Kojima Hideo | People | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
The games of the Metal Gear Solid series have established themselves worldwide as some of the leading titles of entertainment software for the PlayStation and PlayStation 2 game consoles. The director of the series is Kojima Hideo, a game producer for Konami Computer Entertainment Japan.

Patrick Harlan | People | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
"Starting at zero is a good place to be when a new opportunity comes around," says Colorado-born Patrick Harlan. That is precisely where he was when he stepped into the world of manzai, a two-person form of stand-up comedy that has entertained the Japanese for over a century.

Akashi Yasushi | People | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
"We need to make full use of the great potential of the United Nations." Former UN Under-Secretary-General Akashi Yasushi speaks about the world body's past, present, and future, and Japan's role as a key member of the UN organization.

People | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Trend in Japan people Select Archives -- 01-03 Feature Business Science Society Sports Fashion -- 99-01 Business Science Society Sports Fashion Arts -- 97-99 Business Science Society Sports Fashion

Sarah Marie Cummings | People | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Trend in Japan Web Japan People Select Archives -- 01-03 Feature Business Science Society Sports Fashion -- 99-01 Business Science Society Sports Fashion Arts -- 97-99 Business Science Society Sport

Eating It My Way | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
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.

Fast Food With A Twist | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
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.

A Nation Of Longevity | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
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.

Edible Gold | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
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.

It�s a Wrap! | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
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.

Shopping by Phone Takes Off | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Shopping by mobile phone is enjoying growing popularity among young women, who are discovering the allure of being able to purchase the goods they desire anywhere, anytime.

Creative Juices | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
A battle for ideas is heating up among bottled tea producers, who are engaged in a fierce competition to create tasty beverages that capture the public's imagination.

Vinegar Vitality | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
As more and more consumers recognize the health benefits of su (rice vinegar), vinegar bars and cafes offering beverages that combine rice vinegar with ingredients like fruits and vegetables have begun to appear in Tokyo.

Middle-Aged and Looking Good | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
More and more Japanese men are taking an interest in fashion. This rapid in men's fashion consciousness has been sparked by such factors as the success of magazines like Leon, which targets middle-aged men who want to give off an air of sophisticated cool.

Delectably White | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
White-colored foods are enjoying a surge of popularity this autumn. White versions of curry, tea, fish burgers, mushrooms, and many other foods and dishes feature prominently in this trend.

Making The Community A School | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
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.

Daddies On Leave | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
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.

Lucky Grab Bags | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
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.

The Bank Of Life | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
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.

Layered Food | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
The kasanegi (layered) look, featuring two or more layers of clothing, has become a staple of Japanese fashion in recent years, and now a culinary technique inspired by this fashion concept is gaining popularity.