Phones, of course, are also being equipped with larger, higher quality screens that display video better than ever, right on the device.

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Consumers were told that, yes, prices might be a little higher than elsewhere, but they ensured reliable supplies of food, maintained the quality of Japanese goods and, of course, helped to keep everyone fully employed.

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Higher temperatures, of course, create greater demand for air conditioning, which requires higher energy consumption and a deterioration in air quality.

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