Remember when “poking” your friends on Facebook was a trendy thing to do? I feel old now just by recalling how my schoolmates and I could spend the entire evening “poking” each other online, refreshing the browser page every few seconds in attempt to return a “poke” at the fastest timing possible. Well, the younger generation who only got on Facebook in the recent year or two probably wouldn’t have an idea what I’m talking about since the trend has died down.
But you know how trends are revived every once in a while? “Poking” is now back with a new force, this time on the globally popular free messaging mobile app, LINE. Sorry to dash your hopes if you were looking forward to giving your LINE friends a cyber poke because LINE users are “poking” their favorite (or least favorite) anime characters and celebrities instead!
There are various free messaging applications for smartphone users, and among the gazillion choices out there, LINE is wildly popular in Japan and extending its reach to users worldwide at a rapid pace, due to the wide variety of games and supporting apps available on the platform. One of the most popular features of LINE has to be the myriad of expressive stickers and emoticons available for use with the chat function.
Anime and manga fans in Japan have recently found a way to “touch” their favorite 2D characters through the messaging app. The magic lies in a certain sticon that can be found in the service and downloaded for free.
▼ You could choose to poke a real person instead.
▼ Or… poke a certain crying Japanese politician.
Here’s how to do it:
1) Open a chat window.
2) Go to settings and set the wallpaper to an image of your choice.
3) Open the sticon panel by tapping on the icon to the left of the text box.
4) Download (if you haven’t already) the set that is represented by a pink-haired girl.
5) Send the sticon as a message and poke away!!
▼The poking finger sticon can be found in the set.
▼ This anime fan (yours truly) couldn’t resist trying it out on her all-time favorite character.
Image: RocketNews24
Who are you gonna poke? Share your “poking” masterpieces in the comments section below!
Source: Zhaizhai News
Images: Game Over, Twitter
Studio Ghibli adds The Boy and the Heron stamps to Line messaging app in Japan
LINE Messenger pleases Nintendo fans with new Kirby, 8-bit Pokémon backgrounds
Line messaging app adding unsend function to save us from our embarrassing selves
Cardcaptor Sakura LINE theme available now!
Prefect Your Navy Salute with Salute Trainer App, Comes with Engrish Instructions!
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in Japan
Japanese bento shop touches hearts by selling super cheap boxed lunches for around a dollar
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Abandoned pirate pleasure ship sinking south of Tokyo Bay, city orders destruction
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
These rare eggs cost more than a typical meal in Japan but are they really that special?
Universal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
East Japan Railway announces plans to abolish magnetic-strip tickets
New Square Enix Cafe reveals Final Fantasy, Dragon Quest, Nier, and Fullmetal Alchemist menu items
Japan’s cheap beef bowl chain goes upscale with Matsuya Premium, but is it worth the higher price?
Family Mart commits “reverse fraud” in new Giant All-Star Festival, and we couldn’t be happier
7-Eleven Japan joins the craze for Korean Gamja Cheese Balls
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Anne Hathaway creates PR frenzy in Japan after mentioning Tottori in Devil Wears Prada interview
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Major Japanese hotel chain says reservations via overseas booking sites may not be valid
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japanese self-pleasuring aid Tenga releases series of video chat backgrounds
Japanese Line users unleash their inner troll after popular messaging app gets hacked
Frozen’s Anna is pregnant and needs a C-section…but don’t worry, there’s an app for that
Friending Japan’s Liberal Democratic Party will get you free Shinzo Abe stamps for Line messenger
This Thai ad for popular chat application “Line” will break your heart 【Video】
“3 bottles available” – Life’s Good when you can mail your fridge to ask if there’s any beer left
New Pokémon Line app message stamps raise money for children in Japan’s disaster-struck regions
Is it acceptable to break up via instant message? Japanese men and women weigh in
Our reporter makes himself too sexy for his face with Line Camera’s “beauty” function
The Girl Who Leapt Through Time leaps into Line messaging app as an awesome anime stamp set
Studio Ghibli releases new batch of Line app anime stamps, this time for Kiki’s Delivery Service!
LINE sticker creator Kanahei’s cute characters come to life in theme cafe
One Piece creator waives copyright for LINE stamps, allows fans to post, profit from fan art
Retro Pokémon stamps with sound effects released for instant messaging app Line!
Host clubs go digital in the wake of business closures with live-streaming app toU
New service lets you get calls from anime magical girls to say goodnight and that they love you