Life & Culture

Japan’s US$580 billion hidden asset? In the back of the cupboard

The country has stored goods worth roughly the combined market cap of its three most globally known corporate names

The demands of the Christmas season are so time-consuming and stressful that they leave neither space nor emotional energy for what really matters – the peaceful enjoyment of Christmas spirit and seasonal goodwill.

The economics of seasonal serenity

Management scholars are making a case study of Christmas

While longevity comes down to many factors, there is some truth to American actor and comedian Dick Van Dyke’s claims.

Live to 100? Don’t get angry, says Dick Van Dyke

The centenarian credits his longevity to his positive outlook – and research says optimists live longer

Despite the speed and strength with which anger can spread through social media through rage bait, there is emerging research which suggests people can be nudged into reflecting on media content designed to provoke anger before they respond.

Rage bait: How to stop getting triggered

Understanding the psychology behind social media’s angriest posts

AI companions that never criticise, nor share feelings of their own, are a poor preparation for dealing with imperfect humans.

How AI is rewiring childhood

The technology presents dazzling opportunities – and ominous risks

Benjamin Kheng will sing his song, Not Alone, with a little help from his friends, including Shazza, at Sing60.
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Sing60: 20 reasons to catch Singapore’s biggest music festival of 2025

Your favourite musicians are converging at Fort Canning for a two-day event celebrating local music

A 1984 study by sociologist Theodore Caplow found that many a wife was responsible for buying the gifts not only for her parents, siblings, nieces and nephews, but for those of her husband, too.

Santa Claus is still a woman

There is something particularly stubborn about gender roles at Christmas

Indie breakout Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 won the hearts and minds of gamers with its excellent visuals, music and innovative gameplay.

Will 2026 see showdown between big game and indie publishers?

Smaller competitors have shone this year while heavyweights are down but not out

Cruise executives say older Gen Zs, now in their late twenties, and millennials are increasingly choosing ocean-based holidays.

Gen Z is saving the cruise industry

Bookings from younger passengers have allowed operators to defy the gloom in the rest of the travel sector

Judging by current trends, the vast majority of matcha in the future is going to end up in soft-serve ice-cream, chiffon cakes, mochi and macarons. It would be a waste if Japan tried to chase that low-end business, when the opportunities at the top of the market are so much more alluring.

The matcha craze needs more champagne

Why Japan should up its game to protect its cultural capital. Its tea certainly counts as such