Since March, Natsumi Takita has spent 10 minutes daily on a Nintendo DS hand-held game machine, undergoing daily quizzes using "Otona-no Joshikiryoku Training DS" ("Common Sense Training for Adults").
"It teaches me what I thought were good manners were actually bad, how to taste wine, or what the proper seating position in business is," the 26-year-old Tokyo office worker said. "Even if I make mistakes, I see the same questions one month or so later, so I can learn from (my) mistakes."
The "Common Sense" game is one of a flurry of hit titles for Nintendo's DS, including its "Brain Age" calculation drill game and "Face Training," which gives instructions on how to exercise facial muscles for better smiles and expressions. "Dream Skincare," which demonstrates facial massage, will hit the market in October.