The whole process, a symbol of the conformity prized by Japanese society, is a relic from the balmy days of the 1960s, when profits were growing and labour shortages were common.

ECONOMIST: Deflation is transforming Japan's annual pay rituals

Balmy days in December and January pushed sales of existing homes up in those months while freezing temperatures in February deterred potential house-hunters, That meant fewer sales to be completed (and counted) in March.

ECONOMIST: Housing

Golfing here has a Lowcountry charm not found anywhere else, with palmettos and moss hanging from the trees, plus well over 200 days of sun a year and an average balmy temperature of 70F.

BBC: Living in: golf areas