Japan’s coolest secret… Ten ways to enjoy the mesmerising – and often snowy – island of Hokkaido

All eyes are on Japan this year as it hosts the Rugby World Cup in September and the next G20 meeting in June, and readies itself for the 2020 Tokyo Olympics.  But visitors who want to explore beyond the obvious tourist attractions should consider Hokkaido. The wild north island is a peaceful enclave of stunning nature … Read more

Historians release collection of images showing ways tobacco has been used since the 1500s

Smoking is a leading cause of death worldwide. So, it’s hard to believe that in centuries gone by it was used as a medicine. Only in the past 70 years have the dangers to our health been recognised, after hundreds of years of tobacco being used to cure everything from asthma to the plague. The … Read more