Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
chubby girls
Recently, in what we might call the ‘marshmallow movement’, we’ve seen chubby girls start to shed some of their stigma in Japan. A chubby Japanese idol group has already arrived on the scene, and now we can also introduce a dedicated plus-size magazine. And as if marshmallows weren’t enough, they’re apparently also pushing for a new, and rather creative, label.
Many of us have an impression that Japanese girls are slim and petite (which many of them really are), but one of the sad truths behind their stick-thin figures is a rather serious case of discrimination from society. While voluptuous women are popular in certain parts of the world, being even slightly chubby (not obese) is a big no-no in Japan and chubby girls often get called “debu” (fatso) online and sometimes to their face.
But recently, a new nickname for such chubby ladies has started trending among Japanese netizens, which hopefully will change the attitudes people have towards them. Behold, the rise of the “marshmallow girls”!
Japanese convenience store chain has beer and sake dispensers that few people know about
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Sushi passed up by ramen in survey of foreign tourists’ favorite thing to eat in Japan, but why?
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Foreign driver’s license conversion test passes plummet from over 90% to 33% in Japan
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
Studio Ghibli holiday wreath adds a touch of Kiki cuteness and good fortune to your home【Photos】
Tokyo has a brand new Harry Potter shop with its own butterbeer bar – Let’s see what’s inside【Pics】
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Shin Godzilla resurges in Tokyo with extended residency at cafe and new limited-edition ice cream
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot mealsNintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Studio Ghibli stamps lift your spirits with motivational phrases from Totoro
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerkJapan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answerJapan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Here are the top ten foodie factory tours for the fall throughout Japan
Studio Ghibli holiday wreath adds a touch of Kiki cuteness and good fortune to your home【Photos】
Tokyo has a brand new Harry Potter shop with its own butterbeer bar – Let’s see what’s inside【Pics】
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Shin Godzilla resurges in Tokyo with extended residency at cafe and new limited-edition ice cream
Pokémon vending machine lures us in with its cute animated Pikachu
Studio Ghibli releases amazing new My Neighbour Totoro merchandise in Japan
Japanese actor accused of using cocaine may actually have been eating little girls’ candy
Massive meat sandwich in Tokyo is not your regular Japanese sandwich
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
What makes something “kawaii” to women from Japan, China, and South Korea? Survey investigates