[By Meiji University Vice President Toshikatsu Yanagisawa] On Nov. 30, 2016, UNESCO added cooperatives to the list of intangible cultural assets. The list describes cooperatives as entities that “allow for community building through shared interests and values creating innovative solutions to societal problems, from generating employment and assisting seniors to urban revitalization and renewable energy projects.” The cooperatives were listed because they were recognized as communities that helps “to enrich cultural diversity and human creativity,” as stated in the UNESCO Convention for the Safeguarding of the Intangible Cultural Heritage. Cooperatives has built trust in the global society in the current century, as can be seen in the 2001 U.N. Guidelines … Continue reading →

On June 15, 2017, an Akihabara-based NPO group Licolita planted pakchi (coriander) seeds as well as young basil and mint on a rooftop garden at The Japan Agricultural News building in Akihabara, Tokyo. The event is part of Akihabara Vegetable Garden Project, which is now in the ninth year. For the first seven years, the environmental NPO grew rice in buckets. However, starting from last year, it’s growing herbs that can be eaten soon after harvesting. Five “Akiba maids”, who are waitresses working at costume play restaurants and cafes in Akihabara, also took part in the event. Last year, all their pakchi was lost because of the typhoons and dry … Continue reading →