KING OF THE RING
When the annual Spring Grand Sumo Tournament got underway in Osaka on March 9, all eyes were on Asashoryu, the Mongolia-born Sumo wrestler who had just been promoted to yokozuna (the top rank in sumo).
(March 26, 2003)

KIMONOS ARE HOT
A kimono boom is spreading among young women in Japan. Antique kimonos that are available at affordable prices have arrived on the market, and women are enjoying wearing them in casual, nontraditional ways.
(March 24, 2003)

PICTURE-PERFECT PLASMA
The rising popularity of plasma TVs is the latest manifestation of the digital age in Japan. A hi-tech revolution is transforming the quality of viewers' audiovisual experiences.
(March 19, 2003)

THE "JAPANIMATION" PHENOMENON
The legendary Astro Boy, Pokemon, Mazinger Z, Gundam, Sailor Moon, and Martian Successor Nadesico are just some of the names that have become familiar around the globe as Japanese cartoons, or anime, have cemented their place as the world's favorite form of animated entertainment.
(March 6, 2003)

ATTITUDES ON SCHOOL
An e-mail survey on attitudes toward education and images of the ideal school revealed few differences between the ideas of children and those of parents on such matters as the role school should play, the ideal teacher, and the ideal school.
(February 12, 2003)

AN EMERGING "THUMB CULTURE"
Mobile phones have become a major provider of entertainment on the train. These phones are extremely versatile multimedia tools that allow users to do everything from doing e-mail to playing online games, and even listening to music.
(January 10, 2003)