This open-access volume offers the first comprehensive examination of Kakishibu, a traditional Japanese technology based on fermented bitter persimmon juice, now gaining attention as a sustainable alternative to plastics. At its core, Kakishibu is rich in persimmon tannins, compounds renowned for their multifunctional properties, including waterproofing, antibacterial and antiviral activity, insect repellence, and deodorization.
The authors present an in-depth analysis of the historical development and chemical composition of Kakishibu, while critically exploring the epistemological distinctions between Japanese traditional Knowledge and Western scientific paradigms. Particular emphasis is placed on understanding the cultural values and norms that shape the use of modern technology and efforts to pursue green innovation. This dialogue is situated within broader social science debates on system transformation and diverse innovation pathways towards the UN Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
In addition to theoretical insights, the book features practical case studies: a start-up initiative for producing Kakishibu-coated paper as a plastic alternative; innovative business concepts proposed by Japanese high school students; and culturally responsive STEAM education programs incorporating Kakishibu.
Written by leading scholars, practitioners, and educators, this work constitutes an essential resource for students, researchers, and industry professionals engaged in tannin research, knowledge systems, and sustainable innovation. It invites readers to consider the potential of Kakishibu for transforming the petrochemical plastics era and to reflect on ways to integrate traditional and scientific knowledge for sustainable development. Whether you are a scholar, practitioner, or simply interested in green technologies, this book offers critical insights into the intersection of culture, science, and technology.
The English translation of this book, originally in Japanese, was facilitated by artificial intelligence. The content was later revised by the author for accuracy.
Kei Kano (Professor, Faculty of Education, Shiga University)
Kei Kano, PhD in life sciences, is a professor at the Science Communication Laboratory in the Faculty of Education at Shiga University, Japan. He is a visiting fellow at the Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science at the Australian National University. He also serves as the chair of foreign affairs at the Young Academy of Japan, the Science Council of Japan and an associate member of the Science Council of Japan. He has won the Prize for Science and Technology from the Ministry of Education, Culture, Sports, Science and Technology (MEXT) in Japan twice, in 2014 and 2017, for his work in science communication practices and research.
Sujatha Raman (Professor/Director, Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS), Australian National University (ANU); UNESCO Chair Holder)
Sujatha Raman is a Professor and Director of the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS), Australian National University (ANU) and UNESCO Chair-holder in Science Communication for Public Good. She is an interdisciplinary social scientist interested in how matters of sustainability and equity intersect, and what these intersections mean for re-imagining how we bring science and innovation to bear on the task of building better planetary futures. She has published widely on responsible innovation and emerging technology assessment, the science/policy interface, and energy transitions and their material underpinnings. Before joining ANU in 2018, she was Co-director of the Institute for Science and Society (ISS), University of Nottingham (UK) and Director of the Leverhulme Research Programme, 'Making Science Public' which spanned the Universities of Nottingham, Sheffield and Warwick.
Dan Santos (Research Fellow, Australian National Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS), Australian National University (ANU))
Dan Santos is a Research Fellow at the Centre for the Public Awareness of Science (CPAS) at the Australian National University, working with the UNESCO Chair in Science Communication for the Public Good. His current research interests revolve around the political economic and public engagement dimensions of emerging technologies, especially concerning questions around openness and innovation. On these topics, he has conducted empirical research on synthetic biology and stem cells, and his work engages with and contributes to the fields of science and technology studies (STS), science communication, and economic geography. He received his PhD in Geography from Clark University.
