Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Akio Toyoda
The ice bucket challenge has gone viral this summer with everyone from your average Joe to celebrities and business moguls such as Oprah, Charlie Sheen, and Bill Gates getting on board. Now it’s even spread across the pond to Japan, and started circulating among the business bigwigs over here. Yesterday Toyota President Akio Toyoda took on the challenge with a brave face, while also keeping the charitable spirit alive.
When Akio Toyoda took the helm of Toyota Motor Corporation in 2009, he was faced with a collapsing economy and a recall scandal that now seemed to have been blown out of proportion.
Still, he was able to steer the company through these stormy waters by being something more than just the founder’s great grandson who took over the company. He was a guy who truly loved cars.
As proof, it came to light on 30 April that he will participate in this year’s 24 Hours Nürburgring, a grueling endurance race on one of the most challenging circuits in the world.
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
The best Christmas Market in Japan? Yokohama event is top choice for travellers
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Japan now has fish-shaped soy sauce bottle hand cream
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
The results are in! One Piece World Top 100 characters chosen in global poll
We spent over US$400 at a Tokyo premium capsule machine, and we’re not sure how we feel about it
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frostStudio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schoolsThis downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengersPossessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
[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
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Japan now has fish-shaped soy sauce bottle hand cream
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
The results are in! One Piece World Top 100 characters chosen in global poll
We spent over US$400 at a Tokyo premium capsule machine, and we’re not sure how we feel about it
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Celebrating legal marriage days in Japan with budget-friendly photoshoots
Tokyo hairstylist performs makeover magic in amazing before/after haircut video
Chikura no Iwaya: Secret beach cave only appears for two hours a day, and here’s how to see it
Does Japan’s T.M. Revolution J-rock cake really look like the song it’s named after?
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
How to convert the Western calendar to Japanese Reiwa years
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included