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”!
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
KFC Japan opens a Christmas restaurant in Tokyo…but why???
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
The top 8 fast food chains in Japan
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
What makes something “kawaii” to women from Japan, China, and South Korea? Survey investigates
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Burger King Japan’s newest all-you-can-eat burger deal is its smelliest yet
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
KFC offering all-you-can-eat fried chicken in Japan every Wednesday starting in mid-summer!
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 meals
KFC Japan introduces a new burger 8 years in the making
New fish discovered and named “Vanderhorstia supersaiyan” for obvious reasons
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 TotoroIs China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Is Kyoto less crowded with tourists after China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning?【Photos】Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in TokyoStarbucks 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
What makes something “kawaii” to women from Japan, China, and South Korea? Survey investigates
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?
Burger King Japan’s newest all-you-can-eat burger deal is its smelliest yet
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
KFC offering all-you-can-eat fried chicken in Japan every Wednesday starting in mid-summer!
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Unmistakable Louis Vuitton Monogram design may have been inspired by Japanese family crests
Sega announces Game Gear Micro, an extra-tiny retro system with a startingly high price
Family Mart releases a fukubukuro lucky bag packed with cool Convenience Wear
Kanji quiz time! Can you identify the characters behind Japan’s creative municipal flags?
What’s in a Lawson fukubukuro lucky bag?
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerk