Skincare aficionados may have spent the best part of the 2010s championing K-beauty, but amid the uncertainty of the pandemic, Japanese rituals have gained fresh relevance around the world. How is J-beauty balancing old and new wisdom to meet evolving consumer needs?

The desire to get married is on the decline in Japan, with women in particular becoming less interested in settling down. With the pandemic impacting women and inspiring people to rethink their priorities, traditional life milestones are taking a backseat as individual wellbeing climbs up the list.

Any brand interested in nurturing a community through the power of personalisation need look no further than Japan’s custom bike scene. How are boutique stores in this market catering to the discerning needs of an enthusiastic niche? And how can mass customisation be applied across sectors?

The pandemic has made people the world over re-evaluate their priorities. In Japan, singletons are increasingly seeking the stability of marriage. With an inability to meet people IRL due to COVID-19, matchmaking company Sunmarie is offering creative solutions to forge relationships online.