AKIRA
Characters from Akira, Cardcaptor Sakura, Ghost in the Shell, and more explain the basics of Japanese manners at Shinkansen stations.
The slide seen ‘round the world looks awesome in a whole new way with some clever practical effects.
Head of state also picks up an amazing One Piece souvenir that any fan would treasure.
Come for the Japanese anime references, stay for the plot-changing twist that’s blown viewers’ minds.
The modern animated films of Katsuhiro Otomo, some of the most expensive anime ever made, won’t cost a thing to watch.
Tiny background detail in ‘80s manga masterpiece getting new attention decades later.
One of the bleakest depictions of Tokyo in all of film is part of Olympics celebration projection mapping project.
We doubt anyone could ever forget just how influential Akira is, but here’s a GIF to remind you just in case you ever do!
Akira‘s theatrical poster is almost as iconic as the movie itself. But who knew that a character walking towards their ride could look as badass as Kaneda?
In case you’ve never read any of the Akira manga or seen the landmark 1988 anime movie based on it, here’s a basic rundown of the plot. A powerful organization comes up with what it thinks it a great idea, but before its plan come to fruition, the whole thing blows up in their faces. Years later, though, it tries again, unleashing the danger of potentially even more disastrous results.
In the anime, the “powerful organization” is the military, and the “great idea” is cultivating weaponized psionic children. Some would say this parallels the real-world situation of another powerful organization, Hollywood movie studio Warner Brothers, and its own ambitions to turn Akira into a live-action film, which have faced nothing but roadblocks and angry backlashes from fans of the source material for more than 10 years now.
But just like Akira’s military, Warner Brothers seems convinced that it can still get all the variables just right, and new rumors suggest that the studio might be planning to make not one, but three Akira films, and that it’s courting one of Hollywood’s hottest filmmakers to help.

















Japanese vending machine serves up unique drinks at four Tokyo train stations
Massive manga collaboration bringing 100 years of Shueisha manga to Uniqlo T-shirts【Photos】
Tokyu Kabukicho Tower backtracks on its gender-neutral toilets, rejigging them to appease public
We check out the view, eat amazingly delicious squid at Japan’s first underwater restaurant
Are you a control freak, baby, or tough guy? Find out what your sleeping position says about you!
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
We visit the 24-hour male-only sauna just outside of Hakata Station and ponder a strange sight
Eight surprising things to do in Northern Okinawa
Japan Super Budget Dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at beef bowl chain Sukiya?
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Totoro cream puffs and Catbus cookies are finally available in downtown Tokyo
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Japan’s kid-friendly ski program is now selling Pikachu snowboards for a limited time only
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
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】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
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
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
We visit the 24-hour male-only sauna just outside of Hakata Station and ponder a strange sight
Eight surprising things to do in Northern Okinawa
Japan Super Budget Dining – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen at beef bowl chain Sukiya?
Rakuten randomly offers 58 New Year’s osechi feasts in Japan, but did we get a star or a dud?
Burgers soaked in a plate of hot cheese served at American Diner Andra in Tokyo
New KitKat pizzas are coming to Pizza Hut Japan
Open-air public toilet at Sensoji temple in Tokyo is waiting to be discovered by foreign tourists
Super-detailed cherry blossom forecast maps show early arrival for Japan’s 2024 sakura season
Super-detailed cherry blossom forecast maps for 2025 show warm winter doesn’t mean early sakura
New unlimited-ride JR Japan rail pass is perfect for a laid-back trip in east and northeast Japan
This “revolutionary” Japanese compression bottle is our 100-yen shop find of the week【Video】
One Piece teaming up with 5 NCAA basketball teams
Kyoto’s Tofukuji temple opens secret area above Sanmon Gate to the public