The whisky distiller, famous for upstaging Scottish standbys to be crowned “Best Whisky in the World” in 2014, recently renovated their open-to-the-public facilities. We figured it was as good an excuse as any for a tour and tasting!
Mike
With nothing better to do in his native Ohio, Mike took a leave of absence from all responsibilities in life and came to Japan for the first time in 2006. After several years of what amounted to an extended vacation with occasional Japanese lessons, circumstances led Mike to finally settle down in Tokyo and get serious about life in 2009. He’s worked at magazines, a Japanese ad agency, and currently works in the entertainment industry. He also co-founded and writes for the humorous Japan news website Tokyodesu.com.
Posted by Mike (Page 5)
Toy maker Kaiyodo, famous for their ultra-detailed figures, recently released two new designs of their popular Danbo character which recall the WWII-era “Zero” Japanese fighter plane.
The recipe calls for meticulously sticking dry noodles into numerous mushroom stalks. Uppercutting the entire dish into the atmosphere out of sheer frustration at the difficulty of that step is, we presume, optional.
The creator of Flappy Bird is apparently working with Japanese studio Obakaidem to produce several titles, including a “ninja game.”
Nintendo says a scene contained in the Japanese release of Fire Emblem Fates, which could be construed as advocating “gay conversion therapy,” will not appear in the English release.
Food manufacturer Myojo recently released a special version of their popular Ippei-chan instant yakisoba noodles that includes a chocolate sauce topping. We tried it… so you don’t have to.
A magically floating Castle in the Sky – of Studio Ghibli fame – made from yakisoba and a whole head of broccoli is making the Japanese Twitter rounds. And you can make one, too!
Studio Ghibli fan and Part-time artist Hannah Alexander created this dazzling Art Nouveau version of Princess Mononoke from Hayao Miyazaki’s classic animated film.
The pet wearables venture company, Anicall, promises a new device and accompanying smartphone app that can read your pet’s emotions.
A Japanese couple and their kids have a “family meeting” every month and take detailed notes with monthly goals and results. In true sitcom fashion, they end up surreal and hilarious.
Japanese blogger and internationalist Madame Riri explores five prejudices and misconceptions foreign male-Japanese female couples experience in Japan.
Takara Tomy will introduce several neat new models in their spectacularly popular Tomica toy car line later this month, each based on Feudal-Era warriors and generals.
We dropped 1 million yen (approximately US$8,300) on 5,000 Japan National Lottery scratch-off tickets to see if buying in bulk translates to bigger wins.
A metro operator set up a monitoring device and announcement system to single out individual commuters caught using their smartphones while walking near escalators or passing trains.
Toy manufacturer Takara Tomy A.R.T.S continues its line of bizarre “gacha” capsule toys with cute (?) animals that have developed enormous underbites.
While posters for the film in the west appear to be going for more mysterious, arty designs, the official poster for the film’s Japanese release opts for more of a “cosplay Christmas card” look…
Model Saya Kagawa takes the women’s crown, distracts everyone from a bunch of ripped dudes flexing in the background.
The publisher of Shonen Jump + is teaming with digital distributor MediBang to hold an amateur manga submission contest. Those who make the cut will see their manga on the virtual pages of the magazine!
The attraction will task guests with navigating a compound using their wits and spy skills and will even feature a laser tripwire obstacle course. A LASER TRIPWIRE OBSTACLE COURSE!
The family of a Baptist missionary stationed in Japan in the 1930s sent DVDs of the Reverend’s home movies of the era to the Hiroshima town of Onomichi.
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We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
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Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Start saving room now – Japanese grocery store’s biggest sushi roll yet is coming for Setsubun
Japanese restaurant serves up the biggest sushi we’ve ever seen!
Totoro embroidered bags and pouches are as fluffy and cute as the Ghibli star himself【Photos】
The mystery destination of the SoraNews24 end-of-year party left us speechless
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Weekly
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Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it- Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
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7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan- Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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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
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
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Start saving room now – Japanese grocery store’s biggest sushi roll yet is coming for Setsubun
Japanese restaurant serves up the biggest sushi we’ve ever seen!
Totoro embroidered bags and pouches are as fluffy and cute as the Ghibli star himself【Photos】
The mystery destination of the SoraNews24 end-of-year party left us speechless
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
RocketNews24’s Meg models the entire line of Japan’s new schoolgirl outfit loungewear 【Photos】
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Celebrate famous works of art AND cats with these adorably clever “Cats in Art” capsule toys
This is possibly the coziest train in all Japan thanks to onboard hot spring footbaths【Pics】
Meet the eerie police statues of Miyakojima in Okinawa Prefecture
Japan Travel: 17 Things to do in Oita, Japan’s onsen prefecture
Traditional Japanese cuisine gets an out of this world treatment — we try Japanese Space Food
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