In a bid to use pop idol culture productively, Japanese girl band Virtual Currency Girls has been enlisted to bring cryptocurrency knowledge to the masses. Rather than strong-arming people into acting responsibly with cryptocurrencies, Japan is using its pop idols’ soft power to sway people.

While global opinion of the White House plummets, ratings of America's people and culture remain high. As a generation of disillusioned voters question whether democracy represents the will of the people, people are judging countries based on their popular culture, rather than their administration.

It’s widely assumed that pragmatic elements, like a strong job or housing market, attract people to cities – but new studies show that vibrant cultural offerings, from galleries to club nights, are the real draw. How are lesser-known cities using creative clout to attract and retain residents?

When the Olympics roll around every four years, the 16-day extravaganza unites the world in a celebration of sport. But with two cities withdrawing their bids for 2024, the event’s prestige is in doubt. Can reconnecting with its core values make the Olympics – and its sponsors – more appealing?