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Lifestyle 2007-2008
Defining The Modern Age
(February 29, 2008)
Dictionaries in Japan are evolving in leaps and bounds. Kojien, Japan's best known dictionary, has recently undergone its first major revision in a decade, while a revolutionary dictionary of kanji characters has been an unlikely hit.
Help For Morning Snoozers
(February 25, 2008)
For those for whom waking up is a daily battle, there is a solution. Several alarm clocks are now available that can not only wake you up but even put a smile on your face.
Men Get A Makeover
(January 30, 2008)
If you think that spas, jewelry, and nail and beauty salons only appeal to women, think again. Recently, an array of new products and services that cater to men wishing to improve their appearance have been springing up and gaining popularity.
No Ordinary Rice Cooker
(January 7, 2008)
Rice cookers are everyday kitchen appliances found in virtually every Japanese home. In recent years, these devices have evolved in various ways. Some new models are attracting attention as multifunction appliances that can double as a slow cooker, or even be used to bake a cake or make bread.
Earthquake Early-Warning System
(November 29, 2007)
In Japan there is now a working early-warning system that can detect an earthquake immediately after it takes place and inform people that the ground is about to start shaking. This groundbreaking Japanese system has been widely publicized on TV and in other media since October, and many Japanese have high hopes for the system.
Cats And Dogs Join the Family
(October 23, 2007)
The range of services catering to pets has grown dramatically in recent years. Clothes for animals have been around for quite some time, but did you know that dogs can now relieve their stress with pet aromatherapy or a session in an oxygen capsule?
It's a Wrap!
(October 3, 2007)
A square cloth that came into use over 1,000 years ago is basking in the limelight as a tool to combat global warming. Called furoshiki, these cloths can be used to wrap things of any shape and have even been known to transform into purses or handbags.
Edible Gold
(August 30, 2007)
Tiny letters float on your cup of coffee, reading "Happy Birthday." Bright and shiny, they almost seem to be made of gold. In fact, they are! A new form of ultra-fine pure gold that floats on drinks is now being used to enliven refreshments at parties and other events.
A Nation Of Longevity
(July 26, 2007)
Japan boasts the world's longest average lifespan, and as of July 2007 it is also home to the oldest person in the world. Minagawa Yone, who lives in Fukuoka Prefecture, was born on January 4, 1893, making her 114 years old. The oldest man in the world, meanwhile, is Miyazaki Prefecture's 111-year old Tanabe Tomoji.
Fast Food With A Twist
(March 29, 2007)
Innovative varieties of fast food are making some of young people's favorite dishes more convenient and tasty. They include noodles that can be held and eaten with one hand and pizzas that can be consumed on the move.
Learning The Lingo
(March 29, 2007)
The Japanese-Language Proficiency Test for non-native speakers of Japanese was held in December 2006 in 47 countries and regions worldwide, including Japan, and roughly 437,360 people took the test.
Eating It My Way
(March 26, 2007)
More and more people are blending foods like rice and soy sauce themselves for the thrill of creating something new. The trend for custom blending has now spread from ingredients used in main dishes to those used in desserts.
The Bank Of Life
(February 21, 2007)
In December 2006 toy manufacturer Tomy Co. came out with a piggy bank that combines saving money with the fun of a game. As users put coins into the Jinsei Ginko, meaning "bank of life," the life of a fictional character unfolds before their eyes.
Lucky Grab Bags
(January 24, 2007)
One of the highlights of the New Year's season for many people in Japan is shopping for grab bags, known as fukubukuro, or "lucky bags." Every year major department stores and other businesses offer lucky bags to grab the attention of the public.
Daddies On Leave
(January 9, 2007)
A growing number of companies are introducing paid child-care leave systems in the aim of getting their male employees to play a more active role at home.
Making The Community A School
(January 9, 2007)
An unusual university has opened in Tokyo's Shibuya district, a bustling cradle of Japanese youth culture. Named Shibuya University Network, it has made the district itself its campus.
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