In PX120 our guest is Assistant Professor Akane Bessho, Ph.D of the Housing and Urban Analysis Laboratory, Department of Engineering, The University of Tokyo.  Information about Akane’s work is at https://www.researchgate.net/profile/Akane-Bessho-2

and her website is: https://www.akanebessho.com

Akane has a wide range of research projects and in the field work including those that seek to reverse depopulation in Japan’s rural areas, assisting people with disabilities in the agricultural sector (see for example Coco Farm & Winery (https://cocowine.com/wp/wp-content/uploads/2023/03/cocofaw-pr-eng.pdf), new approaches to food production and creating community gardens designed to aid those with dementia. 

Akane describes her faculty at the the Tokyo University and the excellent work it produces. The students are highly motivated and create highly innovative urban projects. Details at https://www.due.t.u-tokyo.ac.jp/english/

The interview discusses many issues confronting Japanese society. From this we can draw lessons that can be applied to other countries.

An engaging and inspiring interview about new approaches to create better societal outcomes.

In Podcast Extra / Culture Corner, Akane has two recommendations, music by 'Ren' (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mnbXfRACsVM) and a book 'The Essence of Language: How Words Were Born and Evolved?' (by Mutsumi Imai & Kimi Akita):  https://amzn.asia/d/00SRoMrL

Jess has taken up tennis lessons and recommends this to listeners.

Pete has two recommendations both Japanese related; The TV series 'Golden Kamuy' on Netflix https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N6DmjhcSt8Q

and 'Design X Stories' a TV program on NHK (https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/design_stories/) in particular ’Shared Living, Shared Spaces' (https://www3.nhk.or.jp/nhkworld/en/shows/2101025/)

Audio produced by Jack Bavage. Podcast released 10 August 2024.