Nicolas Soergel is the founder of NIHON ICHIBAN, an e-commerce platform launched in 2012 that sells a wide range of traditional and unique Japanese artisanal products. Through his business, he is striving to help preserve the crafts industry, and with it an essence of Japanese culture. In this interview, he talks about the concept of NIHON ICHIBAN, how it came into existence, and his plans to help give Japanese crafts makers higher visibility in the global market and thereby to help attract a new generation of skilled artisans to continue these important traditions. Can you tell us about Nihon Ichiban, how it was founded, and its evolution into the successful business that it is today?   My wife is the fifth generation of Chinriu Honten, maker of pickles and sweets made of ume plum, red shiso and sakura. – established in 1871. When my wife took ... ... [Read more]

The first weeks of the second Trump administration have made clear that the United States is no longer content to carry out business as usual. Washington is in the throes of a full-scale reorientation of its grand strategy, with deep implications for its allies, including Japan. For decades, the U.S.-Japan alliance has stood as a cornerstone of the regional security architecture in the Indo-Pacific region. For Tokyo, reliance on the United States’ conventional military might—backed by the country’s nuclear deterrent—has been the fundamental building block of its own national security. The tectonic geopolitical shifts being initiated by the Trump administration will demand a rethink in both capitals about the most prudent way forward. For Washington, allies are no longer necessarily seen as assets, but, in many cases, liabilities. President Trump’s impulses on alliances were somewhat moderated during his first term by the more traditional ... ... [Read more]

  Though you may be tempted to hear the word “diplomacy” and imagine leaders in stuffy suits shaking hands, their pictures forever inked unsmiling into even stuffier, impenetrable textbooks, the truth of cultural diplomacy, particularly coming out of Japan, is about as vibrant and bombastic as you can get. Owing much to Japanese cartoons (anime) and comic books (manga), cultural exchange between Japan and other nations is now a literal page-turner. At the 2024 Olympics in Paris, record numbers of international athletes (think the US, Spain, Colombia, France, etc.) took to their events striking famous poses from One Piece, Jujutsu Kaisen, Dragon Ball, and other legendary works from across Japan, drawing the cheers and applause of recognizant fans the world over.   During their modern origins post-WWII, anime and manga were inspired by classic western cartoons like Disney and Betty Boop. The tides have since turned. Now, ... ... [Read more]

Urban greening is an important topic in Japan. The Ministry of Land, Infrastructure, Transport and Tourism is promoting “Green policy” and actively working on improving urban parks through its projects. Some companies are creating parks with trees and flowers on building rooftops and in limited open spaces, providing a relaxation atmosphere for people. Although many people perceive cities like Tokyo as concrete jungles, there are many parks where office workers are relaxing during lunchtime on weekdays. Japan is focusing on greening as a project that will help counter the heat island problem, revitalize society, and promote tourism.... [Read more]