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Synopsis
We analyze the social changes brought by COVID-19, looking for signs that point towards the right philosophy to adopt in this era of the "New Normal."
Episode 14 : Asakawa Chieko: Changing Lives with Science and Technology
December. 04,2021
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.
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Episode 13 : Digital Education Evolves
November. 06,2021
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.
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Episode 11 : The Promise and Challenges of Sports Genetics
September. 18,2021
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.
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Episode 10 : Young Minds Dream of a Carbon Zero Future
August. 07,2021
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.
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Episode 9 : Kuma Kengo: Architecting a New Way of Life
July. 31,2021
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.
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Episode 7 : Breaking Down Communication Barriers
June. 05,2021
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.
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Episode 3 : mRNA: Medical Messenger of Hope
February. 27,2021
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.
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Episode 2 : Eliminating Plastic Waste
January. 23,2021
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.
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