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Cool Tech for Buildings in the Age of COVID-19

Japanese giant conglomerate Softbank Group has unveiled a building in Tokyo upgraded with technologies in line with the “new normal” imposed by the pandemic.

Another Legendary Lego & Nintendo Crossover

First came the reveal of the Lego Super Mario set, which has fans’ hearts racing (and their wallets sweating). And now, the two companies are already getting fans hyped with another team-up.

YouTuber Arrested for Theft Positive for COVID

With a strange headline that could only come from this day an age, learn about a Japanese YouTuber who traveled to western Japan, partied with friends, and was arrested for petty theft. All while perhaps inadvertently spreading COVID-19.

Toyota to Allow Permanent Work From Home

Toyota Motor will allow eligible employees to permanently work from home. Until now workers needed special permission to work remotely, but the automaker decided on the new measure due to increased productivity.

Ramen Mask Makes Use of Your Steamy Glasses

Sensible individuals are opting these days to stay indoors as much as possible and use masks when outdoors. But, there’s nothing in the social rulebook saying your mask has to be sensible.

Robo-Scorpion Chair Perfect for Villain Lair

If you’re going to be spending several hours a day at your computer, aesthetics are important in keeping your wellness level up. And if that aesthetic is "techno arachnid super-villain," then there’s really only one sensible furniture choice.

Tokyo Hits Record High for New COVID Cases

Tokyo confirmed 224 new cases of infection with the novel coronavirus on Thursday, July 9, a record high for a single day.

Tokyo Extends Shorter Business Hours Request

Tokyo Governor Koike Yuriko asked eateries that serve alcohol and karaoke parlors in the Japanese capital’s 23 wards to continue operating at shorter hours until September 15.

70% of New Covid Cases Among 20s & 30s Adults

Tokyo confirmed 107 new coronavirus cases on Thursday, and over 100 cases per day over the the weekend. The capital has designated a four-color warning system to notify the public of the severity of the situation.

Japan Looks to AI for COVID-19 Countermeasures

Japan’s government launches a panel of experts to discuss formulating coronavirus countermeasures using artificial intelligence and the supercomputer Fugaku.

Toyota's Pandemic Profits Plunge to 98%

Toyota Motor Corporation's operating profit plunges 98 percent for the April-to-June quarter.

Smoking Area Artwork for Social Distancing

Officials of Tokyo’s Shinagawa Ward have come up with an artistic way to urge smokers to maintain social distancing.

Keep Your Mask On, Even After the Food Arrives

Japan’s pseudo-Italian restaurant chain Saizeriya has come up with a way for customers to dine out while still wearing their masks.

A Home Ready for the 'New Normal'

Custom-home builder Aqurahome has unveiled features that can help residents take measures to keep the home cleaner.

A Grand Mask That's Worth a Grand

As wearing a face covering has become essential in the COVID-19 era, one mask specialty store has opened in Tokyo, showing off a dazzling mask with a 100,000 yen (US$940) price tag!

Getting to Know Your Bathtub Better

Learn more about bathing in Japan with this online event.

Japan Approves Second COVID-19 Treatment

The use of dexamethasone to treat people infected with the novel coronavirus has been approved as the second drug that doctors can now prescribe to COVID-19 patients in the country.

Mysterious Seeds Delivered Across Japan

Packages marked China Post containing mysterious seeds began turning up in mailboxes across Japan, despite no one ordering such items.

Japan's Cute New Mascot Came to Fight COVID-19

Welcome Koronon, the cute pink cat who's here to protect the city of Tokyo from COVID-19 by handing out free masks around the metropolis.

Kimono Company Makes Masks for Nightlife Staff

Otozuki, a manufacturer of traditional kimono garments, has teamed up with a company that runs nightclubs to develop hostess-friendly face masks that make it easy to sip drinks and converse with customers while maintaining a safe environment.

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