April Fools’ Day
Edible watches, Nintendo characters and a handy Lego app all make an appearance on this year’s roundup of fantastic news we wish was true today.
If you guessed the prank is that the model in this picture is actually a man, he makes no secret about that, and the real trick is something else.
Instead he’s been tweeted all over the world for his (partially) convincing transformation into a pretty girl.
What could be a better way to pass the time than singing your favorite songs with your friends?
Our roundup of the country’s craziest April Fool’s Day products and services we actually wish were real.
April Fools’ Day has really taken off in Japan over the past few years, with major companies getting in on the action too. One of our Japanese writers, the one and only Mr. Sato, sifted through the Internet to find products worthy of his time. That is how he came across the “Princess Urine” drink. You better believe that he bought it, examined it and took some hearty gulps, all for our entertainment, of course.
There’s nothing like kicking back in a theater and watching the latest movie release. With so many new flicks coming out every month, it’s hard to choose the best ones. That’s why the humble movie poster is really handy. Every once in a while a poster will jump out at you and catch your attention. Maybe it features a sexy image, or it shows a cool movie star, either way, the movie it is advertising wins a small spot in your memory.
In the case of this movie, the studios are having a little bit of fun at your expense, however. Behold, Will Smith’s new movie, Focus, starring NOT Will Smith! Who could possibly pull off the swagger of the former Fresh Prince of Bel Air?
You may remember Google’s April Fools’ challenge last year, since it was pretty epic. If you missed it, Google came out with a game where you could search for Pokemon on the Google Maps app on your mobile device. It got rave reviews and it’s such a shame that it was only available for a limited time.
This year, Google is reaching out to a slightly older generation of video game lovers, letting us play Pac-Man on real streets of Google Maps!! Of course, being Google and April Fools’ Day, there is a catch, but more or less, you can transform neighborhoods into Pac-Man game screens.
April Fools’ Day, every prankster’s favorite event of the year, is just around the corner, but what kind of amusing tricks will we see this year? Fast-food chain Burger King seems to be well prepared already, announcing a delicious meaty smelling perfume for their burger-loving customers, to be sold exclusively on April 1.
Google Maps‘ elaborate April Fools joke got even better. On April 1, Google launched its Pokémon Challenge game, where users could search real world locations on Google Maps and catch the original 151 Pokémon to complete a Pokédex.
Players who successfully completed the Pokédex received a message from Google Maps to fill out a form for a “surprise.” It turns out their efforts weren’t for naught, as several players, including Reddit user “tinygrump” received a congratulatory letter from Google Maps software engineer Tatsuo Nomura and 10 business cards with the title “Pokémon Master.”
It’s April Fool’s Day, which means that plenty of anime companies are having a good chuckle with fake announcements, quirky crossovers, and more. Here’s Part 1 of our round-up; check back later in the day for more!
MOST POPULAR
Now
Unmarked cop cars in Japan pull crazy Transformer-style trick when they pull someone over【Videos】
The top 10 most popular instant noodle brands at the start of 2021
Man who refused to wear a mask on a plane got arrested again, this time for punching a policeman
Otaku geek makeovers by Tokyo fashion expert go viral in Japan
Japan government makes cute illustrated version of radioactive isotope it plans to dump into sea
Even among Japanese convenience stores, the Daily Hot makes this chain especially awesome
Cola made from the island that inspired Princess Mononoke begins crowdfunding
Red Matcha: A new type of Japanese powdered tea years in the making
World’s first permanent Godzilla theme park ride opening at Tokyo-area amusement park
Death of a Japanese man attacked by bear sparks conversation about what to do when facing off with one
Weekly
- Otaku geek makeovers by Tokyo fashion expert go viral in Japan
Why do kids in Japan use those large leathery “randoseru” school bags?
Line up in the hall, open your shirts, show your bras – Real instructions from one Japanese school
Teacher’s heartwarming message helps student pursue art dream
Beautiful photos of the isekai-looking mountain that’s one of the Tokyo area’s best day-trips
Man fights giant crab statue on streets of Osaka, becomes city’s most hated criminal【Video】
Daiso sells “emergency shelters,” and they have an amazing visual trick【Photos】
Japanese man arrested for stealing women’s shoes and replacing them with new ones
All heart, no CG in beautiful, mind-bending Pocari Sweat video【Video】
Japanese girl can’t think of anything to write about for in-class essay, writes awesome one anyway
Monthly
- Otaku geek makeovers by Tokyo fashion expert go viral in Japan
Travelers entering Japan will have to install location confirmation app, Skype on smartphones
Some of Japan’s most iconic vending machines will soon be no more
7-Eleven to build 7-Eleven in parking lot of another 7-Eleven- Why do kids in Japan use those large leathery “randoseru” school bags?
Here’s why you should be careful when buying a coffee cup from Japan’s 100 yen stores
With 3DS repair service ending, Nintendo once again shows its god-tier customer service【Photos】
Cup Noodle Pro is Nissin’s latest way to up its instant ramen game
The best and worst Japanese food for foreigners- Line up in the hall, open your shirts, show your bras – Real instructions from one Japanese school
Yearly
Nintendo puts out important notice for casual gamers who’ve bought a Switch during the pandemic
Studio Ghibli releases 400 images from eight movies free to download online
Customers race to Uniqlo for new summer face masks, but are they really worth the hype?
A Pokémon glitch no one discovered in 18 years has been found…by a pet fish in Japan?!?【Videos】
Parasite movie releases free official wallpapers to download as backgrounds for video calls
Taiwanese pianist adds busty cosplay to her performance, instantly gets five million views【Videos】
Man sheds half his body weight, looks like a handsome model in just one year
Studio Ghibli releases free wallpapers to download and use as backgrounds for video calls
Akihabara saying goodbye to landmark as giant Sega arcade announces it’s closing for good
Top 10 anime women with biggest, most impactful breasts, voted by thousands of Japanese netizens
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Even among Japanese convenience stores, the Daily Hot makes this chain especially awesome
Cola made from the island that inspired Princess Mononoke begins crowdfunding
Red Matcha: A new type of Japanese powdered tea years in the making
World’s first permanent Godzilla theme park ride opening at Tokyo-area amusement park
Death of a Japanese man attacked by bear sparks conversation about what to do when facing off with one
Shady Maid Cafés Found in Osaka Ask; “May I Clean Out Your Wallet, Sir?”
What’s the difference between Fanta and Premier “Adult” Fanta?【Taste test】
Starbucks’ Colour-Changing Cold Drink Cups arrive in Japan, supporting the LGBT community
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Japanese gravure idol makes jaws drop with massive M-cup chest 【Pics & Videos】
Easy-to-use mochi-making kitchen gadget is here to help you create home-made Japanese sweets
Tried-and-tested ways to learn Japanese while having fun!
Clipping your nails at night may cause death, according to a Japanese superstition
Japanese restaurant combines solo shabu shabu dining with the fun of a sushi train
-
