Sacred Mountains of the Kii Peninsula

The sacred sites and pilgrimage route of the Kii Mountains designated a World heritage Site in July 2004. These mountains are sacred to both the Shinto and Buddhist faiths, and their temples and shrines show a remarkable fusion between the two religions. The wild and beautiful forests of Mount Koya and Kumano contain many attractions for the visitor - wonderful walking, unique architecture, giant waterfalls and the chance to stay in mountain temples.

Miso Power

Miso, the product of boiled and fermented soy beans, has been a part of the Japanese diet for countries, especially in the form of miso soup, but recently the rest of the world has been catching on to the health benefits of this delicious food. After research showing miso to be effective in preventing a range of diseases, including various cancers, worldwide use of the soy-based food has increased enormously.

Rural Grassroots Leaders

The developing world needs rural leaders to introduce new farming methods that are appropriate, sustainable and do not rely on mechanization. The Asian Rural Institute near Tokyo is one establishment that provides training in all forms of agriculture for future leaders from developing countries, focusing on organic farming methods.

Saving the Yanbaruina

Every day, many species become extinct, and in many cases it is we humans who are responsible. The introduction of foreign predators like cats and mongooses has almost killed off the yanbarukuina, or Okinawa flightless rail. However, a research project underway in the bird's native Yanbaru mountains promises to find ways to prevent this lovely bird from being lost to the world.