Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Half-Japanese Oona McGee hails from Sydney, Australia, where she worked as a journalist and copywriter before making the move to Japan over a decade ago. Now she spends her days exploring the streets of Tokyo with her laptop and camera, always in search of new cafes, restaurants, events and stories to share with our readers. As an experienced food and travel reporter, Oona has travelled extensively through all 47 prefectures of Japan, and is constantly researching new destinations and drawing up itineraries for her next adventure.
Posted by Oona McGee (Page 239)
To coincide with Japan’s annual “Kanji of the Year” event, which reveals the mood of 2015 with a Chinese character, popular online dictionary site Weblio asked its Japanese users to nominate an “English vocabulary word of the Year”. The top ten results provide a unique insight into the hot topics of interest in Japan in 2015.
These holiday greeting cards from Japan are so cool you have to see them to believe they’re real.
Raining outside? No dryer in the house? This new clothes hanger from Japan will dry clothes, shoes and boots at the touch of a button.
Looking for a new line of tiny appliances? This cute cat-themed line of tiny toys is just what you’ve been looking for!
Ever wondered where Bruce Wayne would crash during a visit to Tokyo? You’d find him here in the Bat Cave, of course, and now you can stay here too!
If you want to become a geisha, maiko, samurai or courtesan, gender is no barrier at this Asakusa photo studio.
Experience the samurai spirit first-hand with original swords and armour at the recently opened Samurai Museum.
The latest buxom anime girls to make our hearts skip a beat are now appearing on some of the most unusual merchandise we’ve ever seen.
The latest figurine to join the popular Movie Realisation series is a samurai stormtrooper which comes complete with battle flag, conch shell and an impressive taiko drum!
Internationally acclaimed contemporary artist Takashi Murakami has returned to Japan with a long-awaited exhibition and Tokyo’s Roppongi Hills is celebrating with a cafe that offers up his art in edible form.
If you’re looking for a spectacular tourist destination without all the tourists, you’ll want to visit Kyoto’s sleepy little fishing town that floats on the sea.
Former Victoria’s Secret model Miranda Kerr had a whirlwind afternoon in Tokyo yesterday, stopping by the Swarovski store in Ginza and leaving her mark outside the Sony Building.
A new series of glasses that cut blue light emitted by computer screens features six beautiful Sword Art Online character designs, plus some gorgeous accessories.
We take a look back at some of the cute hamsters who stole our hearts this year in this adorable photo collection.
This mix-and-match five-piece gold-plated set is perfect for fans who don’t quite know which Sailor Moon character to pledge allegiance to.
Japan now has a new crazy potato chip flavour, and it tastes just like a Japanese Christmas cake!
After four months of development, Japanese online retailer Felissimo has finally captured the scent of a cat’s forehead in a bottle.
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam is getting a new look before its end-of-summer removal
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
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
When is miso ramen not miso ramen? When it’s the new ramen at one of Japan’s top beef bowl chains
Japan now has “edible cat fur” for people who really love felines
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
7-Eleven’s new green tea rice ball and sweets are only available in Japan’s top tea-growing area
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Sanrio Hotel Floria isn’t actually a hotel, but it’s still a must visit for fans traveling in TokyoNew 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 itemsUniversal Studios Japan is giving Frieren anime fans the chance to make unforgettable memories.
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 mediaNew Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
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
Japan now has “edible cat fur” for people who really love felines
Reinvented traditional Japanese hearths may be coming to a restaurant near you
7-Eleven’s new green tea rice ball and sweets are only available in Japan’s top tea-growing area
Japan’s Pokémon Slowpoke Train goes on hiatus, but a mini version could be yours to own
Sanrio Hotel Floria isn’t actually a hotel, but it’s still a must visit for fans traveling in Tokyo
7-Eleven Japan has a new Creamy Iced Cafe Latte that’s a hit on social media
300-tonne hose washes up on Japanese shore
Japanese Sakuranbo Mochi goes viral online with millions of views, but is it worth the hype?
Japanese university welcomes birth of baby deer on campus, president waives entrance exam[Videos]
Mos Burger adds Kandy Tea Milk to the menu and Japanese social media is here for it
Shakey’s Japan creates matcha mochi, Kyoto fish, and Kansai Chili Con Carne pizzas
Studio Ghibli adds My Neighbour Totoro futon bedding to its anime store in Japan
Super Mario Galaxy Happy Meal toys now available at McDonald’s Japan
Two of Kyoto’s famous temples tackle streetside trash with solar-powered trash cans
