The first question to a visitor from the future who could tell us about medical and technological breakthroughs? That’s right, it was about boobs.
Richard Simmonds
Originally from Sussex in the UK, Richard came to Japan for the first time in 2011 to teach English. Deciding that only one stint as a student wasn’t enough he returned to go to university in Osaka where he still lives, working slowly towards his inevitable destiny of being killed in an avalanche of manga and textbooks, surrounded by the discarded wrappers of assorted matcha-flavour sweets and biscuits. Whilst continuing his love-hate- hate relationship with the Japanese language he works as a translator, writer and sometime bar pet gaijin.
Posted by Richard Simmonds (Page 4)
Shanghai, already home to more than 600 Starbucks, is now only the second place to get an extra-special Starbucks Reserve Roastery.
Fans of cosplay star Enako will now be able to get their hands on her, or at least her new dakimakura cuddle pillow.
New collaboration between part-time job hunting app an and Soccer King means you can fulfill your childhood dream of being a wall when you grow up.
Publisher of One Piece, Naruto and other hit manga launches new phone app which lets you choose any page to have made into an awesome T-shirt.
When you want to mourn the loss of someone and wish them eternal happiness in the afterlife without getting out of the car.
Japanese Twitter user reopens debate on Japanese-style squat toilet etiquette, but is it just a flush in the pan?
The world of Terry Pratchett’s Discworld, or maybe Pixar’s Wall-e, comes a step closer with the demonstration of suitcases with a mind of their own.
Just another day in the office as our Japanese-language staff prance about the place, jumping other things no-one else can see.
YouTube video shows man in China faking a fit just to get somewhere to sit, but at what cost?
Video shows off international competition’s amazingly intricate entries, all made from the tiny Lego-like nanoblocks.
Rare “living fossil” shark that looks like it’s trying to escape from its own face is a great reminder for us to stay out of the water.
Japanese iPhone users happy to be shown around by “Uncle AR“, the grooviest wayfinder app guide ever.
Do you want money? Fame? For these developers, it’s all about the erotic fan art (although fame and money probably wouldn’t hurt).
Japanese boy’s perfect version of the Bubbly Dance manages to be even funnier and more impressive than the original.
When store manager refuses to call the cops, man who can’t pay for his meal does it for him.
Surreal scene as dancers in Taipei club go wild for remix of Japanese Hamtaro anime theme song.
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Now
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Shiratani Unsuikyo: The breathtaking anime setting where Princess Mononoke was born
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Japan’s top baby names for 2015: Will Naruto-influenced monikers still reign supreme?
Japanese convenience store sandwiches get extra protection from new business backpack
We eat tasty egg sandwiches from Japan’s first branch of Eggslut, the U.S.-based breakfast shop
Weekly
- Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Japanese government wants overseas anime market to roughly triple in 10 years, but are they crazy?
Starbucks Japan releases FIVE new Frappuccinos in a day, and we try them all in 90 minutes
Japanese bento shop sells croquettes for 13 cents, but are they any good?
Final version of Sanrio: Beginning of Kawaii exhibition opens in Tokyo[Photos]
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Monthly
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events- Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]- Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time- Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Yearly
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
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Shiratani Unsuikyo: The breathtaking anime setting where Princess Mononoke was born
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Japan’s top baby names for 2015: Will Naruto-influenced monikers still reign supreme?
Japanese convenience store sandwiches get extra protection from new business backpack
We eat tasty egg sandwiches from Japan’s first branch of Eggslut, the U.S.-based breakfast shop
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Soaking in glimmering water and the essence of prehistoric plants at a Hokkaido hot spring
We try all-you-can-eat raw eggs for 730 yen, turns out to be way better than it sounds
How to fold an adorable towel bunny while you wait for your meal
Two days to hunt down all of Tottori’s 20 Pokémon manhole covers [Part One]
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