Functional improvements to site

We have recently implemented a number of functional improvements as part of an ongoing effort to make the site as enjoyable and useful as possible.

*Please direct any requests or comments here.

New/improved features

1. Indication to readers of translation mode used for each article
Appears on: blog entries, community topics, community explanations

Entries written using automatic translation now feature an indication to this effect above the title.

auto | original: ja = Written in Japanese
auto | original: en = Written in English


2. Bookmark/sharing widgets
Appear on: All articles in the magazine area, all blog entries, community topics, map entries

AddThis widgets have been added so you can easily add your favorite articles to a range of different bookmark and sharing services. To use this widget, which can be found at the bottom right of the article title, simply place your mouse pointer over the button and choose your preferred bookmark service. You can also choose to send an email, print, or forward to Twitter, for example.


3. Increase in number of characters useable in nicknames

Up to 32 half-width characters can now be used.
(For legibility and other reasons, we recommend a maximum of around 20 characters.)
*To change > Edit profile


4. Blog names and descriptions can now be entered directly in English and Japanese

Until now, blog names and description could only be entered in Japanese (or English), with the English version (or Japanese version) displayed as an automatic translation, but this has been changed so that both languages can be entered. You can also choose to continue using the existing automatic translation mode.
*To change > Settings > Blog settings: Edit template


5. Improvements to "Self introduction" in member's profile

Until now, even if an URL was entered in the self-introduction section of the member's profile page, a link would not appear when it was displayed, but now links appear automatically like in blog articles.
As well, until now if a line break was entered during editing it would not show up when displayed, but this has been changed so that line breaks appear as entered.
*To change > Edit profile


6. Links appear in map explanations when URLs entered

Until now, even if an URL was entered, a link would not appear when the map explanation was displayed, but now links appear automatically.
*Maps can be found here.

7. SNS emails are now stored for 180 days instead of the previous 31 days


8. Other bugs fixed
The bug that was cutting off the descenders in blog names has been fixed.