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!
Japan’s bean sprout shortage hitting Jiro-style ramen businesses hard
Studio Ghibli adds new Totoro and Jiji blanket socks to its merchandise store in Japan
Studio Ghibli creates illustrated Kyoto sightseeing map, available at any 7-Eleven Japan store
This Japanese sandwich mascot is filled with fiery rage, and he’s got a point [Video]
KFC Japan releases its first thigh-meat fried chicken burger in 43 years, but was it worth the wait?
Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest Christmas celebration coming to Yokohama next month
New Studio Ghibli stamp rally set to start in Japan, with exclusive merchandise for anime fans
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
We waited three hours to get into the new carb heaven all-you-can-eat bread restaurant in Osaka
We hunt for treasure at an all-you-can-stuff Kanagawa secondhand shop for just 1,000 yen
What’s it like to stay in a Japanese container hotel?
American man runs out of money in Japan, gets arrested for overstaying tourist visa
Japanese milk carton cakes are a genius idea that the world needs to know aboutFamily Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
New Studio Ghibli notebooks are a beautiful reason to write and draw by hand [Photos]
Foreign travelers sitting on sidewalks of Tokyo’s Ginza are Japan’s latest tourism culture clash
Studio Ghibli adds Totoro family goods to its anime merchandise store in Japan
New Gundam plush goods mix cosplay and comfort for Char-custom-level coziness [Pics]We waited three hours to get into the new carb heaven all-you-can-eat bread restaurant in Osaka
Giant wagashi cushions will turn your home sweet home into home sweet Japanese sweets home
Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goodsFamily Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]What’s it like to stay in a Japanese container hotel?
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Tokyo train station will play Godzilla theme song as new departure melody
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Final Fantasy and Dragon Quest Christmas celebration coming to Yokohama next month
New Studio Ghibli stamp rally set to start in Japan, with exclusive merchandise for anime fans
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
We waited three hours to get into the new carb heaven all-you-can-eat bread restaurant in Osaka
We hunt for treasure at an all-you-can-stuff Kanagawa secondhand shop for just 1,000 yen
Foreign travelers sitting on sidewalks of Tokyo’s Ginza are Japan’s latest tourism culture clash
Tokyo Monorail, other east Japan rail networks announce discontinuation of magnetic paper tickets
Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
Man in Japan says monkey threw his cat into a pond before attacking him
New Gundam plush goods mix cosplay and comfort for Char-custom-level coziness [Pics]
Vietnamese-language driver’s license tests suspended in Japan following alleged cheating
American man runs out of money in Japan, gets arrested for overstaying tourist visa
Ghibli/Kyoto crossover artwork decorates goshuin papers for Zen and Ghibli art exhibition [Pics]
Studio Ghibli adds Totoro family goods to its anime merchandise store in Japan