Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
brand battle
Earlier this week, we reported that McDonald’s Japan is in the middle of a potato shortage, causing them to halt sales of medium and large-size fries. Even the meal sets will come with a measly small fries, though thankfully at a discounted price.
Rival chain Lotteria is happily pouring salt in the wound by using McDonald’s hardships to market their own fried spuds. See if you can spot the recent addition to their menu after the jump.
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Cherry blossom sake rice beer arriving in Japan well ahead of cherry blossom season, but how?
Video of dancing girls reminds us of Japan’s weird ’90s street fashion
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Japan is in the grip of sticker fever and no one is safe, including us
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Japan’s famous Suica Penguin JR train pass card mascot is “graduating”/being laid off
Starbucks Japan releases a new Valentine’s Day Frappuccino…with a special dipping waffle cookie
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are freeNew Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Japanese young women reveal their top dealbreakers in a man【Survey】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminatingJapan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
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 TokyoStarbucks 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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Japan is in the grip of sticker fever and no one is safe, including us
Shimane has a secret hot spring town that feels like stepping into an old Japanese film
Japan’s famous Suica Penguin JR train pass card mascot is “graduating”/being laid off
Starbucks Japan releases a new Valentine’s Day Frappuccino…with a special dipping waffle cookie
Japan has abolished advance deportation notifications to foreigners’ lawyers
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Final Fantasy and Shinkansen announce collaboration with in-train audio play, SD art and merch
Massive Ghibli Exhibition opening next in Tokyo with artwork spanning Nausicaa to The Red Turtle
Passing the JLPT N1 — Here’s how I did it, so you can too!
Japan’s schoolgirl roomwear outfits are ready for winter with new, extra-warm versions
Japan’s got a subscription service for pillows with or without plastic tubes inside
Convenience store onigiri rice balls become even more expensive…but are they worth it?