Yes, there's definitely something in the air this year -- and it's not just the regular brew of pollutants and particulates.
It's negative ions, so-called "vitamins of air" which, according to the advertisers, have seemingly miraculous properties. They'd have us believe they do everything from ensure "ketsueki sarasara (good blood circulation)" to a "smoke-free environment."
Search under "mainasu ion (minus ion)" on the Net and you'll be able to take your pick from around 70,000 Web sites in Japanese and 20,000 in English; while switching on TV puts you at great risk of tuning into yet another program on their "magical" effects.