Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Another Tokyo
We’re pretty big fans of Odaiba’s full-scale Gundam statue, which towers over Tokyo Bay at an incredible 18 metres tall. But there’s nothing quite like homespun charm, and we’re equally delighted to discover the existence of a plastic bottle version, built single-handedly by one enthusiastic sake shop owner in Tochigi Prefecture, north of Tokyo.
Our friends over at off-the-beaten-track Japan travel site Another Tokyo went to check it out last month, and this is what they found.
Deep beneath the ground, 19 miles north of Tokyo, lies a truly incredible feat of engineering. The G-Cans Project is the largest storm drain on earth, a colossal series of underground silos and tunnels, built to protect Tokyo from flooding during typhoon seasons. Its main hall (actually an enormous water tank) is held up by 59 columns each 25 metres high, and is known as the “Underground Temple”.
The facility is free to visit by guided tour, and the folks at Another Tokyo, a Japanese website introducing off-the-beaten-track places from around the country, recently went to check it out. This is what they found!
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Shinkansen operator apologizes for three-minute delay because conductor was napping
Visiting Tokyo’s newest unmanned Self Cafe in Shibuya
7-Eleven Japan releases Uji matcha smoothies… but only at select locations
Burger King Japan’s All Heavy customisation hack may not be all it’s cracked up to be
Can you make a proper ehomaki lucky sushi roll with Daiso equipment?
Totoro ocarinas on sale from Ghibli Museum online shop, and no two are exactly alike【Video】
25 different Japanese convenience store sandwiches – What’s inside them?【Photos】
Passing the JLPT N1 — Here’s how I did it, so you can too!
The results are in! One Piece World Top 100 characters chosen in global poll
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of JapanJapan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Pikachu to cuddle with kimono-clad beauty on Tokyo street as part of flower art event
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration eventsWisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to TokyoBrand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthdayJapan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
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
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Can you make a proper ehomaki lucky sushi roll with Daiso equipment?
Totoro ocarinas on sale from Ghibli Museum online shop, and no two are exactly alike【Video】
25 different Japanese convenience store sandwiches – What’s inside them?【Photos】
Passing the JLPT N1 — Here’s how I did it, so you can too!
The results are in! One Piece World Top 100 characters chosen in global poll
Daiso’s 100-yen ramen egg makers even better in smaller sizes
Let’s try some “deer poop” ice cream in Nara, Japan’s city of deer!
Another at-home noodle meal? Then play with your food with Japan’s Big Stream Somen Slider Custom
Randy’s Donuts opens first-ever branch in Japan, brings L.A.’s donuts to Tokyo【Photos】
Hayao Miyazaki and Evangelion creator get together for a photo and a talk about beards
Sexy Japanese anime character Fujiko Mine strips down to her underwear for new lingerie range
Family Mart stationery takes Japanese “stationary” to new levels