cloud
Goku cosplayers on flying nimbuses are popping up all over the world to delight and astound civilians.
Is it still considered fan art when you’re the pro who created one of the two video game icons crossing swords?
“I never thought this day would come,” says the Final Fantasy VII hero. Neither did we, Cloud. Neither did we.
If you’re putting together a profile for a video game or anime character, the inclusion of certain bits of information are optional, such as favorite food, hobby, or breast weight. But just about every fictional character coming from Japan has an official birthday. As a matter of fact, it’s become such a standard bit of background information for anime and video game characters that you can search online and find dozens to sing happy birthday to on any given day.
This week, though, was the birthday of an especially popular figure: Cloud Strife. Not only did the hero of Final Fantasy VII hero receive plenty of warm wishes from fans, he also got an illustrated birthday card from his designer himself, Tetsuya Nomura.
Mother Nature can do some amazing things. Sometimes, she’s a real terror, but she can also be a fan of all things cute. This next creation is just plain cool. Spotted in Japan, this cloud reminds us of a familiar sidekick to a street rat from Agrabah.
Have you ever seen an overweight dog? Many of us probably aren’t sure as, unlike with people, we don’t quite know what the ideal dog should look like. It’s especially difficult to see if our furrier pals are packing on some extra pounds, and with diabetes in dogs on the rise it’s becoming more important to.
It’s not hard to see why, however, as city dogs don’t have nearly enough space to run and play like their country cousins do. The urbanized lifestyle that has led to millions of overweight people is also plumping pooches worldwide. Luckily the modern life that is causing the problem is also offering a useful solution thanks to Fujitsu Ltd.
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Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
In downtown Tokyo, we talk to a guy who says he’s from Orion’s belt, get called an “idiot”
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Epic cutlet sandwiches in Osaka are the best Shinkansen bento
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Major Japanese noodle chain is closing on Christmas Eve so workers can spend time with families
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Weekly
- Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches- 7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Monthly
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- 7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
- Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Yearly
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 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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
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Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Major Japanese noodle chain is closing on Christmas Eve so workers can spend time with families
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Popular Japanese ramen restaurant Ichiran’s lucky bags are great value for money
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
More people in Japan quit sending New Year’s cards and many have started to regret it
Osaka teen arrested for hacking into Internet cafe’s app to steal data, was helped by Chat-GPT
Viral 3D ice creams land in Japan… but are they worth the hype?
New Evangelion short anime, written by Hideaki Anno, to have world premiere early next year
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Japan’s Shinkansen trains are getting a Super Mario makeover【Pics】
Sandwiches fit for a sumo served up in Osaka【Taste Test】
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