Akita
One noodle-dispensing vending machine in the north of Japan is so beloved that you can now buy it in dessert form with a special box.
Unfortunately, kids in northern Japan don’t get a pass this year from the UNESCO-recognized, fearsome namahage.
Swords, armour and ceremonial items are just some of the samurai secrets awaiting you inside this secluded compound.
The iconic green train car that sits in front of Shibuya Station’s Hachiko statue is finding a new home.
Not a Shinkai or Miyazaki anime, nor a CG-created wonderland, this is one of Japan’s best train journeys.
The sweetest part is that “Silver Tetsuya’s” photographer is none other than his beloved grandson.
This “Festival of Tohoku Bonds” continues to pay homage to six of northern Japan’s most important annual festivals all at one time and one place.
The adorable breed of dogs introduces the Internet to its home in Japan’s northern Akita Prefecture.
Bears have been getting bad press for both their real-life and anime actions this month, which has some bristling at the idea of a Kuma Miko-themed promotion in Akita.
A city in northern Japan unveils its new moe character whose three-pronged mission is “moe x rap x town revitalization.” Yep, rap is included.
Akita, one of Japan’s northernmost prefectures, is beautiful in summer. But as this video is about to show, it’s simply gorgeous in the winter.
Family and nature both feature prominently in this stirring glimpse of a day spent far away from the bright lights of Tokyo.
When it comes to fish and eel meat, “fresh” is the favorite for pretty much anyone. But how fresh is “too fresh?” Well, how do you feel about buying eel with a beating heart?!
We’ve seen impeccable displays of manners from Japanese high school baseball teams on many occasions before, from the respectful bowing of Yamagata Chuo High School to the classy stadium-cleaning deed of Kyukoku just the other day. It seems like the annual Koshien high school baseball tournament in Hyogo Prefecture really does bring out the best in the promising young players, as another team from Akita Prefecture has proven after being eliminated from this year’s tournament with their grand display of thanks in a regional hotel.
We’ve talked before about yuru-kyara, Japan’s adorable illustrated mascots. But cute manga-style horses and anthropomorphic pears aren’t the only local spokescharacters you’ll find in Japan, as some regions of the country are also represented by “Local Heroes,” (Gotouchi Hiro in Japanese), Power Ranger or Kamen Rider-like defenders of their communities.
One of the more popular Local Heroes is Neiger, whose mission is to protect Akita Prefecture’s people, mountains, and seas. Akita is a pretty safe and sleepy part of Japan, though, and not exactly the kind of place that’s under constant threats that require a superhero-level response. So what’s he been doing with all of his downtime?
Growing rice, apparently.
MOST POPULAR
Now
Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
Studio Ghibli releases Soot Sprite erasers!
Japanese freight container bento satisfies our hunger for unusual lunches
Turn your bad drawings into gorgeous anime and manga characters!
Is anime making otaku eat less rice? Government launches Girl Running Late with Rice Ball Project
Meet the Japanese grandma who manually operates vending machines in the countryside
“Hey, Japanese taxi driver, take us to the best bubuzuke in Kyoto!”
Japanese convenience store’s cheap knockoff croissant — is it any good?
A paradise for beer lovers — Yokohama combini has over 300 different kinds of beer for sale
How to make your kids hate video games using Animal Crossing
Weekly
- Meet the Japanese grandma who manually operates vending machines in the countryside
Liev Schreiber’s son deemed “too beautiful” in Japan- How to make your kids hate video games using Animal Crossing
Here’s what happens when you take medicine and supplements for baldness for two years straight
Two men hit by woman falling out of window… who was looking at another man who fell off rooftop
Sailor Moon’s Senshi get Sanrio partners, English fighting phrases in crossover merch line
Japanese hot spring charges almost 35 bucks for bucket of uncooked carrots, otaku likely to pay up
Snow in Japan turns vending machine into ice-cold gacha game
Japanese man breaks into school to recover stuff teacher took from him…over 40 years ago- Haku is…Chihiro’s dead brother? Studio Ghibli fans blown away by Spirited Away theory
Monthly
- Liev Schreiber’s son deemed “too beautiful” in Japan
Hidden Easter Egg in Akira shows animator’s hilarious passive-aggressive frustrations- Meet the Japanese grandma who manually operates vending machines in the countryside
Perfectly made snow Totoro spotted by anime director in Japan’s frozen north
Studio Ghibli asks fans to help Hayao Miyazaki replace his beloved eraser
Studio Ghibli answers Spirited Away fan questions, reveals exciting facts and trivia behind the film
Japanese Internet mesmerized by photo showing road that appears to go straight into the sky
Pokémon Diamond and Pearl game music is now free to enjoy or download for a limited time
Sustainable Otaku Goals: A framework to help you avoid fan burnout
Our cat mom reporter learns how her cats truly feel about her through a cat translation app
Yearly
- Liev Schreiber’s son deemed “too beautiful” in Japan
Top 10 anime women with biggest, most impactful breasts, voted by thousands of Japanese netizens
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Miss Universe 2021 Japan entry slammed for wearing “dead person’s kimono”
One Piece characters’ nationalities revealed, but fans have mixed opinions
Mario isn’t number one? Nintendo plumber doesn’t win Super Mario series character popularity poll
Engrish mistake turns innocent sign into X-rated notice at Japanese store
Country kimono! Project completes set of over 200 designs for every nation at Tokyo Olympics【Pics】
Japanese gamers vote for most frustrating, spirit-crushing video game
Retro game personality test: What the way you wrapped your N64 controller cord says about you
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Meet the Japanese grandma who manually operates vending machines in the countryside
“Hey, Japanese taxi driver, take us to the best bubuzuke in Kyoto!”
Japanese convenience store’s cheap knockoff croissant — is it any good?
A paradise for beer lovers — Yokohama combini has over 300 different kinds of beer for sale
How to make your kids hate video games using Animal Crossing
Are you a sweet and salty fan? Try the new Chicken Ramen Choco Flakes, the dream collab snack
We find what looks like an alien species at a fish market so of course we make sashimi out of it
For those who want it thick – Japanese vending machine allows you to choose drink thickness
Two men hit by woman falling out of window… who was looking at another man who fell off rooftop
This Shinjuku capsule hotel offers a capsule, a fancy bath, and a sauna for about 3,000 yen per night
Is McDonald’s Japan’s new Godiva hot chocolate worth the relatively high price?
Sorry, Piplup. Starter Pokémon buddy or not, we’re still gonna eat you【Taste test】
Japanese chocolate company sells Valentine’s Day school desks, tents, and more for nostalgia
-
