Lifestyle
The latest lifestyle news and analysis from JournalArta Global.
Japan just scrapped shopping tax-free at the register
Japan’s new refund system, effective November 1, requires visitors to pay consumption tax upfront and seek it back after customs checks their purchases. Travelers must complete the procedure before checking bags, keep goods available for inspection and meet a 90-day deadline. The change also means refunds may arrive through different methods and on separate schedules, depending on the store.
M!LK Scores Second Japan Hot 100 No. 1 With “That’s! Chojo”
M!LK’s “That’s! Chojo” debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Japan Hot 100 chart released Nov. 4, giving the five-member boy band its second chart-topper. The song also ranked No. 1 in video views, while Vaundy’s “Shiwaawase” climbed to No. 3 and Mrs. GREEN APPLE’s “Cinderella” rose to No. 4.
First 10 Australian Songs Enter National Songbook
Australia’s National Songbook has inducted its first 10 songs, including Yothu Yindi’s “Treaty,” Midnight Oil’s “Beds Are Burning” and Helen Reddy’s “I Am Woman.” The digital archive was launched in Canberra by the National Film and Sound Archive and Apra Amcos. Its selections span songs written from 1895 to 2008, with the archive set to grow each year.
John Frieda, Creator of Frizz Ease, Dies at 75; Clients Included Diana, Madonna
John Frieda, the hairstylist behind Frizz Ease who worked with Princess Diana and Madonna, has died at 75. His death was confirmed on Instagram, while tributes remembered his influence on the hair industry. Frieda also built a hair care business that included Sheer Blonde and retained five salons after selling his company to Kao.
One-Third Triplet Country Trio Singer Nicole Taylor Dies at 35
Nicole Taylor, one of the identical triplets in country group Taylor Red, died at her Nashville home after living with breast cancer. Her sisters, Nika and Natalie, announced her death in a video and remembered her as their leader and best friend. The trio built a large social media following with performances, covers and comedy clips.
2026 CFDA Awards: Palmer’s Vintage Gown Among Best Looks
The 2026 CFDA Fashion Awards brought vintage glamour, bold tailoring and familiar red-carpet formulas to New York. Keke Palmer wore a gold Bob Mackie gown first created in 1975, while Chloe Bailey chose a feather-trimmed Christian Siriano design. Emily Ratajkowski and Shaboozey, meanwhile, drew criticism for outfits that felt too casual or familiar for the event.
Ariana Grande Shares Ricky Alvarez Photos and New Bob Look
Ariana Grande posted affectionate photos with Ricky Alvarez on social media, offering another look at her new bob. The images followed the couple’s appearance cheering runners at the New York City Marathon, where Grande also wrote an encouraging note for a stranger who had completed the race.
Nicole Taylor of Country Trio Taylor Red Dies at 35
Nicole Taylor, the eldest of the triplet sisters behind country trio Taylor Red, died at her Nashville home after a long fight with breast cancer. She was 35.
Jason Blum and James Wan Rename Company Blumhouse Atomic
Jason Blum and James Wan have renamed their combined horror company Blumhouse Atomic, two years after Blumhouse and Atomic Monster merged. The two labels will continue developing movies and television under the new parent company. Its films have generated $2.5 billion at the box office since the merger, while upcoming projects include new versions of Paranormal Activity, Blair Witch Project and Saw.
Charlotte Miles Wins 2026 ABC Young Performers Awards in Sydney
Cellist Charlotte Miles won the 2026 ABC Young Performers Awards after performing Elgar’s Cello Concerto with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House. The 24-year-old, who has earned more than 100 music prizes, receives $40,000 and the chance to record a solo album under the ABC Classic label. Violinist Beatrice Colombis was runner-up, while pianist Dillon Chan placed third.
Friendslop Added to Collins Dictionary as Mogging Wins
Collins Dictionary has added friendslop, a term for low-budget indie games made for casual group play, to its new entries. The word did not take the top spot: mogging was named Collins’ word of the year, while fricy, bixie and P(doom) also appeared among the additions. The choices reflect slang and expressions drawn from gaming, food, fashion and wider public debate.
Voice Too Queer They: Lorca’s Legacy Finds New Life
Federico García Lorca’s sexuality was kept out of public discussion in Spain for decades. A cabaret tribute in London and the film La Bola Negra are helping a new generation encounter the poet’s work through a queer lens, while biographer Ian Gibson recalls the personal cost of challenging that silence.
Why Psychopaths Likely Get More Second Dates
A speed-dating study found that people with higher psychopathy traits were selected for a second date more often than those with below-average levels. Researchers say confidence, humor and charm may make red flags harder to spot during a brief first meeting, though the findings do not mean every person with these traits is violent.
Disney Weighs Thousands of Job Cuts as Some Managers Face 20% Savings Target
Disney is moving toward thousands of job cuts, while asking some managers to identify annual savings equal to 20% of costs. The proposed savings could
After 28 Years and 50,000 Kilometers, Karl Bushby Walks Home to Hull
After walking about 50,000 kilometers across four continents, Karl Bushby has returned to his family home in Hull, England, completing a journey that began in
Channel 4 viewers thought it was a game show. It was a hoax
Channel 4’s Million Pound Shot began as a primetime game show in which a contestant appeared to gamble his own money. Bradley Walsh later revealed the setup was a hoax, designed to expose tactics used by gambling companies. The programme also highlighted the losses reported among British customers.
Third U.S. Bird Flu Death Since Virus Spread to Dairy Cattle
A Yakima County resident has died after contracting H5N1 bird flu following exposure to infected dairy cattle, marking the third U.S. death linked to the
Wicker’s 4DX Screening Turns a Bed Scene Into a Times Square Event
Olivia Colman’s folk-horror romance Wicker brought an unexpected crowd to a 4DX screening in Times Square. The moving seats and sensory effects built toward a comic bed-breaking scene that prompted screams compared with those at a Taylor Swift concert.
Jessica Alba Deletes Halloween Photos After Backlash Over Kerrigan Costume
Jessica Alba removed Halloween costume photos from Instagram after a recreation of Nancy Kerrigan’s attack drew criticism. The image showed Alba dressed as Kerrigan beside a friend dressed as Tonya Harding, prompting disagreement among commenters over whether the costume made light of a traumatic event.
12 Holiday Gifts for Movie Fans, From $8 to $599.95
A holiday gift guide highlights film-themed picks, from a Stanley Kubrick collection to a Christmas movie card game. Prices range from $8 to $599.95, with options for fans of directors, cult films and movie memorabilia.
Does Fluoride-Free Toothpaste Compare? What Research Says
Hydroxyapatite toothpaste is drawing interest as a fluoride-free alternative, with some research supporting its effectiveness and potential to ease tooth sensitivity. Dental experts say fluoride remains beneficial for preventing cavities, while questions about hydroxyapatite’s protection and the evidence around fluoride risks continue to shape the debate.
Slow Horses Star Jack Lowden Calls Bond Rumors ‘Flattering’
Jack Lowden has called speculation that he could play James Bond “flattering,” but declined to say whether he had auditioned. Gary Oldman had previously voiced hope that his Slow Horses co-star would get the role, then clarified he did not know who had been selected. The next Bond film is in development.
Heidi Klum’s Severed Hand Leads 2026 Halloween Looks
Heidi Klum arrived at her annual New York Halloween party dressed as a giant severed hand, complete with red nails, a wedding band and a tattoo of Tom Kaulitz’s name. Harry Styles revisited his X Factor audition, then appeared as Pizza Rat, while other celebrities drew on pop culture and family costumes.
Martha Stewart says she really erred over Halloween costume
Martha Stewart apologized after an image of her dressed as a homeless person for Halloween drew online criticism. The lifestyle personality said the costume was “insensitive and not funny,” and acknowledged that her earlier statement did not go far enough. The post also promoted her candle range, while official figures cited in the report put homelessness in the US at at least 770,000 people.