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France 24
10-08-2025
- Entertainment
- France 24
The Bright Side: Humble bugs are popular pets in nature-loving Japan
The pet of choice in Japan, as much as cuddly kitties and playful puppies, is the humble bug. The bug has been a key part of Japanese culture from the Heian era classic 'The Tale of Genji' to popular modern-day manga and animation like 'Mushishi', featuring insect-like supernatural creatures. Japanese people appreciate the glitter of fireflies let loose in the garden or the gentle chirping of crickets kept in a little cage. You can feed the bug pets watermelon, but special jelly pet food for bugs is also available at stores. Naturally, bugs are on sale as well, with the more esoteric ones selling for 20,000 yen ($133). Here, crawly and buzzing critters are not just relegated to the scientific realm of the entomologist working on a taxidermy of pinned butterflies. Celebrities boast about their fascination with bug-hunting as their hobbies just like a Western movie star might talk about his yacht or golf score. The bug as companion is an essential part of what's observed, enjoyed and cared for in everyday life, reflecting a deeply rooted celebration of humankind's oneness with nature. 'They are so tiny. If you catch and study them, you're sure to discover something new,' says Munetoshi Maruyama, professor of bioenvironmental sciences at Kyushu University, whose fascination with bugs began as a child, like many Japanese. 'They are so beautiful in shape and form.' One thrill that comes from studying insects is discovering a new species, simply because there are more than 1.2 million known kinds of insects, far more than mammals, which translates to a lot of undiscovered ones, said Maruyama, who has discovered 250 new insect species himself and shrugs that off as a relatively small number. Japan differs from much of the West in encouraging interaction with bugs from childhood, with lots of books written for children, as well as classes and tours. 'In Japan, kids love bugs. You can even buy a net at a convenience store,' he said. 'It's fantastic that bugs can serve as a doorway to science.' The fact some insects go through metamorphoses, transforming from a larva to a butterfly, for instance, adds to the excitement, allowing kids to observe the stages of a life span, Maruyama said. Tracing the movement of bugs can be a way to study global warming, too, while so-called 'social insects', like bees and ants show intelligence in how they communicate, remember routes to find their way back to their nests or burrow elaborate underground paths as colonies. Because bugs carry out important functions in the ecosystem, such as pollinating crops and becoming food for birds and other wildlife, human life isn't ultimately sustainable if all bugs were to disappear from earth. The love affair with bugs was clear at an exhibit in Tokyo, aptly called 'The Great Insect Exhibition', running through the end of this month at the Sky Tree Tower, where crowds of children gathered around trees inside indoor cages so they could observe and touch the various beetles. One kind of rhinoceros beetle known as Hercules, which originated in the Caribbean but is now also found in Japan, is reputed to be the biggest beetle on record, although it's just several inches in length. Its back coat is a shiny khaki color, though such shades change depending on the season. The other parts, like its horn and delicate but spiky legs, are dark. 'We want the kids to feel the emotions and joy of actually touching the insects here. That's really positive for the workings of a child's brain,' said Toyoji Suzuki, one of the event's organizers, who insisted everyone, including adults, touch the bottom of the beetles' horns and wings to feel how surprisingly soft and fluffy they are. Four-year-old Asahi Yamauchi, who was at the exhibit with his grandmother and getting his photo taken inside a special installation that made it look like he was inside a beetle, loves bugs as much as he loves dinosaurs and has what he called a cute beetle as a pet at home. 'My friend had one so I wanted one,' he said.
Express Tribune
23-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Express Tribune
Overwatch 2 launches new Loverwatch dating sim with more characters but only in select regions
Blizzard has launched a new version of its Loverwatch dating sim in Overwatch 2, allowing players to interact with additional characters, but the event is currently exclusive to Chinese servers. Loverwatch first appeared in 2023, letting players date characters such as Genji and Mercy in a browser-based mini-game, including a secret Cupid Hanzo ending. The spinoff mode received positive reception, with many players requesting its return in the main game. The newly announced Loverwatch update expands the playable roster, adding characters including Lifeweaver, Mauga, Juno, Junker Queen, Cassidy, and Genji, all featured in new artwork and a trailer. Characters appear in themed attire, giving them a different look outside of their standard in-game skins. However, the update is currently only accessible within China. Users on social media noted that to play the dating sim, players must register for the Chinese Overwatch 2 server, providing national ID and phone verification. Content on these accounts does not transfer to international servers, limiting access for players outside China. Overwatch 2 returned to China in February 2025 after a two-year absence due to a licensing issue, offering various in-game events and rewards upon its re-entry. It remains unclear whether this Loverwatch update is exclusive to the Chinese community or if Blizzard plans to release the mode globally in future updates. Players outside China have expressed hope that the expanded Loverwatch event may arrive on international servers for future seasonal events, potentially by Valentine's Day next year.
Economic Times
26-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Economic Times
Overwatch 2 Season 17: What is new in upcoming season? See start date, theme, maps updates and new map voting system
Overwatch 2 Season 17 begins on June 24, 2025. It brings new features like map voting, the Forge system and a Flashpoint map called Aatlis. This season's theme is 'Powered Up' and includes retro-style and academic skins. Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Overwatch 2 Season 17 Start Date Season 17 Theme New Map Voting System Tired of too many ads? Remove Ads Maps Updates New Hero in Season 17? FAQs Season 17 of Overwatch 2 is set to launch on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The update will follow the usual release pattern by going live as soon as Season 16 ends. Overwatch 2 Season 17 is scheduled to begin on June 24, 2025. This date is based on the in-game Battle Pass timer. Unless there is a delay, the new season will start immediately after the current one ends. Overwatch usually follows this format for seasonal theme for Season 17 is 'Powered Up.' It includes character skins inspired by retro video games and academic styles. Genji and Sombra receive 8-bit outfits. Cassidy gets a Delinquent look. Junkrat appears as Professor Fawkes. These skins are part of the new Battle Pass, which players can unlock by progressing through the 17 adds a new map voting system. Players in a match lobby will now be able to vote for one of three map options before a match begins. The map with the most votes will be selected for that round. Two of the three maps shown will be among the least played by members in that lobby. The third option will be selected at random. This aims to improve variety and provide a fresh introduced in Season 16, will see an update in Season 17. It was initially set to get a Payload Race mode. However, the developers changed plans and introduced Forge instead. The Forge feature lets players copy or share builds and loadouts with others. This makes it easier for casual players to use strategies from high-level play. The feature is aimed at increasing collaboration and creativity in mode, which has only had two maps since its release in Season 6, will now receive a third map called Aatlis. Aatlis is set in Morocco. It is designed to support fast-paced gameplay, quick rotations, and tight combat spaces. This is expected to make Flashpoint matches more dynamic. The official update also mentioned map adjustments, but no details have been given on which older maps will be 17 will not include a new hero. Overwatch 2 adds new characters once every two seasons. Freja was added in Season 16, so the next hero is expected in Season 18. However, players will get a chance to try Wuyang, the next Support hero, in Quick Play later in Season Heroes are added every two seasons. Season 17 will not have a new hero, but Wuyang will be available briefly for testing in Quick voting lets players choose from three maps before a match. Two maps are chosen from less-played options, while the third is random, offering more control and variety.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Overwatch 2 Season 17: What is new in upcoming season? See start date, theme, maps updates and new map voting system
Season 17 of Overwatch 2 is set to launch on Tuesday, June 24, 2025. The update will follow the usual release pattern by going live as soon as Season 16 ends. Overwatch 2 Season 17 Start Date Overwatch 2 Season 17 is scheduled to begin on June 24, 2025. This date is based on the in-game Battle Pass timer. Unless there is a delay, the new season will start immediately after the current one ends. Overwatch usually follows this format for seasonal rollouts. Also Read: Ironheart Part 1: What to expect in Episode 1? Here's release date, global release timings, episode schedule, complete episode list and where to watch by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like War Thunder - Register now for free and play against over 75 Million real Players War Thunder Play Now Undo Season 17 Theme The theme for Season 17 is 'Powered Up.' It includes character skins inspired by retro video games and academic styles. Genji and Sombra receive 8-bit outfits. Cassidy gets a Delinquent look. Junkrat appears as Professor Fawkes. These skins are part of the new Battle Pass, which players can unlock by progressing through the tiers. New Map Voting System Season 17 adds a new map voting system. Players in a match lobby will now be able to vote for one of three map options before a match begins. The map with the most votes will be selected for that round. Two of the three maps shown will be among the least played by members in that lobby. The third option will be selected at random. This aims to improve variety and provide a fresh experience. Live Events Also Read: Social Security benefits may shrink by 2033. Here's why, how it may affect you and how to prepare for future Maps Updates Stadium, introduced in Season 16, will see an update in Season 17. It was initially set to get a Payload Race mode. However, the developers changed plans and introduced Forge instead. The Forge feature lets players copy or share builds and loadouts with others. This makes it easier for casual players to use strategies from high-level play. The feature is aimed at increasing collaboration and creativity in gameplay. Flashpoint mode, which has only had two maps since its release in Season 6, will now receive a third map called Aatlis. Aatlis is set in Morocco. It is designed to support fast-paced gameplay, quick rotations, and tight combat spaces. This is expected to make Flashpoint matches more dynamic. The official update also mentioned map adjustments, but no details have been given on which older maps will be modified. New Hero in Season 17? Season 17 will not include a new hero. Overwatch 2 adds new characters once every two seasons. Freja was added in Season 16, so the next hero is expected in Season 18. However, players will get a chance to try Wuyang, the next Support hero, in Quick Play later in Season 17. FAQs Will Overwatch 2 Season 17 have a new hero? No. Heroes are added every two seasons. Season 17 will not have a new hero, but Wuyang will be available briefly for testing in Quick Play. What is the purpose of the map voting system? Map voting lets players choose from three maps before a match. Two maps are chosen from less-played options, while the third is random, offering more control and variety.
Time of India
25-06-2025
- Entertainment
- Time of India
Every reward in Overwatch 2 Season 17 Battle Pass
Image via Blizzard Entertainment. Season 17 in Overwatch 2 is now finally here. Fans have been waiting for the new season for a long time as it was slated to bring so much new content into the game, and it has done exactly that. With the likes of a brand new map named Aatlis and three new heroes for the Stadium mode, fans have already started loving this update. However, just like any other season, the majority of anticipation is growing around the Season 17 Battle Pass. With 80 tiers and a huge number of precious in-game rewards, this season's Battle Pass is surely going to be a blockbuster. Overwatch 2 Season 17 : Every Battle Pass rewards Season 17 Battle Pass in Overwatch 2 features a lot of in-game rewards. | Image via Blizzard Entertainment. There are a total of three types of Battle Passes in Overwatch 2 Season 17. Let's breakdown all the note-worthy rewards in each type: Premium Battle Pass 8-bit Reinhardt Legendary Skin 8-bit Genji Legendary Skin 8-bit Sombra Legendary Skin Delinquent Cassidy skin from Overwatch Academy Professor Fawkes Junkrat skin from Overwatch Academy Sakura Ana skin 2 Legendary Loot Boxes 500 Overwatch Credits An array of cosmetics like emotes, souvenirs, charms, name cards and voice lines 80 Mythic Prisms (With which, you can unlock the Mythic Horang Hero Skin, Mythic Steel Death Reaper Weapon Skin, or other Mythic content.) Ultimate Battle Pass Bundle All the rewards of the Premium Battle Pass 20 Tier Skips 2,000 Overwatch Coins Principal Lacroix Widowmaker Legendary Skin Professor de Kuiper Sigma Legendary Skin Free Battle Pass 1 Legendary Loot Box 600 Coins 1,500 Credits 8-Bit Orisa Epic Skin 8-Bit Epic Epic Skin For those who want to buy the Premium Battle Pass of Season 17, it will cost 1,000 Overwatch Coins. However, the Ultimate Battle Pass Bundle of Season 17 has to be purchased directly with real-world money which costs $40. Players need to keep in mind that the Season 17 Battle Pass rewards are available from June 24 to around August 26, 2025, keeping in mind the standard nine week season cycle in Overwatch 2. Read More: How to earn free Overwatch Coins from OWCS in Overwatch 2? Game On Season 1 kicks off with Sakshi Malik's inspiring story. Watch Episode 1 here
