Mattel has unveiled a double-sided board that features both the classic word-building game and Scrabble Together, a new rendition designed to be accessible “for anyone who finds word games intimidating.” Read more
The Oscar successes of “Godzilla Minus One” and “The Boy and the Heron” are likely to push the Japanese film industry further toward an international strategy. Read more
One Japanese creation that grabbed attention at the Oscars wasn’t a movie: It was the kitsch shoes that seemed to be clenched in Godzilla’s claw. Read more
The Cultural Affairs Agency is examining the conditions of original drawings by leading manga artists in Japan and researching methods for preserving them. Read more
Pottery artisan Genji Shimizu, 78, creates each piece of his kyusu (teapots) one by one in a fluid motion that wastes no energy. Read more
Hart, 44, has honed a signature style that combines his diminutive height, expressive face and motor-mouth delivery into a successful stand-up act. Read more
“If you’re successful, you have to give back. That was my mantra in 1980 when I got sober, and it’s been my mantra ever since,” John told The Associated Press on Wednesday night. Read more
Gibier cuisine, which features game meat from such animals as deer and wild boar, is rising in popularity. Read more
A giant mural of dinosaurs is on display near Fukui Station, where a new high speed train, the Hokuriku Shinkansen, is set to stop beginning Saturday. Read more
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Kuwabara’s dilemma is one an increasing number of American consumers face: With shrimp the leading seafood eaten in the United States, the largest supplier in this country is India, where the industry struggles with labor and environmental problems. Read more
The court issued a divided decision Tuesday that allows Texas to enforce its immigration law for now. The high court declined to intervene on an administrative stay placed by the 5th Circuit Court of Appeals. Read more
The Pattie Boyd collection is on display at Christie’s until March 21. Online bidding closes March 22. Read more
The economy is now in recession after barely growing for decades. The population continues to shrink, with births last year plunging to a nadir. Read more
The 87-year-old underwent the procedure at Oslo’s university hospital, Rikshospitalet, the royal household said in a brief statement. Read more
Tyson Foods will continue streamlining its operations by closing the pork plant in Iowa that employs 1,200 people and eliminating the largest employer in the town of Perry. Read more
The San Francisco-based online rental platform said it is seeking to “simplify” its security camera policy while prioritizing privacy. Read more
The sport is inherently dangerous, and injuries are not uncommon among horse riders and skiers alike. Read more
A fluffy castella cake, fatty tuna nigiri sushi and takoyaki (octopus dumplings) with rich sauce — they look so good that you might be tempted to eat them. But they are actually works of art carved from wood. Read more
A 66-pound Sakurajima daikon (radish) took a top award at an annual contest held in late January at the foot of the vegetable’s namesake volcano, Mount Sakurajima, in Kagoshima City. Read more
Amid recovering demand for tourism, a bridal company in Matsue, Shimane prefecture, is planning wedding photography tours for foreign tourists in Japan. Read more
The Justice Ministry is allowing male inmates to purchase or be given beauty items and a few other products that traditionally have been allowed only for female inmates. Read more
