Next-Generation Bathrooms | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Toilet manufacturers are battling to provide consumers with toilets that are more comfortable and easy to use. Recent developments in this market include environmentally friendly units that use less water and electricity than other models.

Harnessing the Rising Sun | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
In a time of high oil prices and growing concern over environmental problems, the number of Japanese homes equipped with solar power systems is on the rise.

Barcode Art | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Up to now, barcodes have been nothing more than a dull collection of black and white stripes of differing thickness, but that is all about to change. A Japanese company making these codes that are printed on almost every product sold in stores nowadays into fun, innovative advertisements.

Reading On The Move | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
A growing number of people are reading novels and other books on their mobile phones and computers. Easy to access and a cinch to carry around, these electronic books are convenient and, thanks to plans offering unlimited data transmissions at a fixed rate, reasonably priced as well.

Ultra-Luxury Hotels | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Foreign-owned "ultra-luxury hotels," with rates 20%�50% higher than most of their Japanese competitors, continue to open in downtown Tokyo.

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.

Fostering the Will to Work | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Major publishing companies have released a succession of titles aimed at teaching children about the meaning and value of employment.

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.

A Haven of Snow and Hot Springs | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
The number of overseas travelers who visit Hokkaido during the winter months, particularly from Australia and Asia, has begun to soar. These visitors are drawn to Japan's northernmost island by two main attractions: snow and hot springs.

Wind Power Takes Off | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Communities and industries in Japan are increasingly looking to wind power to help out with their energy needs. Several cities and towns in Japan have been building "citizens' windmills."

Fast-Food Exports | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Yoshinoya, a Japanese chain of fast-food restaurants, is quickly becoming a household name in China's capital city. As of the end of August 2005, the company had 67 restaurants in Beijing. Yoshinoya is one of several Japanese restaurant chains making serious inroads throughout Asia.

The Final Frontier | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
The business of space travel and technology has long been in the hands of a small number of large corporations. Yet in recent years, a growing number of small and medium-sized companies have entered the industry.

All Part of the Service | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
A growing number of taxi operators in provincial areas of Japan have introduced innovative services to attract passengers.

The Changing Face of the Japanese Office | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
More and more businesses, particularly in the information technology sector, have been transforming their offices by eliminating fixed seating arrangements and allowing their employees to work from outside the company.

Japan's Newest International Airport | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Air travel to and from Japan became a lot more convenient on February 17. This day marked the opening of Central Japan International Airport not far from the major city of Nagoya.

Healthy Holidays | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
In a further reflection of consumers' growing inclination to choose products that are good for their health, travel packages that combine medical checkups or treatment with fun and relaxing activities are enjoying a steady growth in popularity.

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.

Made for Men | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Trend in Japan Web Japan Business and Economy Select Archives -- 01-03 Feature Business Science Society Sports Fashion -- 99-01 Business Science Society Sports Fashion Arts -- 97-99 Business Science

Mobile Music | Business and Economy | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Trend in Japan Web Japan Business and Economy Select Archives -- 01-03 Feature Business Science Society Sports Fashion -- 99-01 Business Science Society Sports Fashion Arts -- 97-99 Business Science