Science & Technology News from Japan - International Relations

Schweizerische Eidgenossenschaft
Confédération suisse
Confederazione Svizzera
Confederaziun svizra
Embassy of Switzerland in Japan
State Secretariat for Education and Research SER
Chewing Gum Scented Shirts For Men
(March 24, 2009)
Riding high on the success of a chewing gum marketed to men, Kracie Holdings Ltd. is giving guys new ways of
flaunting the snack's distinctive rose scent. A scalp tonic has already hit stores, to be followed by polo shirts that
give off the smell of "Otoko Kaoru" gum. Kracie's target market is the growing number men aged 30-50 who are
concerned about how they smell. The shirts will be available for a month starting in mid-May at supermarkets and
other retailers.
O-Hanami: Sakura-Viewing A Centuries Old Tradition
Cherry blossoms have begun blooming all over Japan, and once again, people are rustling
up their coolers and buying bottles of sake, getting ready for "hanami" cherry blossomviewing
parties. Though some may see hanami as just another excuse to drink, the ritual is
steeped in old-time tradition, beginning in the Edo period (1603-1868). The capital city of
Edo, now known as Tokyo, flourished as a commercial and cultural hub. To provide jobs for
rural people flooding into the city shogun Tokugawa decided to plant cherry trees as a public
works project.
(March 31, 2009)
Record Fall Of 21.7% Over Time Work
(March 31, 2009)
The average amount of overtime worked in Japan in February fell a record 21.7% year on year to 8.8 hours, the
Labor Ministry reported. The figure covers companies with five employees or more in all industries. A major contributor
to the fall was the 47.7% plunge in overtime work at manufacturers, where employees put in an extra 8.9
hours on average. Significant production cuts sent the industry's figure to a new record low for the third straight
month since comparable data became available in 1991.
Upcoming Science and Technology Related Events in Japan
> Swiss Innovation Booth @ Innovation Japan 2009 [Innovation, Hightech], September 16-18, 2009
Organized by the Swiss Science & Technology Office
If you wish to participate, please contact felix.moesner@eda.admin.ch
> Swiss Biotech Pavilion @ BioJapan 2009 [Biotechnology], October 7-9, 2009
Organized by Swiss Biotech Association and OSEC, www.osec.ch
www.osec.ch/internet/osec/en/home/export/trade_fairs_events/trade_fairs_abroad/bio_japan_2009.html
>> More events on the Japan Science and Technology Office homepage:
www.eda.admin.ch/eda/en/home/reps/asia/vjpn/ref_livfor/livjpn/scteve.html
Disclaimer
The information in this newsletter is an opinion excerpt of news material from Japan and gathered to the best knowledge of the
writer. The newsletter tries to provide information without any news preferences, and takes no claims, promises or guarantees
about the accuracy, completeness, or adequacy of the information. No legal liability or responsibility can be taken. The information
is provided for informational purposes only. No part of the newsletter may be used for any commercial or public use. Open
disclosure of this newsletter is not permitted.
Science & Technology News from Japan, Template 2009 • Felix Moesner, Science & Technology Attaché Page 28 of 28