According to a foreign research on Japanese people claiming strong interpersonal relationships, we Japanese seem to have some unique ways to deepen our love and intimacy. Today, I would…

Tokyo is the most expensive city in the world according to the “Worldwide Cost of Living 2011” survey by the Economist. Tokyo also ranked second in the “Worldwide Cost of…

  “My life is full of joy!” I would rather say this in a loud voice, but nothing is quite that easy. Of course, tons of happy events occur to…

People often say “Living in Japan is expensive,” but is it true? Some people say “It depends.” Then, what are expensive things and inexpensive things in Japan?     Today,…

Mr. and Mrs. Hirayabu, a couple married for 50 years, who live in Ashikita, Kumamoto Prefecture hatched a duck egg with their body heat. The local newspaper Kumanichi reported the…

Today’s story is not from The NIKKEI, but from a free magazine called ‘TOKYO HEADLINE’ published in Tokyo periodically. In the magazine, there was a column by a musician Koji…

Today’s story-teller is a scholar of German literature, Osamu Ikeuchi. He wrote a column entitled: “24 Hours a Day” to talk about time. Ikeuchi says that the world is unfair…

Today’s story-teller is screenwriter Kumiko Tabuchi, who wrote “Atsuhime” which was aired on NHK. The story is based on her interview. First, answering to the question when she decided to…

Today’s story-teller is kabuki performer Kazutaro Nakamura. He talks about the words he received from his grandfather. Nakamura played the major role in “The Love Suicides at Sonezaki” lately. It…

  Have you ever joined a scavenger hunt activity? In Japan, many people often come together as volunteer workers to clean public spaces. In 2008, a group called “Japan Sport…

Today’s story-teller is musical actress Nana Kinomi. Her story is about “depression”. In 2000, a full-page ad regarding Kinomi became a subject of conversation.   “I am suffering severe depression.”…