Green Roofs Combat Greenhouse Effect

Ever since the Kyoto Conference on climate change in 1997, people and governments around the world have been committed to the search for ways to cut greenhouse gas emissions and prevent global warming. The giant city of Tokyo is playing its part with a 2001 law stipulating that all new or renovated buildings must have at least 20% f their roofs covered in vegetations. Tokyo is now gradually becoming a greener city, as roof gardens proliferate.

Braille on the Move

180 million people worldwide are blind or visually impaired. Inventions like Braille helped them read books and newspapers, but toady more and more people get their information from the internet. A new device converts email and web page text into Braille that is read continuously from a rotating dial. The battery powered device can store whole books in its memory, and is easily carried in a pocket for reading anywhere.

Kumamoto-Land of Fire and Water

Kumamoto, in Kyushu, is known as the land of fire for its giant active volcano, the beautiful Mount Aso. This mountain is a stunning place to visit, and there's even an aerial cableway to take you up to the bubbling crater on top. Near the volcano are many delightful hot springs and pottery making centers. This is also the site where famed swordsman philosopher Miyamoto Musashi wrote his book of Five Rings.

Eat, Drink, Relax-Izakaya Style

An izakaya is a typical Japanese bar, a happy combination of restaurant and drinking place. Many Japanese drop into an izakaya after work to eat, drink and chat with friends. Izakaya are popular because their affordable menus cover everything from full meals to snacks and desserts. Even people who don't drink alcohol can enjoy an izakaya, and today izakaya style restaurants are becoming popular in many countries.