Brrr! Feel that biting chill of February? Curl up inside your warm kotatsu with a book or two and escape—better yet, curl up with this issue of Connect, because it’s jam-packed with info, tips, and tricks to make your winters wonderful.

Find out what’s next for Japan in 2016, then a look back at a win for charity. Take your bento making game to the next level with the greatest guide around, and finally find out why Hollywood films take so long to get here!

Speaking of books, inside you can celebrate the 90th anniversary of Japan’s most prolific sci-fi writer, then explore the serious issue of grief in Japan; our literary staff picks this month are sure to be winners in your book.

And if you really must leave your warm home, consider our guides to eating in Hokkaido and surviving in Vietnam! As always, there’s something for everyone to Connect to inside.

Bundle up!