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| Hayaben: The Speedy Lunch Box |
 One of the biggest appeals of traveling is being able to enjoy local food.Visitors to Japan never tire of the wide selection of popular favorites such as sushi, tempura, and soba. When making a short trip by bus or train, one of the best ways to try delicious local cuisine is to eat a bento, or neatly and colorfully arranged lunch box.
You can pick up a bento just about anywhere in Japan, but their convenience while traveling means that many people pick up ekiben (train station bentos) and soraben (sky bentos) before their journey begins.
Recently, a new type of bento has appeared: the hayaben (speedy bento).
 Why "speedy bento"? Well, it certainly isn't fast food. The hayaben are sold at freeway rest areas-hence the name "speedy bento"-including Kamigo Service Area in Toyota, Aichi Prefecture, Youro Service Area in Youro, Gifu Prefecture and four others. They are somewhat is somewhat fancier than a regular bento-priced between 1,150 yen and 3,000 yen-but the combination of food prepared in cooperation with local ryotei (Japanese-style restaurants) and seasonal ingredients make this bento well worth your extra cost. The "Hanamai" Hayaben sold at the Kamigo Service Area features haccho miso (local soybean paste) and Mikawa (Eastern Aichi) beef.
Even service areas in Japan offer an array of local products and goods. If you happen to be taking a bus trip in Aichi and stop at the service area, be sure to try a hayaben. |
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| Swing, Twist and Fling the remote!? |
 You may remember our feature on Nintendo DS, a handheld game console released by Nintendo in 2004.Its touch panel and stylus made games accessible and fun for people of all ages. While Nintendo DS is still fresh in the minds of many, Nintendo has released an innovative video game console that takes gaming to a whole new level: Wii.
Wii hit stores in North America in November 2006, followed by its release in Japan, Europe and Australia in December and has proven to be yet another success story for Nintendo.
So what is all the fuss about?
Those who have already seen or even experienced the excitement of playing Wii would tell you that it's completely different from existing consoles, and it is this difference that makes Wii so enthralling.
First of all, Wii uses a unique wireless controller that allows the user to actually feel like they're part of the game. If, for example, you are playing a tennis game, the wireless controller acts as your racquet. Using only one hand, you can swing the controller just as you would in a real tennis match!
Another distinguishing characteristic of the console is Wii Channel, which provides access to weather, news, and photos. But the fun doesn't stop there! There is a huge range of software titles marked for release this year.
Just like the Nintendo DS, Wii's controller is so easy to use that the games can be enjoyed by all ages, and even by those who have never played games before. Be sure to experience the excitement of Wii for yourself |
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| Morning is in! |
 The early bird catches the worm. Recently, many Japanese business people are following this wisdom and becoming early birds.
In the Marunouchi business district in Tokyo,
a 9-day "Morning Expo" was held last November.
Starting from 7am, live talk shows featuring an astronaut and essayist and workshops on such diverse subjects as hula, walking lessons and voice training were held and enjoyed by the many busy workers in the area.
Most Japanese business people spend about an hour commuting on crowded trains, so arriving early is one way to beat the rush. Interesting discussions and exciting workshops are also a great way to start the day!
 Morning events can also be enjoyed outside of Tokyo. At Mt. Yatsugatake, Nagano Prefecture,
the "No. 1 Morning Project in Japan" helps people find new ways to enhance their mornings, such as "morning bath", "morning aroma" and "morning yoga". During your stay in Japan, be an early riser and discover the fun that awaits.
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