The articles cover a range of topics from health, climate change, urban issues, to gender inequality. One piece from The Guardian discusses the personal experience of using ADHD medication and its eventual negative effects. The Financial Times and The Guardian explore innovative flood prevention measures in the Netherlands and the concept of a flood-proof city. EIT Climate KIC delves into the journey towards zero-emissions transport. Citylab questions whether restoring starry nights can boost the climate movement. VICE reports on efforts to end fossil fuel sponsorship in the arts. The Japan Times highlights the role of community in driving an energy revolution. The Guardian examines the health benefits of cold exposure and the impact of COVID-19 on indoor air quality. The Atlantic and Matter address gender inequality in the home and the cultural implications of Japan's 'kawaii' culture, respectively.

Pokémon Go's addictiveness is attributed to the 'kawaii' or 'cute' aesthetic originating from Japan, which triggers a euphoric response in the human brain similar to that caused by food, sex, and drugs. This aesthetic, embodied by characters like Pikachu, has been adopted by the Japanese government as a cultural export and soft power strategy. Kawaii culture, which began as a schoolgirl rebellion in the 1970s, has become mainstream in Japan, making serious topics more approachable. International companies have also leveraged the psychological effects of kawaii, with cute products potentially offering therapeutic benefits. However, the article suggests that the obsession with cute can lead to a dangerous lack of awareness and trivialization of serious issues.

Kazuaki Hashimoto, who has transitioned from a conventional home to an energy-efficient house with a wood stove, is part of a progressive movement in the Fujino district of Sagamihara, Japan. He and his wife Haruko have adopted an off-grid system developed by Fujino Power, a local initiative that educates and enables citizens to produce their own electricity, promoting sustainable living and renewable energy.

Sony's PlayStation Network is operational again after a weekend cyber attack which did not compromise user information. The attack, claimed by a group called Lizard Squad, was a denial of service that also targeted Blizzard Entertainment and threatened Microsoft's Xbox Live. Concurrently, a bomb scare affected a flight with Sony Online Entertainment President John Smedley, leading to an FBI investigation. Sony has previously faced network attacks, notably in 2011, and has since invested in security for its network, which is central to its business rebuilding strategy.