Who's the Loser? | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
It was once rare for women to remain single and childless into their thirties, and those that did were often viewed with suspicion. But now that Japanese women are choosing from a much greater variety of lifestyles, a book of essays by popular columnist Sakai Junko that trumpets the advantages of the single life is flying off the shelves.

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.

Cats And Dogs Join the Family | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
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?

Help For Morning Snoozers | Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
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.

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.

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.

99-00 | Lifestyle & Society | Memory Lane | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
This section covers a wide variety of fields in which Japanese innovations have often spread to other countries, such as work, food, architecture, and international cooperation.

01-02 | Lifestyle & Society | Memory Lane | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
This section covers a wide variety of fields in which Japanese innovations have often spread to other countries, such as work, food, architecture, and international cooperation.

03-04 | Lifestyle & Society | Memory Lane | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
This section covers a wide variety of fields in which Japanese innovations have often spread to other countries, such as work, food, architecture, and international cooperation.

05-07 | Lifestyle & Society | Memory Lane | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
This section covers a wide variety of fields in which Japanese innovations have often spread to other countries, such as work, food, architecture, and international cooperation.

97-98 | Lifestyle & Society | Memory Lane | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
This section covers a wide variety of fields in which Japanese innovations have often spread to other countries, such as work, food, architecture, and international cooperation.

97-98 | Lifestyle & Society | Memory Lane | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
This section covers a wide variety of fields in which Japanese innovations have often spread to other countries, such as work, food, architecture, and international cooperation.

Lifestyle | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
This section covers the latest developments in a wide variety of fields and products in which Japanese innovations often spread to other countries, such as food, leisure, and communication.

Keeping Sharp | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Recently, an increasing number of local governments and private-sector organizations have taken measures to encourage mental exercise as a means of preventing the onset of dementia.

Saying Yes to Yoga | Sports | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Yoga, which eases fatigue and is useful for maintaining physical and mental health, is enjoying renewed popularity in Japan, particularly among young women. Yoga studios are cropping up all over the country, and manufacturers specializing in yoga attire have emerged. According to the Dai-ichi Life Research Institute Inc., the number of yoga enthusiasts in Japan is now over 200,000.

Air-Conditioned Clothes | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Cool Biz is the title of a government campaign to persuade office workers to dispense with their ties and jackets as an environmentally friendly way of staying cool. And now an innovation called kuchofuku (air-conditioned clothing) is taking the concept one step further.

Back to Basics | Science and Technology | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Modern cell phones are a lot more than just phones. In addition to voice calls, they can be used to send e-mail, take photos and videos, navigate the Internet, and even conduct bank transactions. But not everyone is impressed with such a plethora of functions.

Bright Young Things | Fashion | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
A family of brands known for their cute, trendy children's clothes has captured the hearts of many Japanese girls. The brands are the products of Narumiya International and are not limited to clothes, but include stationery, accessories, and cosmetics designed for youngsters. This wide range of products has attracted the attention of legions of girls.

A New Fountain of Youth | Fashion | Trends in Japan | Web Japan
Used as anti-aging ingredients in various health and beauty products, coenzymes - and one in particular, known as Coenzyme Q10 - are fueling brisk sales of products from health foods to cosmetics.