Frequent components of these simulated worlds may give actual advantages in real life, even though they are derided as unsophisticated or the realm of couch potatoes. (newsonjapan.com)

The maker of Japan’s Umaibo corn puff is raising prices for the first time, in a shock for fans of the “miracle” snack beloved for decades for its crunch and Y10 ($0.09) price tag. (Japan Times)

Shirakawa-go(白川郷) lies in the mountain area in Gifu, and it's recognized by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site in 1995. (Kuga's Travel)

A Japanese high court Tuesday ordered 3.3 million yen (nearly $29,000) in damages to a female reporter in a high-profile rape case that sparked the #MeToo movement in the country. (laprensalatina.com)

The rapid rise in omicron cases has prompted moves to concentrate medical resources on severely ill patients, amid worries that the health care system will once again be put under dire strain. (Japan Times)

Japan is set to miss a target to give COVID-19 booster shots to almost 15 million people this month after the fast spread of the omicron variant threw initial rollout plans into disarray. (Japan Times)

As Japan continues to impose strict entry restrictions, foreigners who have prepared to work there are being left outside ever longer, patiently waiting without losing hope, though frustrations over Tokyo's border controls are growing. (Nikkei)

It’s not every day that you find a castle on stilts, let alone one on top of a rock on top of a mountain. (OshareJapan)

Rinko Amaki (Takada Kaho) is a successful 27-year-old woman who works at a busy wedding planning agency. (Viki Global TV)

Bugs have long been consumed in Japan, but now the market is growing. Company owners say this is down to the numerous nutritional and environmental benefits of this novel form of protein. (dw.com)

The program, Official Development Assistance (ODA), was implemented in December 1979 and has played a major role in China’s economic growth. (China Reports - The BL)

Japan's largest business lobby on Monday called on the government to lift the entry ban on nonresident foreigners aimed at keeping the Omicron variant of the coronavirus at bay and preventing its spread now that domestic infections are mostly being caused by the highly transmissible strain. (Kyodo)

A record 327 day-care centers have temporarily shut down in Japan as the coronavirus resurgence grips the country, the health ministry said Monday, causing a headache for working parents. (Kyodo)

The Japanese operator of the popular video-sharing app TikTok was discovered to have paid influencers to post videos on Twitter without informing the audience about the sponsored content, a practice that may have violated industry rules against stealth marketing. (Nikkei)

Tokyo reported record high 12,813 new cases of COVID-19 on Tuesday, as the central government prepared to put 18 more prefectures on virus quasi-emergency measures amid the rapid spread of the omicron variant. (Japan Times)

The 2022 J1 League campaign is due to begin on 18 February, which means that clubs throughout Japan are already busy launching their new kits, alongside season ticket campaigns to fill an impressive array of magnificent stadiums throughout the country. (newsonjapan.com)

Japanese sea adventurer Horie Kenichi has taken a step toward his goal of becoming the oldest person ever to sail solo and nonstop across the Pacific. (NHK)

Nowadays Japanese porn is very popular all over the world. The renowned adult site, Pornohub, have reported that the most searchd word on the site is Japanese. (Japanese Comedian Meshida)

Japan is considering evacuating its nationals in Ukraine amid fears of an imminent Russian invasion, Japanese government sources said Monday, following such an order by the United States to family members of its embassy staff. (Kyodo)

Japan will likely expand a quasi-state of emergency to over 30 of the country's 47 prefectures to curb the rapid spread of coronavirus infections after 18 prefectures asked to be included under the measure, senior government officials said Monday. (Nikkei)

Japan is known for its beautiful and unique abandoned buildings and the country has two particularly famous abandoned strip clubs. (Flipside Japan)

Japan's daily coronavirus infections topped 50,000 for the second day in a row on Sunday, as surging cases at schools and workplaces prompted more people to seek tests at community clinics. (NHK)

Welcome to Fukushima! This is the Tarami River bridge and it's a special moment because in about five minutes a train is going to cross this bridge. (ONLY in JAPAN * GO)

Saga and Nagasaki prefectures have asked their schools to review their regulations that require students to wear white underwear, prompting them to make revisions. (Japan Times)

Is love really blind? The reality show Love is Blind is coming to Japan! (Netflix)