Japan's Vivel Trike, a compact electric three-wheeler starting at $3,900, has surpassed 300 cumulative sales since 2023. Requiring only a standard driver's license with no vehicle inspection needed, this roofed EV tuk-tuk is gaining traction among elderly residents, families, and businesses. We explore how it addresses Japan's growing "mobility refugee" crisis.
Japan's miso exports have surged 7x in 30 years, and natto sells for $20 at high-end NYC supermarkets. Driven by the gut health movement, plant-based eating, and top chefs' fascination, traditional Japanese fermented foods are reshaping global dining. Discover the science behind koji mold, Japan's "national fungus", and how a $250+ billion fermented food market is booming worldwide.
Japan is gripped by an unprecedented sticker collecting craze. "Bonbon Drop Seal" has shipped over 15 million sheets, sparking store stampedes and exhausting retail staff. Adults nostalgic for their Heisei-era childhood are fueling the frenzy alongside kids, creating scalping problems and counterfeit issues in this cultural phenomenon.
Japan's ALL JAPAN Natural Cheese Contest saw a record 284 entries from 121 workshops nationwide. As the weak yen drives up imported cheese prices, Japanese artisan cheesemakers are winning international acclaim with uniquely Japanese creations, from raclette aged alongside fermented sushi rice bacteria to cheese washed with ancient peat hot spring water. Discover the surprising depth of Japan's domestic cheese revolution.
Japan's 2026 ehomaki (lucky sushi rolls) generate ¥73 billion in economic impact, yet an estimated ¥1.65 billion worth are thrown away. Explore the structural causes behind Setsubun food waste and the tension between cultural tradition and sustainability.
Denmark-born food waste reduction app "Too Good To Go" launched in Japan on January 28, 2026, marking its first expansion into Asia. With over 500 million meals saved across 21 countries, the "Surprise Bag" model now partners with 80+ stores including FamilyMart and Krispy Kreme in Tokyo. Learn how this win-win-win system benefits consumers, businesses, and the environment while fighting food waste.
Japan's National Tax Agency is cracking down on a ¥50 billion real estate tax avoidance scheme used by the wealthy. Following the "tower mansion tax" reforms, new regulations now target rental buildings and real estate investment trusts. Under proposed 2026 tax reforms, investment properties purchased within 5 years of inheritance will be valued at market price. How does your country handle tax avoidance by the wealthy?
Nagoya's revolutionary SRT (Smart Roadway Transit) launches February 13, 2026. An 18-meter Mercedes-Benz articulated bus connects Nagoya Station to Sakae, offering futuristic design, barrier-free access, and contactless payment. Discover how Japan is reshaping urban mobility ahead of the Linear Shinkansen era.
Starting March 25, 2026, 11 Tokyo-area private railways will enable contactless credit card payments across 54 lines and 729 stations. But with JR East and Keisei absent, how much will this change travel in Tokyo? We examine what's coming and what challenges remain.
In January 2026, two primary school children in Musanze, Rwanda reported seeing the Virgin Mary holding a cross. Thousands flocked to the site as the Catholic Church urged caution and began investigation. The incident draws comparisons to the Vatican-approved Kibeho apparitions of the 1980s.
Tokyo's 23 wards now see average family rent reach ¥250,000/month, nearly 50% of disposable income. With condos exceeding ¥100 million, families flee to suburbs while 45% of young adults consider rural migration. Discover what's reshaping Japan's capital and how it compares to your country's housing situation.
