to private residences to prepare meals. Beyond parties and special events, it offers services specially designed to relieve working mothers of meal preparation responsibilities so they can focus more on their jobs. In this episode, we sit down with the founder and CEO, Ide Yuki, for a special interview.

[In Depth: Soaring Prices Put Global Food Security at Risk]
The world is under mounting inflationary pressure. Especially worrisome are soaring food prices, which could deepen the pain of developing economies still reeling from the pandemic. We look into what's making food so expensive.

[Global Trends: New Funding Style Hits Southeast Asia]
Southeast Asia has been enjoying rapid economic growth. But young entrepreneurs find it hard to get bank loans to start the next generation of companies. Help has arrived in the form of a digital funding platform dedicated to helping small and medium enterprises in Southeast Asia.

[Special Interview]
Watanabe Kankolongo Sayaka has made it her mission to offer support to asylum seekers and refugees in Japan by founding WELgee, an NPO that assists them in finding stable employment. She hopes that her work won't just benefit the people she is assisting, but will allow them to give back to the local communities that they now call home.

[In Depth: Toshiba and Japan Face Corporate Governance Crisis]
A company that was once a symbol of Japan's technological and economic prowess is facing yet another crisis. Toshiba is accused of collaborating with the government against foreign shareholders in the latest blow to the company's reputation after a series of scandals.

[Global Trends: Eco-Friendly Agriculture]
Agriculture requires a large amount of water, and that can make it difficult to grow crops where supply is scarce. But one farming method uses only a tenth of the usual amount. We take an in-depth look at how it works.

[On-Site Report]
A technical support facility created by a small Tokyo-based manufacturer is offering a new type of service for startups. It assists businesses that have ideas for new products, but lack the skills or equipment to turn them into a reality on their own. This episode shows what is possible when innovative ideas are placed in the hands of an experienced manufacturer.

[In Depth: Rising Material Costs a Dilemma for Japan Inc.]
An upsurge in consumer demand is pushing up prices around the globe. And while that's causing concern about inflation in some countries, Japan is still worried about deflation. We look at how soaring material costs are weighing on the economy.

[Global Trends: France's Fresh View on Public Transport]
We travel to northeastern France to check out a new concept in urban transport. It was developed by a group of engineering students who were given the task to create a system that's both low cost and environmentally sound.

[On-Site Report]
As the pandemic extends into its second year, far fewer special events and weddings have left florists with an excess supply of flowers. Some companies, however, are finding unique ways to turn these unwanted flowers into business opportunities. This episode features a company that is reaching new customers through unorthodox sales channels and another that is adding the unwanted blossoms to its fragrances and other products.

[In Depth: China Cracks Down on IT Firms]
Chinese ride-hailing app Didi has become the latest target in China's regulatory clampdown on the large tech companies. We look at how authorities are tightening their grip and why.

[Global Trends: Balancing Tourists and Ecosystem]
A beautiful island attracts endangered sea turtles, as well as millions of tourists. Efforts are underway to stop the tourists from leaving behind plastic waste which would harm the ecosystem of the turtles.

[On-Site Report]
Many small and medium-sized manufacturers in Japan have fallen on hard times as they struggle to compete with low-cost imports. This episode features an experienced designer who is proving that innovative designs combined with high-quality products can justify higher prices and help keep local manufacturers in business.

[In Depth: Risky Loans Fuel Worries of Next Financial Crisis]
Central banks are worried that the easy money they've been providing may have brought with it an unwanted side effect. We explore a potential risk to the world economy.

[Global Trends: Indonesian Entrepreneurs Innovate Tradition]
A stunning traditional craft from Indonesia has had trouble adapting to changing times. We take a look at how a new generation of entrepreneurs is reinvigorating its appeal with a modern touch.

[On-Site Report]
This report features a business that is taking industrial recycling to the extreme. Not only does it boast a recycling rate of 99%, the company is finding creative ways to turn industrial waste materials into furniture and other useful items.

[In Depth: "Common Prosperity" Brings Fears of Common Poverty]
China may be entering a new era with a leadership push to crack down on income inequality. President Xi Jinping wants to redistribute wealth from firms pulling in big profits across all industries. We take a look at the situation and why some are warning of unintended consequences.

[Global Trends: Color-Coded Comfort]
The lifting of pandemic restrictions in some areas has brought relief but also new uncertainties, especially in social situations. One company thinks it has a way to help people be both friendly and mindful of other's boundaries.

[On-Site Report]
This episode features a local business that is creating bio-based plastics from one of Japan's staple foods - rice. In addition to reducing waste by making use of parts of the plant that would normally be thrown away, it is also working to revitalize rice farming in communities that have been impacted by natural disasters or depopulation.

[In Depth: Logistics Turmoil Weighs on Soybean Trade]
Global shipping logistics have been thrown into chaos, with freight fees soaring and ports jammed. There is a shortage of shipping containers, but many of them are empty when carried across oceans. The disarray has repercussions for the Japanese dining table.

[Global Trends: Creating Incentives to Recycle]
In Southeast Asia, plastic bottles often wind up in trash dumps, because many people do not see the value in recycling. We look at some startup firms that are trying to change that by introducing fun and profitable ways to recycle.

[On-Site Report]
'Femtech' is a term applied to technology-based goods and services designed to support women's health issues. This episode features a startup that has developed special undergarments for women to wear during their menstrual periods. We also introduce an IT business that in addition to developing a period tracking app, has started conducting 'Femcation' seminars to educate the employees of client companies on a variety of women's health issues.

[In Depth: China's Bid to Enter CPTPP Threatens Rift]
Plans by China and Taiwan to join the same regional trade pact are causing a stir in Asia. Both want to be a part of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, or CPTPP. We take a look at how China expects to gain entry, even though it's far less likely than Taiwan to meet the trade pact's stringent standards.

[Global Trends: 'Casual Friday' Boost for Ghana's Fashion Industry]
In Ghana, fashion is one industry that is moving forward as the country seeks ways to revitalize its economy. We explain how a homegrown version of 'Casual Friday' is not only creating jobs but encouraging dialogue between different ethnic and regional groups.

[On-Site Report]
From baking bread with cricket powder to using silkworms to develop a new COVID-19 vaccine, this episode introduces businesses that are creating quite a buzz by using insect-derived proteins in their products.

[In Depth: Energy Crunch Could Squeeze Global Recovery]
Some countries are now facing a power crisis as energy prices skyrocket around the world. With economies beginning to reopen during the pandemic, supply can't keep up with growing demand. We see how it's affecting the global economy.

[Global Trends: Zero-Waste Shopping]
Environmental considerations are increasingly a part of people's shopping decisions. A new type of store in the UK is putting these concerns at the forefront with a novel way to eliminate packaging.

[On-Site Report]
As commerce becomes more digitalized, cash dispensing automatic teller machines are gradually disappearing. This episode highlights a business trend in which companies are using the spaces previously occupied by ATMs to set up small but conveniently located retail shops.

[In Depth: Landmark Deal on Global Tax Rules]
Countries and regions have agreed to overhaul global tax rules to fit the digital age. We look at how the deal could stop IT tech giants from seeking out tax havens and enable countries around the world to secure tax income.

[Global Trends: Indonesia's Family-Run Shops Go Digital]
Indonesia is revolutionizing a segment of its retail sector with millions of locations. Mom and pop stores called "warung" are everywhere from big cities to remote villages. Now they are getting a digital update.

[On-Site Report]
This episode features a Tokyo-based company that specializes in building small low-cost satellites. These customizable spacecraft can be used in a variety of ways such as allowing farmers to monitor their crops or for helping commercial ships to navigate through icy arctic waters.

[In Depth: China's Property Woes Carry Global Risks]
China's cash-strapped Evergrande continues to be worries for the global economy. The company has skirted disaster but risks remain for the country and the world. We take a closer look at the crisis.

[Global Trends: City Fights Food Waste with "Mottainai" App]
Avoiding overspending and not letting things go to waste. These are the ideas contained in an old Japanese concept that's providing new inspiration. We see how one city is using it to help fight food waste.

[On-Site Report]
This episode features an interview with Tsunagawa Akemi, CEO of Bespoke. Comprised mostly of foreign staff, the company made a name for itself by creating a useful multilingual chat system designed to support international travelers in Japan. However, when the pandemic hit, the company was forced to search for a different use for its chatbot system. Tsunagawa explains how she was able to re-purpose her company's technology to fight the very virus that put her business in jeopardy.

[In Depth: COP26 Remains Work in Progress]
Leaders and delegates from around the world have gathered for what's regarded as the most important meeting on the climate to date. We look at what's coming out of COP26 and whether it might be enough to affect the course of global warming.

[Global Trends: Vegan Leather Hits the Fashion Runway]
Concern about environmental impact and animal welfare has brought changes to the fashion industry. Innovations from the plant world have resulted in leather substitutes from some unusual sources.

[On-Site Report]
Advances in technology are now allowing for the creation of new durable paper-based materials. Many plastic products, such as spoons, hangers and even floor mats, can now be replaced with paper. This episode features Japanese companies that are pushing the envelope of paper usage by addressing the weak points of most paper-based products -- water resistance and durability.

[In Depth: Possible New Era for Conglomerates]
Some of the biggest companies in the world are changing course. They are industry giants that have aggressively pursued diversification and scale through mergers and acquisitions. But now they are splitting into smaller units to focus on separate markets. This could be a sign of the next corporate trend.

[Global Trends: Staying at Home Gives Boost to Craft Drinks]
Consumers in Japan are savoring craft drinks that combine specially selected ingredients and careful production processes. We look at this trend that is catching on as people seek new taste experiences as the pandemic continues to make travel difficult.

[On-Site Report]
This episode explores some of the innovative ways Japanese companies are striving to eliminate greenhouse gasses. One company has developed a CO2-absorbing cement and another has created an advanced incinerator system that can capture nearly all of the CO2 it emits and distribute it for reuse.

[In Depth: Oil Prices Face Bumpy Road Ahead]
It's been a wild ride for oil prices over the past few days. They had been hovering around a 7-year high before being rocked by sudden volatility. We look at the major events that moved the market and what to expect going forward.

[Global Trends: Lush Prospects for Amazon Agroforestry]
The loss of the Amazon rainforest is one of the factors contributing to global warming. Now, a different type of agriculture can help both farmers and the forest thrive amid efforts to decarbonize.

[On-Site Report]
This episode features an experienced engineer who has created a repair shop that specializes in fixing appliances or electronics so old that not even their manufacturers will work on them. Realizing that many people would still like to use their older items, he set out to provide a place to rescue and restore them.

[In Depth: Shift to Renewables Triggers "Greenflation" Risk]
Major efforts are underway around the world to switch to renewable energy. But there have been some unwanted side effects. One is sudden rises in electricity bills, contributing to what's known as "greenflation." We look at the real-world costs of going green.

[Global Trends: Amsterdam Eatery Serves Up "Circular Economy"]
One restaurant in Amsterdam is helping the city achieve its goal of building a "circular economy" that leaves no waste behind. It does this by using ingredients that would otherwise be thrown away, creating cuisine that is both mouth-watering and inspiring.

[On-Site Report]
This episode explores how exercise and VR technology may both play a key role in dealing with and preventing dementia, which is expected to affect 20% of Japan's elderly population by 2025.

[In Depth: 20 Years of China in WTO]
20 years have passed since China joined the World Trade Organization, which made it the top player in global trade and the second biggest economy. We look at how membership in the WTO transformed China, and the debate on whether it follows international trade rules.

[Global Trends: Israel's Tech World Seeks Gender Balance]
Countries around the world are working to improve gender balance in their work forces. Israel sees the tech field as key to growing its economy. That is why it is training girls in computer sciences and supporting startups run by women.