Back in June of 2020 the Ministry of Health, Labor and Welfare released the COVID-19 Contact-Confirming Application or COCOA for short. It was quickly discovered that an actual cup of cocoa would be more effective at curbing the disease than this app, with only 0.03 percent of infections having been confirmed on it… Read
Many of us as children have probably been scolded for playing too many video games with threats that it will “wreck your eyesight.” There’s still some debate over how true or untrue that is, but a new game has been developed that may definitely save people’s eyesight. Meteor Blaster is a a simple smartphone… Read
Working from home has become the new normal for so many people in Tokyo, and we’re all aware of the pros and cons (unlimited snack breaks fall into both categories). For the last few years, many of us have found ourselves reluctantly leading a more sedentary lifestyle, and without the… Read
Summers in Japan always feel overbearing, and it feels like every year is hotter than the last. But that feeling is probably correct this time. This past June saw the country’s highest temperatures on record for the month in an intense heatwave. What also broke June records was the number of heatstroke… Read
Japan has loved matcha for centuries, and with its recent rise to stardom as a dessert flavor, it’s arguably more popular than ever. So green tea fans will be happy to hear that new research suggests matcha doesn’t just taste good, but is good for you in some very important ways. Tea producer Itoen and MCBI,… Read
The percentage of Japanese women who take oral contraception is still minimal in comparison to women in the West, where it reigns as one of the most popular forms of birth control. But fear not ladies, here are the ins and outs of purchasing birth control pills in Japan. Birth… Read
Until only a few decades ago, there were no strict guidelines regarding food labels and allergies in Japan. In many cases, it was assumed that common sense directed food choices (given that you knew your allergies), thus oftentimes limiting people with allergies in a big way. Today, however, most restaurants… Read
Tokyo is made up of 23 wards and roughly three dozen areas classified as cities and towns. The 23 wards are the most developed and centrally located, providing the closest access to schools, workplaces, and other necessary facilities, but that convenience comes with higher costs for housing and consumer goods prices. Living in… Read
Everyone likes a quick fix. It’s why the shelves at your local drugstore are overflowing with products. Supplement companies use buzzwords to convince you that their product will make you lose five kilograms in a week, live to 100, and have the skin of a Japanese baby until you die.… Read
I’ve been repeatedly visiting The Tokyo EDITION, Toranomon, for every trip to that hotel is an exciting voyage into the jungle-like lobby with a modern art collection, curated by Ian Schrager, hotelier guru and co-founder of Studio 54. However, this was my first time to try their spa. The spa… Read