Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Astor Alexander
For a lot of us growing up, watching anime on Cartoon Network after school was our version of science fiction pulp stories from the mid-1900s. Given that pulp fiction and anime share some commonalities, it’s a bit odd that they haven’t been mashed-up more often. If the results turn out as good as this Dragon Ball Z x science fiction-style book covers, more artists should be looking to pair the two up.
Starbucks Japan adds cult drink to its permanent coffee menu due to popular demand
Japan’s train travel soundscape faces sad change as JR East axes special station departure melodies
Fighting mild hunger with a Japanese soda that turns into jelly in the stomach【Taste test】
Yoshinoya serves gyudon beef bowls from a tiny truck in Tokyo
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku’s new stage costume inspires gorgeous shoes in the real world【Photos】
First-class section being added to Tokyo commuter trains this month with double-decker Green Cars
Final Fantasy Fat Chocobo and Moogle chairs — perfect for when you need to recover real-world HP
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Starbucks Japan’s Sakura Ball Cookies and other cherry blossom sweets look beautifully delicious
The story of our miracle cork-gun shot at Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo Metropolitan Government Building serves up an exclusive ramenStarbucks Japan’s Sakura Ball Cookies and other cherry blossom sweets look beautifully delicious
Japanese celebrity (sort of) apologizes for swapping seats with foreign traveler on ShinkansenFinal Fantasy Fat Chocobo and Moogle chairs — perfect for when you need to recover real-world HP
Store where you pay to shoplift returns to Tokyo
New Shinkansen design unveiled, bullet train exterior includes cherry blossom Easter eggJapan’s train travel soundscape faces sad change as JR East axes special station departure melodies
Family Mart releases new rice balls with Bongo, Japan’s most famous onigiri restaurantFighting mild hunger with a Japanese soda that turns into jelly in the stomach【Taste test】
Starbucks releases a colour-changing Frappuccino in JapanUpdated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Japan’s new Hello Kitty and Sanrio smartwatches are cutewatches too【Photos】
Japan’s ultra-convenient unregistered prepaid train cards return after nearly two-year absence
It’s time to say goodbye to one of Tokyo’s most famous landmark meeting spots
Sanrio Pompompurin purin custard pudding sweets sound doubly delicious, look like pooch bottoms
Newest Japan full-bloom cherry blossom forecast shows mankai sakura coming earlier, especially in Tokyo
Everyday Japanese cafe chain’s seasonal sakura sweets look amazing from every angle…except one
Studio Ghibli gives anime lovers a happy ending with new Whisper of the Heart music box
If you bought something in the Nintendo Museum, they might owe you some money for overcharging
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
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
First-class section being added to Tokyo commuter trains this month with double-decker Green Cars
Final Fantasy Fat Chocobo and Moogle chairs — perfect for when you need to recover real-world HP
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Starbucks Japan’s Sakura Ball Cookies and other cherry blossom sweets look beautifully delicious
The story of our miracle cork-gun shot at Dogo Onsen in Ehime Prefecture
Traditional Japanese mochi dessert inspires McDonald’s newest pie flavor
Edible deep-fried “coal” souvenir ignites our curiosity, so naturally we try it for ourselves
Japan’s elementary school backpacks grow up with new high-class randoseru for adults
Japanese children surveyed to find the most popular characters
Matcha Ofukumochi: One of Japan’s most deliciously direct desserts【Taste test】
Baby’s first Totoro cosplay? Ghibli specialty shop has adorable infant fashion sets【Photos】
Muji Hotel Ginza: New accommodation in Tokyo takes Japanese minimalism to the next level
Tourists in Kyoto cause chaos at railway crossing near Fushimi Inari Taisha