IT'S ONLY NATURAL
"Nature schools" give children an opportunity to commune with nature by taking part in various outdoor activities. The aim is for children to learn about personal relations through communal life and enhance their capacity to adapt to the environment.
(November 27, 2001)

SUSHI GOES HI-TECH
Sushi is known throughout the world as the quintessential Japanese food. Some pioneering restaurants in Japan have turned to technological innovation as a means of pleasing customers and producing profits.
(November 26, 2001)

OPEN THE DOOR
The 35th Tokyo Motor Show, one of the three biggest motor shows in the world, was held from October 26 to November 7, 2001. The first motor show of the twenty-first century was attended by 1.28 million people.
(November 22, 2001)

BABY BOOMERS' RETIREMENT PLANS
Japan's baby boomers are now standing at a crossroads as they approach retirement in an aging society. What do they think is the ideal way to spend their retirement years? To find out, Trends in Japan conducted an opinion poll by e-mail.
(November 8, 2001)

DAVID PEACE--A writer tells the story of his first day in Japan
I have lived and worked in Japan for seven very happy and positive years that have changed my life. Why and how this came about has much to do with how my first impressions of the country were formed.
(October 31, 2001)

GERALD L. CURTIS--A Japan scholar reflects on a changing society
"I've never been bored in Japan," says renowned Japan-watcher Dr. Gerald L. Curtis, looking back on almost four decades of his involvement with the country.
(September 19, 2001)