Features
Panoramic night view of Tokyo Bay from Fuji TV's Sphere
Fuji Television Network Inc is extending the opening hours of the “HACHITAMA” Spherical Observation Room with an additional two more hours at night. For a limited period, from Saturday, Dec 22 through to Sunday, Jan 6, 2019, it will be open every day from 10 a.m. until 8 p.m., giving… Read
In democracies' political chaos, new model emerges
Bickering in the Oval Office. Shouting at the Houses of Parliament. Rioting on the Champs-Elysees. It's a chaotic moment for the countries that have long underpinned the global order, a time of instability for the balance of power that has reigned for decades. Across the world, people are questioning truths… Read
5 lies to help you get out of Japan’s dreaded end-of-the-year office parties
With the year winding down, workers across Japan are looking forward having a few days off at the end of December/start of January, since New Year’s is the most important holiday in Japan. At the same time, though, many of those same workers are dreading their company’s annual bonenkai. Literally translating… Read
Born free: Ex-returnee Rui Yamashita and the raw art of entrepreneurship
“I’ve travelled and lived in many countries, but I honestly feel that Kenya is a place where people are generally positive and happy—even if some don’t have much.” When Rui Yamashita speaks about her adopted home in East Africa, she does so with a passion that’s immediate, authentic, and infectious. A Japan-born… Read
Identity crisis: data misuse an unseen twist in DNA testing
Taken away as an infant and placed for adoption, Jen Stein was afraid that knowing nothing about her Native American past or potential hereditary diseases could put her and her children's health at risk. So, like millions of people around the world, she bought a home DNA test kit to… Read
A stunning onsen town, a bamboo forest and wasabi ice cream but a tragic history
If you’re looking for an outstanding onsen (hot spring) town, then head to Shuzenji Onsen, a few hours’ train ride from Tokyo in the prefecture of Shizuoka. Although it’s nicknamed Izu’s “Little Kyoto,” it’s more than just that. Over the years, Shuzenji’s unique history has also inspired travelers and Japanese writers alike. Shuzenji’s… Read
The ultimate translating device
The new KAZUNA eTalk5 handheld device can not only translate spoken phrases in 72 languages, but it can also translate photographic images of restaurant menus or street signs. Furthermore, KAZUNA eTalk5 has a chat translating function where users can send messages converted into another language. In addition to three different… Read
Treat yourself to a luxury coffee made from a rare bean harvest at Lawson Japan
Ever wanted to sip a rare coffee blend, made of beans from 100-year old trees in Panama? Lawson is here to help. The humble, ubiquitous convenience store is a godsend when it comes to getting your daily early morning dose of caffeine. No matter which of the branches you prefer, it’s likely they’ll stock… Read
Diabetic amputations on the rise in the U.S.
A growing number of people with diabetes in the U.S. are losing toes and feet to the disease by the time they reach middle age, according to a study that suggests a reversal after years of progress against diabetes. When people with diabetes have poorly controlled blood sugar, over time… Read
Christmas tree growers combat popularity of artificial trees
Rosa Villarreal's three young sons jumped and ran around the field of Christmas trees like jackrabbits, their excitement palpable as they raced from evergreen to evergreen. The boys, ages 2, 4 and 6, were picking out a real tree this year — a new tradition their young parents hope will… Read
