Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
anime song
There are many urban legends of satanic verses hidden in popular music to subconsciously corrupt our children. While those claims may not always be true, there are definitely a lot of songs out there that feature backmasked messages (hidden messages revealed only when you play the piece backwards). So what could possibly be hiding behind the cutesy, bouncy Dragon Ball Z ending song?!
No matter where you are in the world, the end of the year is always fun because you get to look back on the last 12 months and reflect on the different trends, hits and big stories. Joysound, a company that is bringing karaoke and social media together, is doing just that, and recently released a list of the top 20 karaoke songs of 2014 divided by age, from teens to 60-year-olds.
For the older age groups the rankings are pretty similar, with tracks like Neon Genesis Evangelion‘s opening theme song, “A Cruel Angel’s Thesis,” being a particular favorite, and Frozen’s “Let It Go” managing to sneak into every single group’s list of most-sung tracks. The biggest anomaly, however, was the teen group, with 11 of their top 20 songs being vocaloid tracks, and the remaining nine from anime.
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
One Piece docking at Round 1 amusement centers in both Japan and the USA
Starbucks Japan teams up with Converse Tokyo for a new limited-edition collection in honour of Tanabata
Studio Ghibli brings Totoro Soot Sprites out of the anime shadows for a new bag and pouch collection
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Sanrio’s new McDonald’s Japan Happy Meals give the spotlight all to Cinnamoroll[Photos]Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenirJapan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Live-action Spirited Away stage play announces world tour with first-ever U.S. and Canadian datesJapanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Tokyo has only two barley tea makers, and we visited one to see how mugicha is made
Pikachu brings electric style to brand-new Pokémon G-Shock watch featuring every stater trio
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Japanese man’s gross conveyor belt sushi social media prank video gets him a 500,000-yen fine
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in AmericaSalomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in JapanJapan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Forget Tokyo go-karts – there’s a new way to sightsee on four wheels in JapanJapan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Studio Ghibli brings Totoro Soot Sprites out of the anime shadows for a new bag and pouch collection
KFC Japan creates spicy summer fried chicken chips together with Calbee
Japanese overnight sightseeing train returns for summer with ramen stops and ocean views
Studio Ghibli releases a musical diorama based on a touching anime scene from My Neighbour Totoro
Sanrio’s new McDonald’s Japan Happy Meals give the spotlight all to Cinnamoroll[Photos]
Blind Tokyo commuter explains the easiest place for him to stand while riding the train
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Foreign resident of Japan arrested after spraying bear repellant inside post office
Krispy Kreme Japan adds two cute limited-edition doughnuts to its summer menu
7-Eleven Japan has a lot of famous food, but its new burrito needs to be on your radar
Japanese train company brings back beloved “patapata” departure board…with a clever digital twist
Sleep at Hoshinoya Nara Prison, one of the most unique hotels in Japan
Studio Ghibli adds a new Jiji mini bag to its anime merchandise shop in Japan
Sanrio collaborates with Sesame Street for adorable merch and sweets in Japan[Photos]