The 2026 Milano Cortina Winter Olympics medal design is sparking debate worldwide. Its minimalist two-halves concept divided by a single diagonal line draws both praise for Italian elegance and criticism for being too plain. Here's how Japan and the world are reacting to this bold design choice.

A former Olympic gold medalist turned commentator was stunned by an Italian hotel's open-plan shower at the Milan-Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics. With no partition, no bathtub, and only a thin curtain — Japanese guests face a real challenge. Explore the fascinating cultural gap between Japanese and European hotel bathroom design.

Italian engineer Alberto Donini's "Relative Erosion Method" suggests the Great Pyramid of Giza may have been built around 25,000 years ago — far older than the accepted 4,600-year timeline. Was Pharaoh Khufu merely a renovator? We explore the controversial findings, mainstream archaeological pushback, and what this means for ancient history.

Rome's iconic Trevi Fountain began charging a €2 ($2.35) entry fee on February 2, 2026, to manage over 9 million annual visitors. Explore how this overtourism measure compares to similar efforts in Venice, Kyoto, and other global destinations struggling to balance tourism and preservation.

The British Museum's first-ever "Samurai" exhibition runs February 3 to May 4, 2026 in London. Featuring around 280 objects from 29 lenders worldwide — including armor gifted by the Tokugawa family to Queen Victoria, contemporary art by Tetsuya Noguchi, and video game tie-ins with Assassin's Creed and Nioh 3 — this sweeping show traces 1,000 years of warrior myth and reality. Here's everything you need to know, plus Japanese public reactions.

UK aerospace startup Aeralis is developing a modular jet trainer that could succeed Japan's aging T-4 aircraft. With interchangeable components enabling basic to advanced training in one platform, and potential ties to GCAP cooperation, this innovative British design may transform pilot training worldwide.

Japan's major airlines JAL and ANA are significantly expanding European routes to meet record inbound tourism demand. ANA launched new services to Milan, Stockholm, and Istanbul, while JAL introduces the latest A350-1000 aircraft. Discover how Japanese carriers are reshaping international travel strategies.

On January 16, 2025, Italian Prime Minister Giorgia Meloni met manga legend Tetsuo Hara, creator of Fist of the North Star, during her visit to Japan. Learn about Hara's historic honor at the Uffizi Gallery, how Fist of the North Star influenced Dragon Ball, Naruto, and One Piece, and why the series remains beloved in Italy after 40 years. Discover how manga has become a powerful tool for cultural diplomacy.

In Italy, Peperoncino is called "pasta of desperation" - a midnight snack made when the fridge is empty. So why did Japan transform this humble dish into a restaurant staple and a test of chef skill? Discover the fascinating story of how Japan elevated simple garlic and oil pasta to culinary art.

On December 22, 2025, mysterious street artist Banksy's latest mural appeared in Bayswater, west London. What message lies behind the artwork depicting children pointing at the sky? Explore reactions from around the world and Japanese perspectives.