[On-Site Report]
This episode examines how technology could fill the gap as Japan's food industry struggles to deal with the country's labor shortage. A Tokyo-based robot maker has developed a "humanoid" helper robot that is capable of working alongside humans. It implements advanced image analysis and AI as it helps pack elaborate boxed lunches. A Japanese confectionery is using a special oven equipped with AI to bake Baumkuchen. The system automatically adjusts oven temperature and is able to decide when to apply a new layer of batter to the rotating cake - both tasks that normally must be done under the watchful eye of an experienced baker.

[In Depth: IPO Market Sizzles as Pandemic Deepens]
The pandemic has been devastating for the global economy, but you wouldn't know it by checking the stock market. Share prices are soaring, leading to an IPO gold rush.

[Global Trends: Sustainable Success in Sweden]
A growing number of companies in Sweden are finding success in sustainability. We take a look at how some are using upcycling and new technology to make the country a leader in the transition to green economic development.

[On-Site Report]
As e-commerce sweeps the globe, retail stores and other businesses are looking to technology to help them compete in the digital age. A supermarket in Tokyo's neighboring Chiba Prefecture has introduced smart shopping carts that allow shoppers to ring up items as they shop. This system not only increases efficiency by letting shoppers avoid checkout lines, a built-in AI system analyzes their shopping behavior and makes suggestions to improve their shopping experience. Retail isn't the only field where technology is changing how business is done. A Tokyo-based IT venture has come up with a fun and unique way to carry out meetings for sales, marketing and customer service-based businesses -- by using a digital avatar. The system also uses AI to analyze client responses in order to improve overall customer service.

[In Depth: Long Road to Green and Self-Driving Cars]
The landscape of the auto industry is rapidly changing with the advance of technologies and tougher regulations on gas emission. Japan's conventional automakers are facing major challenges as they change gears.

[Global Trends: Food Delivery Services See Evolution in Bangkok]
Restaurants are ramping up delivery services as they see their on-site business plummet due to COVID-19 restrictions. We see how companies in Bangkok are coming up with ways to help restaurants reduce delivery costs and get meals to customers efficiently.

[On-Site Report]
This week's episode gives you an inside look at 2 companies that are combining modern technology with personal experience in order to create custom-made products for their disabled clients. One company, with a large number of disabled staff, is creating custom-built vehicles for people with disabilities. From design to fabrication, the company's staff incorporate their own experiences into the creation process as they seek to provide their clients with the best solutions possible. A small start-up is also using a similar approach to create "powered prosthetics." These new prosthetics use sensors and motors to assist users with movement. The CEO and lead developer, an amputee himself, has spent the last 5 years developing a powered prosthetic leg and is aiming to have it ready for market in 2021.

[In Depth: China's Export Law Has Trade Partners Guessing]
The trade standoff between the U.S. and China just got worse after Beijing rolled out new restrictions on exports. That puts global businesses at the risk of once again being caught between the world's 2 biggest economies.

[Global Trends: Tourists in Asia Still Get Their Japan Fix]
The popularity of Japan as a tourist destination had been growing steadily in the past decade. But travel restrictions earlier this year reduced the flood of foreign visitors to a trickle. With people unable to make the journey by plane, some businesses in Southeast Asia are offering them a chance to experience Japan closer to home. We visit an inn in Bangkok that has all the touches of an authentic Japanese ryokan, and see plans for a hotel in Vietnam that is modeled after large-scale resorts in Japan.

[On-Site Report]
Strong, portable and weather resistant, shipping containers are becoming a popular choice in modern architecture. Recently, a company that operates 20 shipping container hotels in Japan's Kanto region has made many of its units available for use as portable "rescue hotels" that can be deployed almost anywhere in the country for use by rescue workers, medical staff, or for other relief services. An industrial equipment dealer also was similar potential in shipping containers and is now equipping them with solar-powered generators and high capacity batteries to create emergency response stations that can instantly provide local areas with a much needed boost to infrastructure during times of trouble. In this episode, we focus on how shipping containers can be used to bolster the Japan's emergency response capabilities.

[In Depth: Japan Economy on Uncertain Path After GDP Bounce]
Japan's economy had a record surge in the July to September quarter after taking a deep dive in the previous 3 months. Much of the bounce came from reopening parts of the economy that had been shut to stem the spread of the coronavirus. Now, a resurgence of cases is threatening a sustained recovery.

[Global Trends: Indian Hotel on Wheels Offer Safe Journey]
Tourism in India has been decimated by COVID-19, as foreign visitor numbers have plummeted and sites like the Taj Mahal have seen temporary closures to stem the spread of the virus. A hotel outside New Delhi is trying to make up for some of its lost business by offering guests something different -- a luxury suite on a bus that can take them anywhere without exposing them to anyone outside their social bubble. We catch a ride on the bus to see what the five-star hotel service looks like on wheels.

[On-Site Report]
An online bus tour started by a small bus tour company in western Japan is growing in popularity. Participants are sent food and drinks from the tour destination in advance and are able to enjoy them while listening to the tour conductor from the comfort of their homes. Another advantage these online tours offer clients is the lack of travel time between destinations. Realizing that these virtual tours can allow clients to participate from anywhere in the world, the tour company has also created tours for clients in the United States in an effort to expand on what was once a completely domestic client base. This episode focuses on how the pandemic has forced a local tour company to shift its business model in order to survive.

[In Depth: China Gives Agriculture Tech Boost]
China is gearing up to digitalize its agricultural industry to make farming more profitable. It is hoping that the shift will help close the income gap between urban and rural households. We see how these efforts are helping farmers.

[Global Trends: Pandemic Turns Chinese Thrifty]
In China, being seen as a cheapskate can bring shame. But that has been changing during the economic uncertainty of the coronavirus era. A website showing people how to save money is a hit with younger people. Some of them did not have savings when the virus appeared. We take a look at changes in consumer awareness among young Chinese, and how their new thrifty habits will affect the future of consumption in China, and the global economy.

[On-Site Report]
This episode features Japanese companies that are extracting useful materials from bio-waste products. One company has found a way to extract hydroxyapatite (a key ingredient in making toothpaste and cosmetics) from eggshells, and another is turning corncobs and other biowaste into biofuel. This week's On-Site Report shows how advances in recycling technology are leading to a more circular society.

[Global Trends: Singapore Sees Macro Solution from Micro-Farming]
Concerns about health and the environment are driving the development of protein alternatives around the world. Singapore is among the countries making strides in creating food options that don't rely on livestock or vast tracts of land. We visit a company that's making what it calls "urban protein" and putting it into dishes like crab cakes, and another that is producing milk without dairy cattle. With support from the government, the small island state aims to show the world that even a little bit of land can go a long way.

[On-Site Report]
As the battle continues against COVID-19, advances in antimicrobial and disinfectant treatments are receiving more attention than ever. This episode highlights Japanese efforts to fight against microscopic threats by featuring a special antimicrobial coating that was originally designed to protect precious ancient artifacts and artwork as well as the first safe-for-human UV light that effectively inactivates COVID-19.

[In Depth: Virus May Hasten "Last Train" Call in Japan]
Japan's rail network has long been associated with the country's economic growth. But the pandemic has dramatically changed commuting habits and the way people socialize. That's prompting train operators to consider changing their schedules to adapt to the changing times.

[World Perspective: Brazilian City Keeps Spending in the Community]
The coronavirus has reduced incomes and drastically cut retailers' earnings around the world. A city in Brazil is trying to keep the economic damage to a minimum with the help of a basic income scheme that started before the pandemic. Marica, outside Rio de Janeiro, is distributing subsidies to lower-income households in the form of a digital currency that can only be spent locally. We see how this achieves the dual objectives of helping the neediest and keeping money circulating within the community.

This episode looks at how unintended results and accidental discoveries during the research and development process can sometimes end up leading to a new discovery. We feature a new material that was created during research on liquid crystal technology that allows for precise temperature control of cold-storage environments and a porous odor adsorbent carbon material which was created during the development of electrodes for lithium-ion batteries.

[On-Site Report]
"Clean Water and Sanitation" is one of the 17 sustainable development goals set forth by the United Nations. This week, we continue to feature Japanese companies that are contributing to improving sustainability by introducing businesses that have made it their mission to find ways to conserve on water usage. One company has created a recycling system that allows up to 98% of household water to be reusable, and the other has developed an automated cultivation system that uses solar heat to grow crops using limited amounts of water.

[In Depth: Japan Losing Its Edge in Science?]
Japan has once been a leader in developing innovative technology, but the country now stands at a crossroads. As this year's Nobel Prize announcements are under way, we take a look at how Japan's global presence in basic research could be at risk.

[World Perspective: Airlines Turns to In-Flight Meals to Survive]
Travel restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic have been a major blow for the airline industry. Asian carriers that were flying high just last year now face empty seats and a murky financial future. Looking for a lifeline, some carriers have turned to a surprising source for income: in-flight meals. The companies have started offering the dishes at local restaurants and more, hoping to appeal to those who miss air travel and all that comes with it. We take a look at how 2 airlines in Asia are using the strategy to weather the economic turbulence.

[On-Site Report]
One of the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals -- "Life Below Water," is of particular importance to Japan. This episode introduces Japanese companies that are taking action to help counter the effects of seafloor desertification by helping to bring kelp forests back to coastal seabeds. A young startup has come up with a clever way to slow the spread of kelp-eating sea urchins and provide additional economic benefits to local communities by collecting, fattening up and selling the prickly pests. Elsewhere, a major steel maker is producing a special fertilizer made from a mixture of steel slag and other organic compounds that is promoting the regrowth of marine plant life off of Japan's coastal waters.

[In Depth: Japan Accelerates Moves to Reopen Economy]
While Japan continues efforts to contain the coronavirus, it is also accelerating steps to get the economy back on track. We take a look at the initiatives the government has kicked off this week.

[Global Trends: High-Rise Construction Adopts the Way of Wood]
As Sustainable Development Goals, or SDGs, gain traction around the world, a building method developed in Japan is getting attention. Typically, large buildings are constructed using steel frames and reinforced concrete. But this environmentally friendly alternative relies on wood-based materials, creating buildings that are aesthetically appealing as well as resistant to fire and earthquake damage. The builder behind a high-rise under construction in Sendai shares his vision of a future where cities are again dominated by wooden structures.

[On-Site Report]
Businesses that help customers to stay socially distanced are catching on as people seek to regain their social lives while still following safety guidelines. One company has implemented AI technology into its software which allows users to see how crowded locations such as retail stores, restaurants and even hotels are in real time. Another company is taking advantage of outdoor spaces to provide people with a chance to get out and mingle safely through out-door events, such as barbecues. This week's episode looks at how businesses are attracting customers by providing them with ways to get out and have some fun while still remaining socially distanced.

[In Depth: Japan's New Prime Minister Vows to Restore Economy]
Japan is entering a new chapter with a new Prime Minister. Suga Yoshihide has risen from humble beginnings to be the leader of the country at a crucial moment. We look at his background and how he plans to revive the pandemic-stricken economy.

[Global Trends: Muay Thai Gym Battles Back from the Ropes]
In Muay Thai, Thailand's national combat sport, trained athletes do battle using fierce kicks and punches. The country is said to have some 20,000 of these athletes, and more than 5,000 gyms there offer the martial art. But amid the coronavirus pandemic, only half of stadiums have restarted matches, and athletes still have limited opportunities to compete in tournaments. With the difficult situation likely to continue, one famous gym is turning to social media to fight its way to a comeback.

[On-Site Report]
Japan's agriculture industry is struggling with both an aging workforce and a labor shortage. According to national estimates, the number of farmers across the country has dropped about 57% over the past 20 years. One company is drawing attention for its AI-driven robots, that are assisting farmers with harvesting produce. Another company has created a matching service that introduces farms that need more staff to people who are interested in giving farming a try. In exchange for their help, guests receive a paycheck as well as a place to stay. The service is proving especially popular with young people, as it gives them an affordable way to travel around the country while trying a new kind of work. This episode examines how technology may play a key role in saving Japan's agriculture industry.

[In Depth: Pandemic Pushes Struggling Businesses into Corner]
The coronavirus pandemic is having its toll on smaller businesses in Japan, many of which were already struggling. It is a worrying trend for local economies, but we see efforts that are underway to keep businesses afloat.

[World Perspective: Geothermal Power Gains Steam in Kenya]
Geothermal power generation uses a renewable source to create a stable supply at low cost. It is gaining ground in Kenya, which has active volcanos that create the necessary steam and a rapidly-growing economy that is driving demand for electricity. A major geothermal power plant was developed with financial and technological support from Japan. This week, we look at this international collaboration that is using renewable energy to power an African economy.

[On-Site Report]
As COVID-19 cases continue to increase, the way people live and work is changing. Here in Japan, a new type of rental share house system that allows customers to rotate between over 60 houses across Japan is growing in popularity. With fees starting at less than $400 per month, people who no longer need to live in the city for work are signing up to escape to safer and more peaceful surroundings. As more and more properties sit empty after decades of population decline, this business model is also attracting attention as one way to make use of some of Japan's vacant housing. This episode looks at how short-term rental businesses are helping people in Japan adapt to a new way of life amid the ongoing pandemic.

[In Depth: Abenomics a Work in Progress as PM Departs]
Japan's longest-serving prime minister is stepping down. The surprise announcement by Abe Shinzo touched off a debate over the effectiveness of his economic policy and the direction his successor may take. We asked some experts to discuss Abe's legacy.

[Global Trends: Indonesia Turns to Traditional Drink in Trying Times]
Indonesians are turning to a centuries-old herbal medicine as they weather the COVID-19 pandemic. Sales of drinks made from Jamu are booming as many people, from the nation's president on down, tout its health benefits. The government has even instructed a research institute to study whether the mixture of herbs can boost the immune system. In this report, we visit a market where Jamu is still made fresh the traditional way and an upscale cafe where it's processed through an espresso machine and served as a mixed drink.

As the coronavirus has thrown the global economy into a state of flux, legendary investor Jim Rogers' bold warnings and predictions are getting more attention than ever. This episode features an in-depth interview where he shares his thoughts on COVID-19 and the US, Chinese and Japanese economies.

With the spread of COVID-19, it became clear that Japan's administrative infrastructure is lagging when it comes to digitalization. Online applications for financial support are taking much longer than expected to process and much of the government is still using fax machines. This episode features Japanese start-ups pushing to digitalize the country as well as an in-depth interview with an expert from one of the world's most digitalized nations - Estonia.

With another sweltering summer in the forecast, heat-related illnesses are once again a major concern here in Japan. This year, however, people wearing masks to prevent the spread of COVID-19 will be at an even higher risk of succumbing to the heat. This episode features new mask technology that allows for better breathability while still offering virus protection as well as a small wearable device that can instantly detect and warn wearers of dangerous increases in body temperature.

[On-Site Report] Robots are rolling in to prevent the spread of COVID-19 by allowing for less direct human contact. New innovations let users visit a sick loved one or receive personal fitness training without leaving the safety and comfort of home. This episode shows how new uses for robots during the health crisis could spur further demand in the technology sector. [Global Trends] Companies around the world have initiated teleworking to try and ensure the safety of employees. For most businesses it's just a temporary measure. But one company in the US has taken an even bolder step, closing its office permanently and transitioning solely to telework. We take a close-up look at what was behind the firm's decision, and how the move is changing the lives of its employees.

[On-Site Report] Japan has been reluctant to test for COVID-19 on a massive scale, but as the government strives to get the economy up and running as quickly as possible, experts are saying that a huge increase in testing is needed in order for businesses to re-open safely and successfully. We sat down for an exclusive interview with economics professor and government advisor Kobayashi Keiichiro to find out how important testing is to jump-starting Japan's economy. [World Perspective] The COVID-19 pandemic has dealt a devastating blow to the global travel industry and created unprecedented challenges for the aviation sector. In Asia, the shock comes as some state-run airlines were already struggling amid intensifying competition from low-cost carriers in the region. Thai Airways International has filed for bankruptcy protection and Garuda Indonesia is said to be struggling. We talk to experts about what may be next for aviation in Asia.

[On-Site Report] Japan's manufacturing industry relies on small factories located across the country to keep it churning. With sales stagnant and no sign of demand picking up, the coronavirus has taken a heavy toll on many of these small manufacturers over the last 3 months. This episode focuses on how a regional bank and an IT company have set out to support these local businesses during the ongoing crisis. [World Perspective] Medical workers treating coronavirus patients are doing everything they can to avoid becoming infected. In Thailand, a robotics team stepped in to help. It made a robot that allows doctors to remotely take patients' temperatures and examine their throats. Another robot delivers meals to patients. The robots reduce contact between patients and medical workers, as well as the need for personal protective equipment. We look at how technology from Thailand could reduce the burden at hospitals worldwide.

[On-Site Report] With most events canceled and little to no support from the government, Japan's performing arts industry has been hit extremely hard by the health crisis caused by the novel coronavirus. As the debate over the importance of live theater and music continues, many artists and organizations are now attempting to take their acts online. This episode shows how live entertainment here is adapting as the performing arts world struggles for survival during the COVID-19 pandemic. [World Perspective] Indonesia's healthcare system is struggling under the pressure of COVID-19. The country has recorded the most deaths from the virus in Southeast Asia and the number of infections has now surpassed 20,000. Medical staff are finding it increasingly difficult to get the personal protective equipment, or PPE, they need. A call to make sure workers don't go unprotected has been answered by companies of all sizes. We visit a men's tailor that started making hospital gowns and a textile giant that may turn PPE into one of its mainline businesses.

Japan declared a state of emergency on Tuesday for Tokyo, Osaka and 5 other prefectures. But many question whether the measures will be effective to stop the spread of the coronavirus. We take an in-depth look.

Like many countries around the world, the coronavirus is hurting businesses across Japan. From reusable masks, to efforts to help struggling restaurants, this episode shows how some local businesses are trying to fight back during these challenging times.

Plastic waste from all around the world is ending up in Southeast Asia. After China stopped accepting the trash in 2018, Malaysia became the top importer. It receives hundreds of thousands of tons from Japan and other wealthy nations, and the results have been shocking. Shipments of plastic waste are piling up in ports and illegal recyclers are dumping mountains of scrap in rural areas, risking the health of local people. In Indonesia, pristine beach resorts are polluted by plastic garbage as authorities struggle to cope with the influx. In this special edition of BIZ STREAM, we send an investigation team to the region to find out how the situation developed, and what local people are doing to tackle the problem.

Japan has been hit hard by the coronavirus. With most people relying on public transport, the risk of the virus spreading among millions of commuters crammed into packed buses and trains is real. In response, many companies are now having their employees work from home. Although previously not a popular choice for companies in Japan, many now see it as the only way to keep their businesses up and running. This week's episode features companies helping businesses who are trying to deal with the current health crisis through novel telecommuting techniques as well as allowing people who are under lockdown to stay connected with the outside world.

In recent years, food loss isn't the only major form of waste that the world is dealing with. There is now growing concern over "clothing waste." Not only are fashion trends hard to predict, they can also change quickly. This means that the apparel industry is constantly over producing across a wide range of products in order to ensure that it can keep up with demand. Of the 2.9 billion clothing items imported to or produced in Japan every year, nearly half end up getting thrown away. This week's episode shows how some apparel companies are trying to overcome "clothing waste" by using IT technology and innovative recycling techniques to reduce waste and cut costs while still remaining competitive.

While online shopping revolution might seem like a dream come true for consumers, it has thrown the logistics and shipping industry into chaos. This episode shows how logistics companies are implementing creative ways of using space in their delivery trucks to maximize efficiency and specialized packing machines to help keep pace with increasing demand.

Japan's soaring health care costs are expected to reach nearly $500 billion within the next 5 years. With costs ballooning, some businesses are now creating new technology that will revolutionize early detection of a variety of diseases. From a quick and easy cancer test that only requires a single drop of urine, to connected devices that allow wearers to receive instant health advice from medical professionals, this week's episode focuses on how medical technology is playing a key role in saving lives and lowering health care costs.

1 year has passed since the EPA (Economic Partnership Agreement) went into effect between Japan and the European Union. This historic agreement led to the creation of the world's largest free trade zone, one that includes up to 600 million people. In addition to the elimination of tariffs on a variety of goods, new provisions were established to protect products sourced from specific regions like Kobe Beef and Bordeaux wines, which have suffered from sales of falsely labeled goods from other areas. Said to be a model for free and fair trade moving into the 21st century, this episode highlights the effects this agreement is having on the import and export of popular goods between Japan and the EU.

With an average life expectancy of 84.2 years, Japan's population is living longer than almost any other country in the world. The market for consumers over the age of 65 is now worth nearly 900 billion dollars. Today's episode introduces a major shopping mall which is catering to this market by opening its doors at 7am to let old people in the neighborhood use its facilities for walking and group exercise classes. We also feature a special travel service that provides the extra care and support needed for older customers with disabilities to be able to take local excursions or even go on a "final dream trip."

With the 2020 Olympics and Paralympics set to commence in Tokyo later this year, Japan's construction industry is being pushed to its limits. A national labor shortage is adding to the challenge, so construction companies are now turning to technology to maximize efficiency. From smart excavators that can be operated by almost anyone, to MR (mixed reality) goggles that can display construction plans on demand, this episode introduces some of the cutting-edge technology that is being used to help make up for a lack of man-power at major construction sites in Japan.

BIZ STREAM's first broadcast of 2020 focuses on a movement to help encourage and support a new generation of Japanese startups. Compared to many other developed nations, the number of startups is relatively small, but the government is promoting tie-ups between universities and the private sector in order to nurture companies that will shape the country's future. This episode features some of the ways Japan is working to improve the chances its startups have at finding success.