Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
chirashi-zushi
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.
You, Me, And a Tanuki is a weekly featured blog run by Michelle, a Californian who is currently one of only two foreigners living in Chibu, a tiny fishing village on one of the Oki islands in Japan. Check back every Saturday for a new post or read more on her website here!
Hidden down a road, a little ways away from the main port of Nishinoshima, Shimane prefecture, is a tiny sushi restaurant.
From the outside, it doesn’t look like much. Approaching the front of the establishment, you can even see the owner’s laundry hanging to dry in the upstairs window. But inside, Zen Sushi will amaze you.
A little mom and pop establishment, the owners prepare fresh sushi made with fish caught in the waters of the Oki Islands. Peering through the front windows, you can enjoy views of the turquoise waters that these fish call home.
New Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
99-year-old woman rescued while attempting to climb Mt. Fuji
Which country’s foreign tourists spend the most money per-person in Japan? Hint: Not the U..S. or China
Starbucks Japan adds a new summer Frappuccino to the menu, but is it as refreshing as it looks?
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Cup Noodle and Columbia team up for a weird and wonderful T-shirt that’s very Japanese
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal filmsNew Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easier
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Family Mart’s new Tokyo flagship convenience store doesn’t feel convenient, but is that a problem?
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Teen girl in Japan refuses to be victim, personally escorts train pervert to police for arrest
Is Japan’s tourism boom slowing down? Foreign visitor numbers fall for first time in five years
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new Bearista collection…with beary cute details
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenirJapan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machinesHatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summerStudio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attractionNew Shinkansen luggage drop-off system begins in Japan, making train travel even easierJapan 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 TokyoStudio 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]
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】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
Brand new Shinkansen bullet train unveiled in Japan… but it won’t carry passengers
Foreign hiker on Mt. Fuji loses consciousness and dies, becoming climbing season’s second fatality
Cup Noodle releases cold-water instant ramen in Japan, but can it really be made with just cold water?
Studio Ghibli releases anime T-shirts that pay homage to one of Hayao Miyazaki’s most personal films
Cup Noodle and Columbia team up for a weird and wonderful T-shirt that’s very Japanese
Yakuza members arrested for building a road on mountain they don’t own
Japan now has human refrigerators inspired by Japanese vending machines
Sanrio eco-friendly plushies are here for the earth-conscious lovers of all things kawaii
Japanese convenience store releases Japanese convenience store-flavor fried chicken
Starbucks Japan releases new fireworks collection that captures the beauty of a summer festival
Japanese government sets up new group to deal with trading card boom
Starbucks Japan releases new Discovery Series collection celebrating local regions and traditions
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]