If the cosplay typically seen at anime conventions is a little too extreme for you, take a look at these toned down cosplay alternates. The clothing and style of beloved anime and cartoon characters from all over the world have been transformed into fashionable clothing for everyday wear. Who knew Lisa Simpson’s orange paper bag dress could look sexy and that taking a fashion cue from Papa Smurf would result in a decent getup?
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Have trouble getting to sleep? The sensory depriving qualities of a sleep mask might be just what you’re looking for. Sure, you may think eye masks are for wealthy dowagers and other fuddy-duddies. However, these masks cater to the hip, urbanite otaku in all of us with patterns ranging from mainstream (Sailor Moon) to the obscure (Black Butler).
Fans of Japanese anime may be familiar with the popular animated film “Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind” (Kaze No Tani No Naushika), created by successful anime director Hayao Miyazaki. Since its initial release in 1984 (gosh, has it really been 28 years?), the film has been much loved by the Japanese public, both the young and old alike. The anime, which touches on timeless topics such as non-violence and humanity’s struggle to coexist with nature, has become a Japanese classic, and even today, it holds strong appeal and is broadcast in Japan from time to time on prime-time television. Read More
All right, this video should delight and impress all of you Gundam fans out there. And even if you’re not a Gundam fan, I think you’ll still find the video pretty amazing! You have to admit that it takes a huge amount of dedication, perseverance and love for the anime, not to mention time, to actually do what was done in this video. The end result is a full-color drawing of the Gundam mobile suit machine from the well-known anime series, and while the picture itself is an excellent effort, what is truly impressive about it is the unconventional way it was drawn. Read More




Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money
Japanese convenience store chain has beer and sake dispensers that few people know about
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Duolingo to open first pop-up store Duomart in Japan for a very limited time next month
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
KFC Japan introduces a new burger 8 years in the making
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Is Kyoto less crowded with tourists after China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning?【Photos】
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Duolingo to open first pop-up store Duomart in Japan for a very limited time next month
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】
A whole slew of Totoro Christmas cakes are on their way to make the season extra merry【Photos】
Studio Ghibli holiday wreath adds a touch of Kiki cuteness and good fortune to your home【Photos】
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Japanese Aomori fishermen now available in collectible card form, garnering unexpected popularity
The results are in! One Piece World Top 100 characters chosen in global poll
The town with Japan’s best castle also has one of Japan’s best breakfasts. Here’s where to eat it
Old-school titillation: A trip to one of Tokyo’s few surviving “telephone clubs”