Japan is likely to see a noticeable slowdown in food and beverage price increases in February, signaling potential easing in inflationary pressures, according to new survey results released Friday by private research firm Teikoku Databank. The study shows that 195 major food and drink manufacturers plan to raise prices on 674 products next month. This… Continue reading Fewer Food and Drink Price Increases Expected in Japan This February
Can China Turn Around Its Demographic Freefall?
Madison, Wisconsin — China’s latest population data has delivered another stark reminder of the scale of its demographic challenge. The country recorded just 7.92 million births in 2025, down sharply from 9.54 million the year before. That figure is not only far below recent expectations, but also barely more than half of the 14 million-plus… Continue reading Can China Turn Around Its Demographic Freefall?
Top 5 Functional Foods That Boost Gut and Brain Health
In recent years, scientists have increasingly emphasized the powerful connection between the gut and the brain. Often referred to as the gut–brain axis, this two-way communication network links digestion, immunity, mood and cognitive function. What we eat plays a central role in keeping this system balanced. Functional foods — foods that provide benefits beyond basic… Continue reading Top 5 Functional Foods That Boost Gut and Brain Health
Are AI Misfires and Fragmented Suppliers Just a Temporary Storm in Starbucks’ Coffee Cup?
NEW YORK — For years, Starbucks has blamed inconsistent sales in the United States on a familiar culprit: stores that can’t reliably keep basics on hand. Missing milk deliveries, unavailable pastries, or even a lack of cup lids have repeatedly disrupted the customer experience across the company’s thousands of U.S. locations. The issue has persisted… Continue reading Are AI Misfires and Fragmented Suppliers Just a Temporary Storm in Starbucks’ Coffee Cup?
Jennie Marks Milestone Birthday Amid Buzz Over Party Footage
BLACKPINK’s Jennie recently gave fans a glimpse into her 30th birthday celebration, sharing photos and a brief message of thanks that quickly reignited online conversations surrounding the event. On Wednesday, the singer uploaded a series of images to her social media accounts, writing simply, “Thank you for celebrating my birthday.” The photos capture moments from… Continue reading Jennie Marks Milestone Birthday Amid Buzz Over Party Footage
Just Between You and Me: Gender and Pronouns in Japanese
In modern English, pronouns have taken on a significance far beyond simple grammar. Asking someone which pronouns they use can reveal how they see themselves — and, increasingly, where they stand socially or politically. Words like “he,” “she,” and “they” now function not just as linguistic shortcuts, but as markers of identity. Japanese, however, approaches… Continue reading Just Between You and Me: Gender and Pronouns in Japanese
Korea Plans Culinary School for Foreigners as Global Demand for K-Food Grows
South Korea is moving ahead with plans to establish a new culinary school dedicated exclusively to Korean cuisine, aiming to welcome foreign students as early as the second half of this year. The Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs announced Monday that the proposed institution, tentatively named “Sura School,” will focus on training international… Continue reading Korea Plans Culinary School for Foreigners as Global Demand for K-Food Grows
Cha Jun-hwan and Park Ji-woo Selected as Korea’s Flag Bearers for Winter Olympics
South Korea has chosen two of its most experienced winter sports athletes to lead the national delegation at the upcoming Winter Olympics in Italy. Figure skater Cha Jun-hwan and speed skater Park Ji-woo were named co-flag bearers for the opening ceremony of the Milan–Cortina Games, the Korean Sport & Olympic Committee (KSOC) announced Monday. The… Continue reading Cha Jun-hwan and Park Ji-woo Selected as Korea’s Flag Bearers for Winter Olympics
The Age of AI Media Is Arriving — Ready or Not
Is artificial intelligence about to save creative industries, or burn them down? For decades, storytelling has been the domain of humans. Novelists, photographers, filmmakers, musicians and journalists shaped culture through lived experience, craft and imagination. Today, that long-standing creative order is facing its most disruptive force yet: artificial intelligence. From fiction writing and commercial imagery… Continue reading The Age of AI Media Is Arriving — Ready or Not
Don’t Let Japan’s Next Winter Storm Catch You Cold
Hidaka, Hokkaido — Japan’s reputation as a powder paradise for skiers can be misleading. While the country’s mountain resorts are famous for their deep, dry snow, winter storms in Japan are by no means confined to high elevations. In fact, some of the most disruptive snowfall each year occurs in cities, coastal towns and residential… Continue reading Don’t Let Japan’s Next Winter Storm Catch You Cold