In 2008, anime fans around the world would have loved to trade places with Catherine St. Onge, better known by her stage name, Himeka. The then-27-year-old Canadian singer had just won a national anime song contest in Japan, besting over 3,000 rivals to secure a recording contract and guaranteed theme song performance for an upcoming anime series.
Unfortunately, fame is a fickle thing. Unable to secure commercial success or a new work visa, Himeka had to return to Canada in 2014, even as she wistfully stated she wanted to remain in Japan forever. A year later, though, she’s singing a very different tune, tweeting that she “probably shouldn’t have come to Japan” in the first place and regrets her time in the country.
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
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Japanese train station vending machine has the best souvenirs for rail otaku
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Japanese politician threatens to send bears to people, wants Loony Tunes-style anti-bear bombs
We check out the local flavors of the commonly confused Ome and Aomi areas of Tokyo in one day
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
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 schools
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
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
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”
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[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
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Japanese politician threatens to send bears to people, wants Loony Tunes-style anti-bear bombs
We check out the local flavors of the commonly confused Ome and Aomi areas of Tokyo in one day
Famous Japanese painter’s centuries-old cat artwork proves Japan has always loved felines
The best Christmas Market in Japan? Yokohama event is top choice for travellers
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Studio Ghibli releases new “Butterflies in the Forest” Totoro towels
Draw like a Studio Ghibli anime artist with exclusive watercolour set approved by Hayao Miyazaki
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
The 5 best Iwate foods and drinks to buy at the prefecture’s antenna shop in Tokyo