On the flip side, the number of mental health illnesses diagnosed that are attributed to work-related stress also continues to rise.
happiness
In Japan, deferring your happiness in order to work hard is a common choice, but seniors show that it can backfire.
Have you ever been unsure about whether or not you were happy? Maybe you thought, “Gee, it sure would be nice if I could wear a device around my neck that would tell me how happy I am.”
Well you’re in luck! Japanese technology company Hitachi has come up with a “happiness meter.” It’s a device that you wear around your neck, letting it pick up little signals that measure exactly how happy or unhappy you are. Best of all, it’s designed for use in companies, so that your boss will know exactly how happy you are all the time. Doesn’t that sound wonderful?
Death is indeed the final departure, but that does not mean that the echoes of our lives can’t have some lasting effects on the lives of those who survive us. One Japanese school teacher understood that he was nearing the end of his time on earth and did what he could to dispel the certain grief of his beloved students the only way he knew how. He gave them one last homework assignment.
In Japan, the number of men and women choosing to marry later in life is on the increase and has reached a figure that can no longer be ignored. When it comes to the Japanese male demography, just why are so many choosing the single life? My Navi News asked 300 of its male readers the following question:
“Have you ever thought ‘Marriage isn’t for me’ or ‘I prefer the life of bachelorhood’?”
The results obtained were a little on the unexpected side:
Yes: 39.7%
No: 60.3%
The men who replied ‘yes’ were asked their reasons for snubbing a life of marital bliss. Their answers in full after the break.
Ah, so this is how Skynet starts…
Scientists at the University of Tokyo Sony CSL (Computer Science Labs) have come up with an ingenious way of cheering people up- forcing them to smile in exchange for easy access to their food.
Attaching a device called as a “Happiness Counter” to a regular refrigerator, Sony’s scientists are hoping to make us happier people.
The technology, which scans a person’s face as they stand in front of their food treasure trove, detects whether or not they are smiling and, reading anything other than a big, cheesy grin, makes the door difficult to open.







Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Play games, learn, and get your fortune at Ginza’s limited-time Tsunaguu “Shrine of the Future”
Japanese shiitake mushroom snacks from Don Quijote, created for people who don’t like mushrooms
The new Ranma 1/2 anime is here! So is it worth watching?【SoraReview】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Japanese women’s breasts get dismal satisfaction evaluation…from their owners
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
The new Ranma 1/2 anime is here! So is it worth watching?【SoraReview】
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Japanese women’s breasts get dismal satisfaction evaluation…from their owners
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
You put WHAT in your curry? Japanese netizens reveal their favourite secret ingredients
Starbucks unveils new Valentine’s Day Frappuccino in Japan
Japan’s only blue old-school post box: Where is it and why is it there?
New Jimmy Choo x Sailor Moon collaboration brings anime magic to bags, shoes and accessories
7 reasons why you should visit Aomori Prefecture
Meet the most unmotivated Sanrio character ever — Gudetama, the lazy egg!
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Tokyo ramen restaurant’s brilliant idea: takeout cups of just ramen broth!【Photos】
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】