Asuna
Enako, one of Japan’s most popular and beautiful cosplayers, is ready for her close-ups dressed in an alternate costume of a beloved anime heroine.
Wonder Festival is a semiannual Japanese convention dedicated to model and figure-building which attracts all manner of pros, amateurs, and cosplayers from across the country. Most recently, the Winter 2015 Wonder Festival was held at the Makuhari Messe Convention Center in Chiba City on February 8.
Our reporter Meg was busy checking out the show when she spotted a cute girl standing behind robotic company A-Lab’s booth. “Aww, she looks just like an idol from AKB48!” Meg thought. But when she got closer, she was shocked to realize that the girl was actually a hyperreal-looking android! In fact, many of the people attending the exhibition were equally stunned to learn that Asuna was an android, and not a living, breathing human girl. Would you have been tricked along with them?
Innovation is the thing that keeps humanity moving towards a new future. That’s the sort of idea that is behind the Tokyo Design Week, which this year was renamed to the Tokyo Genius Expo. Gathering visionaries from all over the world every year to showcase their brilliant work in their respective fields, the Tokyo Genius Expo has taken place since 2005, and attracts over 100,000 visitors intrigued with what the human race can achieve. However, this year one star stole the show at the exposition, and while she is definitely an example of innovation, “human” might not be the right word for her. Meet Asuna.



7-Eleven Japan releases a crazy new viral sandwich: Chocolate Sprinkles and Whipped Cream
Ramen restaurant in top Tokyo tourist neighborhood skips price gouging, but how does it taste?
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Japanese jeweler launches new engagement and wedding rings with Sanrio character Tuxedo Sam
Diamond Head’s Sunrises Are Unmatched Anywhere
Akiba Dental Clinic: The Akihabara dentist where a moe maid in cosplay cleans your teeth
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Nine amazing off-the-beaten-path cherry blossom spots in Japan for yaezakura and shidarezakura
Stunning central Japan wisteria festival is like a purple fantasy straight out of a Ghibli movie
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day Frappuccino
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
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
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Japanese jeweler launches new engagement and wedding rings with Sanrio character Tuxedo Sam
Diamond Head’s Sunrises Are Unmatched Anywhere
Akiba Dental Clinic: The Akihabara dentist where a moe maid in cosplay cleans your teeth
Kagoshima conveyor belt sushi chain Mekkemon rises above the rest with its special secret weapon
TeamLab opening amazing outdoor art exhibit at one of Japan’s more uniquely beautiful gardens【Pics】
Real dry bonsai trees coming to Japanese capsule toy vending machines【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Expo 2025 mascot Myaku-Myaku to release tastefully erotic photo book
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
My Neighbour Totoro rice cookers and pots bring Studio Ghibli anime flair to your kitchen