How Japanese Housewives Outsmarted Global Finance

A group of ordinary housewives in Japan, known as Mrs. Watanabe, ventured into the world of forex trading to increase their family savings during Japan's economic crisis.

Mrs. Watanabe, a representation of average Japanese housewives, started exploring forex trading to find better investment options.

Facing low interest rates in Japanese banks, Mrs. Watanabe borrowed money at a low rate in Japan and invested it in a different currency with higher interest rates, known as the carry trade… The Market Whisperer

Mariya Takeuchi - Plastic Love

The Oddly Autocratic Roots of Pad Thai

As World War II approached, Thailand was in a precarious position. For years, the country’s leaders had clutched their independence closely, worried about the French and English, who had colonized neighboring Cambodia, Laos, and Burma. Now, Japan was expanding imperially into East Asia, having invaded China in 1937.

In response, Plaek Phibunsongkhram’s government took action. As part of a national campaign called “Noodle is Your Lunch,” the Public Welfare Department gave Thais free noodle carts and distributed recipes for a new national dish: pad Thai… Atlas Obscura

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