In ultra-modern Umeda, daring architecture stares down on Osaka from high above, challenging the senses with bizarre angles. The self imposed energy efficiency measures don’t reduce the city’s glow.

No matter what you think of the world’s luxury brands, you have to admire the level of detail and yet minimalism that goes into many of Ginza’s storefronts

Panasonic is now determined to become the number one green innovation company in the electronics industry. That vision is on display in a prototype of an eco house in Tokyo, and a planned smart community in Fujisawa to open in 2013.

Panasonic’s goal is to be the world’s number one green innovation company in the electronics industry. To that end, the environment will be the locus of the company’s business activities and will bring forth innovation.

47 years after it launched a just before the 1964 Olympics, Japan’s bullet train network, the Shinkansen, continues to amaze and inspire.

Smart grid technology innovation is surging in Japan, and the Eco Ideas House displays why: heat, wind, light and water. Back to basics wins a 21st century sheen in Tokyo.

As I started my 5:30 a.m. run in the Odaiba neighborhood where our hotel is located, I immediately recalled the highly organized calm sense of chaos that in part defines Japan.

As Japan rethinks its energy strategy in the wake of the earthquake, tsunami and the Fukushima disaster, innovation is thriving with renewed vigor throughout the country.

As a member of OSCE and the Council of Europe, Azerbaijan has made specific commitments to protect freedom of expression – but the current government does not always respect these obligations. From the OBC.

GreenGoPost.com and Leon Kaye will be in East Asia for two weeks, exploring the latest and greatest in both nations. We’ll view the latest in rail, clean energy, recycling and having a little bit of fun on the side, too.