back pain
It’s a new year, so time to get to work on your resolutions! Whether it’s hitting the gym, studying a language, or taking more time to sit down and play video games, here’s to accomplishing all your goals. Of course, when you’re in pursuit of a big goal, you may find yourself working overly hard and feeling exhausted when you hit the hay–which may result in sleeping in the wrong position. Who hasn’t woken up with a sore neck or back and wished they could call in sick and spend the day with a few dozen massage therapists?
If you’re feeling a bit of pain, we may have just the cure–and it’s inspired by none other than the manga GodHand Teru. That means it has to be effective, right?
Located in Kyoto is the headquarters of hair styling product maker Nakano Pharmaceutical. This company is well-known for something besides their high quality hair care gels and sprays and confusing name. They are one of the few companies to almost completely eliminate everyone’s favorite sitting device, the chair, from their facilities.
In its place staff and visitors are treated to a wobbly seat on those large plastic balls often seen in Pilates classes.



Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Japanese public toilet in Tokyo has windows that change colour when you use it
Research from Tohoku University claims video games impair brain development in children
Recreate the Ghibli Museum at home in cute miniature form
Japan’s snack of almonds and whole fish might not be for everyone【Taste test】
Projection mapping coming to Cinderella’s Castle at Tokyo Disneyland 【Video】
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Research from Tohoku University claims video games impair brain development in children
Recreate the Ghibli Museum at home in cute miniature form
Japan’s snack of almonds and whole fish might not be for everyone【Taste test】
Projection mapping coming to Cinderella’s Castle at Tokyo Disneyland 【Video】
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Rumors say Tokyo’s Sensoji Temple sticks you with bad fortunes, so we bought 100 to find out
Tokyo’s Ueno Station has an unmanned noodle restaurant on its platform, and its no-joke good
25 different Japanese convenience store sandwiches – What’s inside them?【Photos】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Live-action Spy x Family stage reveals its four Anyas!【Photos】
7 MEN Samurai leading charge of Johnny’s new wave, need your help translating