Books as Billboards | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
One of the hottest trends in Japan right now is book jackets. Made of high-quality paper and sporting elaborate and colorful designs, many of them bear corporate logos and brand images.

Something For Nothing | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Free newspapers and magazines have rapidly evolved into one of the most exciting subsectors of the publishing industry, with the annual circulation of free publications currently standing at more than 200 million.

Ever More Convenient | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Convenience stores no longer just sell food and everyday items but offer an amazing variety of goods and services. Many chains have recently launched specialist outlets targeted at specific groups of customers in an effort to stay ahead of the pack.

The Eco-Friendly Bank | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
A nonprofit bank launched two years ago by three stars of Japan's pop-music industry is garnering attention for the contribution it is making to tackling environmental problems.

Going Wild | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
The Asahiyama Zoo is located in a fairly rural area in the far north of Japan, but that has not stopped huge numbers of people from all over the country from visiting. What is the secret behind zoo's staggering popularity? The answer lies in its presentation of the exhibits. The cages and aquariums are designed to show off the peculiar and fascinating behavior of the zoo's animals.

Gamarjobat | Arts and Entertainment | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
A pair of Japanese comic performers known as Gamarjobat is currently winning fans all over the world. While still relatively unknown in Japan, they often perform overseas to rave reviews and have even won awards at arts festivals in Britain and other countries.

Exploring The History of Manga | Arts and Entertainment | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Japan's first museum dedicated to the full range of manga culture has opened in Kyoto. The museum was a success right from the beginning, attracting over 10,000 visitors in its first two weeks.

Art Appeal | Arts and Entertainment | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
The Adachi Museum of Art is not easy to get to. Even so, it manages to attract around 450,000 visitors a year. What is its secret?

Beauty and the Ghosts | Arts and Entertainment | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
The school of Nihonga (Japanese-style painting) is an expression of Japan's artistic traditions. A young female artist called Matsui Fuyuko has caused a sensation in the world of Nihonga not only for her works but also for her striking looks.

Playful Peripherals | Arts and Entertainment | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
A new range of novelty peripherals is aimed at injecting a bit of humor and fun into the normally staid world of IT. These products are easy to spot: just look for what appears to be a freshly fried shrimp or some other surreal-looking object plugged into a laptop or desktop.

Gundam Plastic Models | Arts and Entertainment | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
More than twenty years after the TV anime (cartoon) series Kido Senshi Gandamu (Mobile Suit Gundam) was first broadcast in 1979, it remains hugely popular. Many fans collect plastic models of Gundam characters, and limited-edition models have recently become hot items among collectors.

For Mind and Body | Arts and Entertainment | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Trend in Japan Web Japan Arts and Entertainment Select Archives -- 01-03 Feature Business Science Society Sports Fashion -- 99-01 Business Science Society Sports Fashion Arts -- 97-99 Business Scien

Taking a Local Look | Arts and Entertainment | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Trend in Japan Web Japan Arts and Entertainment Select Archives -- 01-03 Feature Business Science Society Sports Fashion -- 99-01 Business Science Society Sports Fashion Arts -- 97-99 Business Scien

Acting Local | Arts and Entertainment | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
In Japan, there's no such thing as a typical film festival. A rapidly increasing number are being held in provincial areas throughout the country.

Puppet Masterpiece | Arts and Entertainment | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Trend in Japan Web Japan Arts and Entertainment Select Archives -- 01-03 Feature Business Science Society Sports Fashion -- 99-01 Business Science Society Sports Fashion Arts -- 97-99 Business Scien

Show Me | Arts and Entertainment | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Trend in Japan Web Japan Arts and Entertainment Select Archives -- 01-03 Feature Business Science Society Sports Fashion -- 99-01 Business Science Society Sports Fashion Arts -- 97-99 Business Scien

Where Old Meets New | Arts and Entertainment | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Trend in Japan Web Japan Arts and Entertainment Select Archives -- 01-03 Feature Business Science Society Sports Fashion -- 99-01 Business Science Society Sports Fashion Arts -- 97-99 Business Scien

Gold Fever | Arts and Entertainment | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Trend in Japan Web Japan Arts and Entertainment Select Archives -- 01-03 Feature Business Science Society Sports Fashion -- 99-01 Business Science Society Sports Fashion Arts -- 97-99 Business Scien

05-07 | Science & Technology | Memory Lane | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Japan is synonymous with groundbreaking inventions and scientific breakthroughs. Here you can revisit the advances covered by Trends in Japan over the past decade.

03-04 | Business & Economy | Memory Lane | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Japanese businesses have a well deserved reputation for innovation. Explore the cutting-edge products and services Japanese companies have developed in recent times.