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.
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Totoro Christmas tree cookie sets are here, are extra-special for Ghibli fans with a little luck
Japanese politician threatens to send bears to people, wants Loony Tunes-style anti-bear bombs
Clever design trick means beautiful Ghibli Artboard Jigsaw Puzzles won’t have bittersweet ending
Japan now has fish-shaped soy sauce bottle hand cream
Shinjuku izakaya’s all-you-can-eat-and-drink plan is one of Tokyo’s best secret cheap eats
Shima City’s new ama girl mascot faces backlash from real-life deep sea shellfish divers
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Japan’s Kanji of the Year announced, shows the bright and dark spots of 2024【Video】
Japan’s tap-to-pay Suica train card system aims to go tapless with walk-through gates, location data scans
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Japanese city paints well-known prostitution street bright yellow, adds fish art【Video】
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”
Berserk T-shirts coming to Uniqlo for launch of new Manga Curation line【Photos】
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengersPossessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
[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
Japanese politician threatens to send bears to people, wants Loony Tunes-style anti-bear bombs
Clever design trick means beautiful Ghibli Artboard Jigsaw Puzzles won’t have bittersweet ending
Japan now has fish-shaped soy sauce bottle hand cream
Shinjuku izakaya’s all-you-can-eat-and-drink plan is one of Tokyo’s best secret cheap eats
Shima City’s new ama girl mascot faces backlash from real-life deep sea shellfish divers
Fried sandwiches arrive in Tokyo, become hot topic on social media
Zootopia is a smash hit all over the world, so of course people are already cosplaying it
Super Budget Dining in Japan – What’s the best way to spend 1,000 yen (US$6.70) at Saizeriya?
Is Oni Koroshi sake in a drink box wino fuel or a hidden gem?
Kirby Café has new winter Kirby Fighters menu that’ll warm your heart and fill your stomach
Japan’s 10 best singing voices as chosen by people in the industry
Daiso has giant new branch in middle of Tokyo’s Shinjuku neighborhood (and another beneath it)