motivation
Yahoo! Japan president Manabu Miyasaka announced at a press conference on the 25th that the company would introduce a new system by the end of the current fiscal year which allows employees to take up to one year off from their jobs. The system, which is based on the concept of sabbaticals, allows employees to spend up to one year freely pursing whatever they desire, albeit without pay. Though fairly common in the west, offering such a system of leave is very rare for a Japanese company.
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Anyone who’s ever tried to shed a few pounds knows how hard it can be to stay motivated. Sometimes you just can’t reach down and find the fortitude deep inside to put down the doughnut and pick up your dumbbells without a more immediate payoff.
A recently opened rental property in Osaka has come up with a novel idea to help dieters keep their motivation up: a discount on rent for weight lost.

Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new limited-edition summer drinks…and a pastry for dunking
Lawson upsizes convenience store food for a limited time with two must-try Japanese meals
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Family Mart’s new Gyoza Dog proves Japanese convenience store food hits different
New research reveals that the key to efficient memorization may be in exhaling
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Sizzling on a hot plate?! American sushi rolls break all the rules at this Japanese restaurant
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Family Mart’s new Gyoza Dog proves Japanese convenience store food hits different
New research reveals that the key to efficient memorization may be in exhaling
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Sizzling on a hot plate?! American sushi rolls break all the rules at this Japanese restaurant
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Shouting “Hakata Salt!”, the number four track in Japanese nationwide karaoke ranking
Kiki’s Delivery Service to be adapted to live-action series by BBC, Studio Ghibli not involved
Lawson Japan releases a crazy new product to remind us it’s not just famous for convenience store food
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
Japan’s Pikachu and Eevee Pokémon mailboxes to be removed at end of month
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
These rare eggs cost more than a typical meal in Japan but are they really that special?