Due to the pandemic in 2020, nearly all live entertainment ground to a halt, including Rakugo, a traditional Japanese performing art. During the hiatus, Rakugo artists began to broadcast online, attracting subscribers and sponsors while performing for remote fans. As theaters gradually reopen, many artists attempt to reach a wider audience by balancing the real world and online performances. Explore the signs of a paradigm shift in the world of classical Japanese performing arts.

The rapid increase in the use of disposable masks and to-go containers during the pandemic has made the problem of plastic waste go from bad to worse. But some Japanese companies are working to alleviate the issue. Environmentally friendly masks made of fibers used for traditional Japanese paper, which decompose in 3 months when buried in soil. Also underway is the development of plates made from recycled food waste, and an initiative to compost them after use.

Messenger RNA science has tremendously accelerated the development of effective COVID-19 vaccines. Enabling the creation of a variety of proteins inside the body, mRNAs are a promising weapon in the fight against intractable diseases such as cancer. This episode of The Signs focuses on Japanese researchers who work to create new vaccines and medicine through combining mRNAs with original technology.

Japan has long practiced the use of materials with sterilizing properties for everyday things and clothing. Scientific research now shows that these materials, such as extracts from indigo, known as Japan blue, and Japanese stucco used in traditional architecture, are also effective against COVID-19 virus. Also, in the realm of the latest technology, a revolutionary virus-inhibiting lighting fixture has been developed that uses UV light that's safe for humans. In this episode, we talk to some of Japan's leading researchers about the forefront of antiviral technology.

In 2020, as people hunkered down due to the pandemic, they started to take a fresh look at reading. Online events organized by bookstores and book clubs experienced unprecedented growth. There were even some who ventured to open real life, brick and mortar bookstores, in the hopes of nurturing connection. We take a look at how the pandemic has sparked a renewed relationship with books.

Covid-19 has highlighted one of the challenges facing Japan: how to ensure a sustainable food supply. Nearly 2 million people found themselves out of work in Japan in 2020. With more people unable to earn a living, the impact is being felt by children across the country. At the same time, about 6 million tons of edible food is wasted annually in Japan. There are people working to solve this problem by linking this food loss to a food safety net. This episode follows their challenge.

In its wake of destruction, COVID-19 has brought additional barriers for people with disabilities. At the same time, sign language interpretation at press conferences held by local municipalities has become a nationwide standard, and remote sign language interpretation services are also emerging. In addition, a unique online theater that's been established to specialize in accessibility issues, is attracting a lot of attention. Explore the new signs of working toward a barrier-free society.

COVID-19 continues to mutate and wreak havoc. About 90% of infections in Japan are caused by these variants, which have become new threats. To stem infection rates, vaccination and testing are both essential. Come along as we explore new cutting-edge technologies being developed through the combined efforts of the private sector, including accurate, high-volume testing units, technologies that quickly detect variants, and the world's fastest method for detecting viruses at the microscopic level.

COVID-19 has forced us to rethink the functions and roles of offices and houses. We may have reached our limit to live comfortably in "boxes" built with a human-centered mindset. The pandemic has exposed the weaknesses of the "closed box." As we confront these new forms of daily life, how can we create ideal living spaces? In this episode, world-renowned architect Kuma Kengo introduces some of his recent projects and discusses his vision for the future of architecture and cities. Time Magazine selected Kuma Kengo as one of the 100 most influential people of 2021.

Japan is the world's fifth largest emitter of CO2, but young people are now trying their best to bring about societal change. A printing company that acted quickly to reduce their carbon footprint holds online events to discuss SDGs, led by its junior staff. University students spearhead the shift to natural energy. We focus on how people of all generations and backgrounds in Japan are seeking a path toward a decarbonized society.

Genetic research in sports is currently making great strides. A soccer team in Japan has found results in tailoring training regimens to players' genetic makeup. While there are beneficial findings for disease prevention, like the link between comorbidity and severe cases of COVID-19, there is also the risk of using the "blueprints of life" for not so altruistic purposes. A close examination of both the technology and ethics at the forefront of sports genomics.

The pandemic has seen an evolving ecosystem of streaming services scrambling to bring entertainment to audiences. And in all this, once humble, but now almighty smartphones are leading the way. They deliver immersive and intimate worlds right in front of our eyes. These ultimate personal devices are being leveraged to create new ideas that could transform the way we consume content. Come along as we explore the new normal in entertainment developing right in the palm of your hand.

After over a decade spent lagging behind the world, the pandemic saw huge advances for digital learning in Japan. Nationwide elementary and middle schoolers are given tablets as a new standard writing tool, and an app from a small venture company is transforming lessons. But some teachers are not embracing the rapid pace of change, and parents are voicing their concerns. Take a closer look at major changes taking place in Japan's educational landscape.

The ongoing fight against COVID-19 is creating greater barriers in society for people with disabilities. Asakawa Chieko, a major global IT company Fellow and CTO, is tackling these problems. Having lost sight in both eyes at the age of 14, she joined the IT company and has dedicated her life to developing technological solutions to accessibility issues. Asakawa shares her thoughts on making the real world more accessible for people with disabilities, and embracing a future of rich diversity.