Toyota has unveiled a prototype of what the city of the future could look like in Japan, complete with autonomous vehicles and human support technologies. As sustainability becomes a top priority in people’s lives, they’re expecting brands to lead by example and help them visualise the possibilities.

Britons are having a love affair with plants. From terrariums and cacti to Living Walls and hanging baskets, they want to tap into their affinity with nature. With urbanisation making the natural world more difficult to access, biophilic design is reconnecting people to nature in built environments.

Japanese authorities are setting up an incentives scheme to get people to relocate from Tokyo to other depopulated areas of the country. As large cities become increasingly expensive, polluted and congested, many are considering relocating for the sake of space and more flexible working arrangements.

Young Japanese urbanites are staying single for longer and looking for a way to live alone while retaining a sense of belonging and community. OYO Life aims to give cash-strapped Gen Yers and Zers the opportunity to rent affordable, fully-managed apartments, houses, or houseshares in Tokyo.