Instead of making life difficult for anybody in Japan wanting to offer Internet access to the public, the Ministry of Posts and Telecommunications has lately been issuing licences to all and sundry.

ECONOMIST: Kanji and kana on the Internet

But for those of us fortunate enough to sample life in Japan, it has been an experience never to be forgotten with a thousand memories to be stored away forever.

BBC: World Cup memory lane

With its rapidly aging population and low birthrate, Japan is the world's largest market for life insurance.

FORBES: Here come the gaijin

The December election of Mr. Abe, however, has bred new life into Japan's nuclear-power program and the prospects for the Rokkasho facility, said government and industry officials.

WSJ: U.S. Opposes Japan's Nuclear Plan

But away from the usual images of the World Cup, another hidden life was taking place for those who followed the roadshow thousands of miles around Japan.

BBC: World Cup memory lane