Sake has long been synonymous with Japan, shaped by centuries of tradition, climate and craftsmanship. Yet today, the iconic rice-based drink is quietly establishing roots far from its birthplace. From Southeast Asia to South Asia, a growing number of brewers and chefs are experimenting with sake production, adapting it to local ingredients, cuisines and drinking… Continue reading Sakemaking Finds New Soil Beyond Japan, From India to Southeast Asia
Category: Consumer Goods
The Korean flavour winning over New York
“I became interested after seeing actor Lee Kwang-soo on a variety show. In Japan it is even introduced as a must-try course,” Haru, a 26-year-old visitor from Okayama, said as she picked out two palm-sized glass bottles from a narrow alley shop in central Seoul on Jan. 2. The store was not selling K-pop merchandise… Continue reading The Korean flavour winning over New York
China’s Dual-Use Export Ban on Japan Marks a Sharper Turn in Economic Tensions
China’s decision to impose export controls on goods with both civilian and military applications destined for Japan represents a significant escalation in an already strained bilateral relationship. The move, announced by Beijing this week, has the potential to disrupt established trade patterns and deepen economic uncertainty between two of Asia’s largest economies. At the center… Continue reading China’s Dual-Use Export Ban on Japan Marks a Sharper Turn in Economic Tensions
New Year’s Sales Return to Japan’s Department Stores Amid Inflation Pressures
Japan’s major department stores kicked off their annual New Year’s sales this week, reviving one of the country’s most familiar retail traditions even as inflation continues to weigh on consumer sentiment. The start of the sales season, marked by the release of fukubukuro — or “lucky bags” — drew early-morning crowds eager to see what… Continue reading New Year’s Sales Return to Japan’s Department Stores Amid Inflation Pressures
Rising Food Prices Are Taking a Toll on Young People in Japan, Survey Shows
Inflation is increasingly reshaping daily life for young people in Japan, with higher food costs forcing many to rethink how much — and how often — they eat. A recent survey suggests that rising grocery prices are placing particular strain on those at the early stages of their working lives. According to research conducted by… Continue reading Rising Food Prices Are Taking a Toll on Young People in Japan, Survey Shows
Why Stickers Have Become Japan’s Most Unlikely Must-Have Item
In the run-up to Christmas 2025, many children across Japan made what sounded like a modest and easily fulfilled request: stickers. To parents, it seemed like the perfect gift — inexpensive, harmless, and nostalgic. But as many families quickly discovered, finding certain stickers had become surprisingly difficult. In recent months, stickers have transformed from simple… Continue reading Why Stickers Have Become Japan’s Most Unlikely Must-Have Item
Europe’s Digital ‘Fashion Passports’ Set to Reshape Global Apparel Supply Chains
Clothing sold in Europe may soon come with digital “passports” designed to verify sustainability claims, signaling a major shift toward transparency in the global fashion industry. Under emerging European Union rules, garments could carry QR codes or electronic tags allowing consumers to access detailed information about how and where items were produced. These digital product… Continue reading Europe’s Digital ‘Fashion Passports’ Set to Reshape Global Apparel Supply Chains
Cryptocurrencies at a Crossroads: Innovation or Risk?
Interest in cryptocurrencies continues to grow, fueled by new technologies, expanding markets, and increasing political recognition. In the United States, the passage of the Guiding and Establishing National Innovation for U.S. Stablecoins (GENIUS) Act in mid-2025 reinforced the perception that digital assets are no longer a fringe experiment but a permanent feature of the financial… Continue reading Cryptocurrencies at a Crossroads: Innovation or Risk?
How China Is Building a Consumer-Driven Economy
China is undergoing a profound economic transition, one that is reshaping not only its own development path but also the future of global growth. After decades of relying on manufacturing, exports, and large-scale investment, the country is steadily moving toward an economy powered by services and domestic consumption. This shift marks a turning point in… Continue reading How China Is Building a Consumer-Driven Economy
Global Manufacturers Commit $1.5 Billion to Tackle the Plastic Waste Crisis
Some of the world’s largest plastics producers and consumer goods companies have announced a major joint effort to confront the growing problem of plastic pollution. Industry leaders including BASF, DowDuPont, Procter & Gamble, and SABIC have come together to launch a new alliance aimed at reducing plastic waste and improving recycling systems worldwide. The group,… Continue reading Global Manufacturers Commit $1.5 Billion to Tackle the Plastic Waste Crisis