Aikatsu
Sometimes, the line between hospitality and hostility is a blurry one.
After years of living in Japan, I’ve noticed that the island nation has quite a few merry misconceptions about what it means to have a Western Christmas celebration. Replacing Santa’s cookies with a strawberry-topped Christmas cake is just one of their many mix-ups, though at least they have the gift-giving part right.
Now, you might be wondering why it is that we’re posting about Christmas when it’s barely even October! As it turns out, Japanese parents hoping to surprise their kids with a sweet treat from Bandai have to start planning for the holidays NOW. The Premium Bandai online store has just opened up reservations for their 2013 line of character-themed Christmas cakes called Chara Deco Christmas. These cakes come with toys and other neat treats suited to young fans of everything from Kamen Rider to Pokemon.
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Real-life Spirited Away train line found in Japan?
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Grill your own treats at Miyagi’s Japanese tea and dessert store
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Foreigner accidentally allowed to vote in Japanese election, ballot will remain valid
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Japanese samurai randoseru backpack lets you carry the bushido spirit with you wherever you go
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Off-the-beaten-tourist-track observatory tower in Tokyo has great views of the city…for free!
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Monthly
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Totoro sequel anime Mei and the Baby Catbus will screen at Ghibli Park this winter
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Kyoto becomes City of Yokai, with Night Parade of One Hundred Demons festival this autumn
Yearly
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
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[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
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Grill your own treats at Miyagi’s Japanese tea and dessert store
Friends cafe set to open in Tokyo for a limited time!
Foreigner accidentally allowed to vote in Japanese election, ballot will remain valid
Century-old Hiroshima brewery in one of Japan’s three great sake-brewing spots offers tours in English
Japanese netizens outraged over famous YouTube channel’s treatment of hamsters【Videos】
Pikachu and Kyoto candy maker team up for confectionary collaboration centuries in the making
Japan’s adorable new Nikukyu notebooks have the squeezable feel of cat and dog paw pads【Photos】
Kyoto’s “ikezu” culture of backhanded compliments explained in hilarious souvenir sticker series
Katsu weight showdown! Which Japanese supermarket gives you the most tonkatsu meat for your yen?
Häagen-Dazs Japan making ice cream classier than ever in Japan with wine and Opera flavors
We try the new Sushitozzo: A fishy Japanese take on an Italian sweet
What is Teru Teru Bozu? The tragic history behind the Japanese fine weather doll
Now you can have beauty-conscious non-alcoholic beer from Suntory!
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