Twitter was a powerful medium for self expression throughout the Arab Spring that began in 2010. Yet despite on-going friction and conflict in the Arab world, its usage for political discussion has declined. According to research agency Social Eyez, this is both out of boredom and fear.

People are increasingly apathetic when it comes to politics, and it’s particularly prevalent among the young; the 2010 US midterm elections saw just 21% of 18- to 24-year-olds cast their ballots. Can Voter increase participation by bringing Tinder-style swiping to the political process?

‘I’m glad to be Japanese!’ It’s a thought that two-thirds of Japanese people have had. But with nationalism’s long, sordid history in the country, some debate whether it can be taken too far. With a recent spike in patriotism in Japan's popular culture, how is it translating to the rest of the world?

Is Japan really light-years ahead with technology? Is sex really a taboo? Is sipping on sake still the drink of choice? In our 2015 cultural snapshot of Japan, we debunk cultural myths, shed light on the country’s economic outlook, and explore the emerging and established trends across 12 sectors.