Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Beetle
Japan is famous for “crazy” vending machines that are fabled to encase bizarre products and inappropriate wares. But for the most part, Japanese vending machines just spit out cans of cold or hot beverages, and sometimes soup. But this particular one found on a rarely traveled road in Tokyo could be a first as it seems to contain a giant beetle for sale.
Leave it to Japan to make a bowl of rice absolutely adorable. The Volkswagen Japan official Facebook page has recently been the topic of conversation on the net thanks to the publication of a bowl of chirashi-zushi, or “scattered sushi”, with the image of a VW Beetle. However, that’s not the only edible auto to show up on the site.
Studio Ghibli releases the My Neighbour Totoro tea caddy, with a magical self-closing lid
Japan now has a “for foreign tourists only” Mt. Fuji sightseeing train[Video]
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Japan’s Hello Kitty Airport theming gets extension, avoids autumn end
Fake police phone scam also highlights dumb stereotype about how foreigners speak Japanese[Video]
Awesome Ghibli Howl’s Moving Castle figure is also a puzzle and an organizer[Photos]
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Thomas the Tank Engine’s video visit to Japan is more Japanese than life in Japan
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping listStarbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
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]
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026Train 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 characterJapanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping listStarbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
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 FrappuccinoCherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura seasonStudio 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
Awesome Ghibli Howl’s Moving Castle figure is also a puzzle and an organizer[Photos]
Create a tiny Ghibli anime world on your bookshelf with new miniature papercraft art kits
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Studio Ghibli unveils new Rollbahn notebook in honour of Howl’s Moving Castle
Thomas the Tank Engine’s video visit to Japan is more Japanese than life in Japan
Japanese manhole covers become a hit with foreign tourists in off-the-beaten path Tokyo area
Private booths are coming to Japan’s Shinkansen bullet trains even sooner than we’d thought【Video】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
A secluded British mansion in Chiba is a hidden holy land for afternoon tea lovers
All your ordinary moments through a sweet retro gaming lens【Animated GIFs】
82-0 shellacking kicks off Japan’s National High School Baseball Championship