Features
Japan’s 10 favorite emoji for Twitter, and how they compare to the rest of the world
What with being the country that came up with the word “emoji” and all (which, by the way, has nothing to do with “emotion”), it’s no surprise that Japan remains among the most enthusiastic users of the expressive mini illustrations. So with World Emoji Day falling on July 17, Twitter Japan took… Read
Hair loss in Japan: The causes—and solutions
I was losing so much hair! Almost clumps were lost daily after I arrived in Japan. This would be hard to swallow for anyone, but as a 20-something female, it was beyond troubling. I researched my symptoms online (which is always problematic) but found very little information about what I… Read
Yahiko: A little village in Niigata with big things happening
Mt. Yahiko is a mighty volcano near the shore of the Sea of Japan. With Yahiko Shrine, the most famous shrine in Niigata Prefecture, as the entrance to the hike, it’s undeniably scenic. Hiking Mt Yahiko The hike is divided into 10 sections within a dense forest. It is not… Read
Is a new U.S.-led war looming with Iran?
The United States is deploying troops in Saudi Arabia as tensions soar with its arch-rival Iran raising concerns over navigation in the Gulf's strategic Strait of Hormuz. It will be the first deployment of its kind since 2003, when American forces withdrew from the kingdom after a 12-year presence and… Read
Hard Rock Cafe opens in Kyoto, featuring unique menu items and merchandise
The Hard Rock Cafe has a new branch in Kyoto, incorporating elements of ancient Japan with modern casual dining (and rock and roll, of course), and we’ve just found out even more about the exclusive menu items and and merchandise they’re offering. The new branch is located in the Gion Shirakawa area, where traditional machiya-style houses are not… Read
American Airlines and JAL to add direct Tokyo-Las Vegas flights for CES 2020
American Airlines and Japan Airlines (JAL) have confirmed that they will support the high demand for CES 2020 with additional direct flights between Tokyo (Narita) and Las Vegas. American will also add nonstop flights from Austin, Texas, and San Jose, California, and upgauge existing flights from Philadelphia and Dallas-Fort Worth… Read
On the menu soon: lab-grown steak for eco-conscious diners
Diners in some upmarket restaurants will soon be able to tuck into laboratory-grown steak, thanks to an Israeli startup that seeks to tap into consumer concerns about health, the environment and animal welfare. While lab-grown hamburgers and chicken are already in development around the world, Israel's Aleph Farms claims to… Read
Planning a BBQ? Not if you want to save the planet
Meat sizzling on the barbecue might be synonymous with summer, but consumers should re-think their menus to save the planet, a U.S.-based research group says. If the biggest beef and lamb consumers reduced their weekly intake to 1.5 burgers by 2050, it could cut greenhouse gas emissions and save forests… Read
Scientists find new way to kill disease-carrying mosquitoes
Scientists say they nearly eliminated disease-carrying mosquitoes on two islands in China using a new technique. The downside: It may not be practical for larger areas and may cost a lot of money. In the experiment, researchers targeted Asian tiger mosquitoes, invasive white-striped bugs that can spread dengue fever, Zika… Read
The moon now has hundreds of artifacts. Should they be protected?
Three rovers, six U.S. flags, dozens of probes that either landed successfully or crashed, tools, cameras and trash: the moon is dotted with hundreds of objects as a result of space exploration. Some experts are calling to grant them heritage status to protect them from future tourists and human activity.… Read
