800 years after its creation, the Scrolls of Frolicking Animals are still inspiring new content, thanks to the anime studio Hayao Miyazaki built.
ad (Page 2)
Duelists and anime fans drawn to the sight of 7,000-plus gleaming, mint-condition collectible cards from the hit franchise.
Brief glimpse at multigenerational family has viewers reaching for their tissues and chopsticks.
We can’t quite decide whether Japanese fashion giant Uniqlo’s latest promotional campaign is cute, empowering, or just plain silly.
If you’re starting a new job, you might want to stretch out your back before showing up at the office for your first day.
Beautifully drawn anime ad shows the emotional friendships that can come from a part-time job.
This dance and and its accompanying catchy little jingle, nicknamed the “brainwashing song,” are currently stuck in people’s heads around Japan.
Dialogue, including “Master, would it be all right if I put you into my mouth?”, is just as sultry as the visuals.
Always be prepared, or so the boy scouts’ saying goes. And with this bizarre spring-loaded, condom-dispensing belt, you will be!
It’s not unusual for stars to perform in Japanese commercials, but what they’re asked to do can sometimes lead to head-scratching.
Some universities try to recruit students by telling them about all the fun they’ll have there, but not this Tokyo institute of higher learning.
Like a star athlete who just won a championship, video game heroine Lightning has followed up on saving the world of Final Fantasy XIII by landing an endorsement deal.
Foolishly allowed a sticky-fingered child to hold your phone? Have a crippling fear of germs and wish you could disinfect everything? Now there’s a smartphone you can wash with soap and water!
Last month, SoftBank‘s series of commercials depicting several classic anime characters all grown up premiered. The ads star Kyoko Koizumi (Tokyo Sonata, Hanging Garden) as Usagi Tsukino (Sailor Moon), the proprietess at Moon Ribar an atmospheric rooftop bar. She’s assisted by Maruko-chan (Chibi Maruko-chan, played by Suzu Hirose) and welcomes guests like Fist of the North Star‘s Kenshiro (famous Kabuki actor Ichikawa Ebizō XI), Obocchama-kun (played by Shinnosuke Mitsushima), Duke “Golgo 13” Tōgō (played by Fumiyo Kohinata), Joe Yabuki (Ashita no Joe, played by comedian Naoki Matayoshi) and Astro Boy himself, played by Masato Sakai (Honey and Clover).
You might think that Japanese advertisements are all Hollywood celebrity endorsements or surreal tales of busty schoolgirls with nose rings, but when it wants to, Japan can make commercials that yank on the heartstrings as strongly as anywhere else in Asia. Getting the waterworks flowing today is Toyota, asking the question, “Do you care about your parents as much as they love you?”, and while the video is short on cars, it makes up for that with plenty of tears.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in Tokyo
Is this Japan’s most extreme cherry blossom viewing? Leap, cycle and climb through 2,500 sakura
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Number of foreigners living in Japan has grown 50 percent in four years, hits historic high
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Man in Japan falls into hole with a bear in it
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
Weekly
- Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases a new Cream Puff Frappuccino for a limited time
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Silicone testicle covers banned from Japanese sauna following cups being left behind and on shelves
Starbucks Japan opens new cafe and art gallery in top Tokyo tourist neighbourhood
Japanese government planning higher ticket prices for foreign tourists at Tokyo National Museum- Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Studio Ghibli now sells Ursula’s backpack from Kiki’s Delivery Service at its anime shop in Japan
Pizza Hut Japan teams up with creator of one of the country’s best kinds of ramen for ramen pizza
Monthly
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals- Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
- Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home- Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
- Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
The top 10 graduation songs in Japan as chosen by current Japanese high school students
Man in Japan falls into hole with a bear in it
Highest Starbucks in Japan set to open this spring in the Tokyo sky
Is Japan’s Crab-shaped Cup Ramen Timer worth the hype?
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
Anthropomorphized anime warships game inspired by prewar Japanese tourism poster?!
One Piece creator has hidden secret of anime treasure’s identity in chest at bottom of real-world ocean
Japan’s cat robot waiters meow when you pat them, and we find out why【Video】
One Piece x McDonald’s Japan collaboration burgers: Does the treasure taste as good as it looks?
This stoic gentleman is Sailor Suit Old Man?!?
Pikachu and Eevee become handmade Lladró porcelain sculptures to celebrate Pokémon’s 30th birthday
Conveyor belt yakiniku: Our new favourite way to enjoy all-you-can-eat meat in Japan
-
