Incessant mobile notifications can leave smartphone users distracted when they’re around friends or family. Recognising the detrimental impact that ‘phubbing’ can have on their social lives, many are now questioning their relationship with tech, leading them to seek ways to limit their screen time.

What’s got Japanese people worried about their work-life balance? Why are more men staying at home to raise the kids? And how did Halloween become a national holiday? This Cultural Snapshot uses local stats and case studies to explore behavioural norms shared by Japanese people in 2017.

Commuters at two of Tokyo’s busiest metro stations can access bookable office booths to get some work done on the go. As Japanese commuters face some of the world’s busiest train stations, brands have the opportunity to help people optimise their downtime.

With more women than ever working in Japan, the need for quick, nutritious meals has become of utmost importance for busy wives and mothers. How have depachikas – food halls in department stores across the country – helped overturn cultural stigmas surrounding ready meals?