Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
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For those of us that find it hard to believe that the NES (called “Famicom” in Japan) turned 30 this year, Nintendo is putting out an album of 26 of the best theme songs from classic games like Super Mario Brothers, The Legend of Zelda and Metroid. The two-disc album comes out December 4, making it the perfect holiday gift for that person in your life that loves the simple 8-bit tunes of yesteryear.
Who here is a fan of ‘90s punk rock? How about old school gaming from the NES and Sega Genesis eras? If you have an interest in one or both, there’s a new album up on Bandcamp, music community and selling outlet for self-releasing musical artists, called Punk Goes 8-Bit: Level 1. Tracks include popular punk hits from well-known artists, such as Blink 182, Less Than Jake, and The Offspring as you’ve never heard them before. Better yet, they’re absolutely free!
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japan’s job-quitting service claims bosses contact it to try to make their employees quit
Bacha Coffee opens in Japan…but is it worth the hype?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Who is this mysterious large man who’s suddenly showing up on giant signs in Japan?
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Is this common Japanese phrase for “goodbye” the reason for Japan’s crazy overtime hours?
Ranma 1/2 Cafe opening in three Japanese cities, features food with transformable flavors
Japan’s “workstyle reforms” are actually making managers’ jobs a lot harder【Survey】
Japan has abolished advance deportation notifications to foreigners’ lawyers
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
And now, we eat a bear paw we bought in Japan’s Chiba Prefecture【Taste test】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
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 2026
Archfiend 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
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
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
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
Is this common Japanese phrase for “goodbye” the reason for Japan’s crazy overtime hours?
Ranma 1/2 Cafe opening in three Japanese cities, features food with transformable flavors
Japan’s “workstyle reforms” are actually making managers’ jobs a lot harder【Survey】
Japan has abolished advance deportation notifications to foreigners’ lawyers
We get our paws on all 50 Hello Kitty Happy Meal toys at McDonald’s Japan!
Japan’s workplace drinking party communication is unnecessary, says majority of workers in survey
Anime’s Tetsuwan Atom/Astro Boy shows up on a pedestrian walk signal in Japan
How to fix damaged trading cards quickly and easily
Japan’s got a subscription service for pillows with or without plastic tubes inside