Black vinegar (kurozu) is often used as a seasoning for Chinese food, but has recently become popular as a nutritional drink, especially among women. Black vinegar contains a large amount of amino acids, which are known for lowering cholesterol, improving poor circulation and sustaining blood pressure.

"Vinegar?! Isn't that sour?"... Even if you are hesitant to try it, we recommend a stop at "Kurozu Bar", which opened earlier this year in Shimbashi, Tokyo. Drinks are made with a mild flavor so they can be drank everyday. For only 150 yen, you can enjoy a 100ml drink served with crushed ice and made from your choice of black vinegar. There are also “black vinegar shakes" for dessert. Since Shimbashi is a center for business, about 60% of customers are male and 40% are female.

The bar's three most popular vinegar drinks are,
No. 1: " Pure crude wheat black vinegar",
No. 2: "Black vinegar and blood orange", and No. 3: "Black vinegar and soy milk". Black vinegar and soy milk is especially popular among women.
Recommendations from the bar also include the vinegar blueberry and vinegar banana shakes.

If you’re near JR Shimbashi Station, be sure to stop by “Kurozu Bar”, located outside the concourse at Karasumori Exit.Open 7 days a week.

Japan, a global video game superpower, is under the spell of Nintendo DS, a handheld game console released in 2004 by the game software/hardware giant Nintendo. Though the console is also available in North America, Europe, Australia and China, it has been a smash hit in Japan with 10 million units sold in its first 20 months on the market - a Japanese record.Its successor, Nintendo DS Lite, was just released this year and seems to be maintaining the products strong sales momentum.

Why does this game console appeal so strongly to adults? One reason is its unique interface. It features two LCD screens with a touch-screen for the lower display. The unit also features wireless networking capabilities for multiplayer games as well as a built-in microphone with phonetic recognition.

Another reason is undoubtedly its software lineup.
Nintendo has not allowed itself to be constrained by the traditional concept of games. One good example is the best-selling hit software, "Brain Age: Train Your Brain in Minutes a Day". This "brain training" has players answer a series of tests using both the touch screen and built-in microphone. At the end of the tests, it gives the player a score, called a "brain age", which ideally should be lower than the player’s actual age. Another best-seller, “Nintendogs”, is a dogsimulationgame in which players can interact with puppies using the touchscreen and microphone. And, of course, the "Super Mario" series has not been forgotten. "Mario Kart DS" had sold one and a half million units. (Jun.2006)

These new types of games, which are different from normal "game software", have attracted new consumers who would usually not think about purchasing a game console. With more exciting software awaiting release, the Nintendo DS is sure to keep its lock on the public’s attention.

Though most stores only sell Japanese versions of Nintendo DS software, English versions can be found in areas known for electronics sales, such as Tokyo’s Akihabara and Osaka's Nipponbashi. Although not always in stock, Sofmap also sells English versions of Nintendo DS.