cloud
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.





Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Two food hacks take Japan’s convenience store fried chicken to amazing new sandwich heights
Tokyo teahouse serves up a sakura matcha dessert you won’t find anywhere else
Pokémon Centers across Japan cancel April events after stabbing in Tokyo
Totoro Fund line of beautiful artwork and apparel lets you help the real-world Totoro Forest
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
What does a kanji with 12 “kuchi” radicals mean? A look at weird, forgotten Japanese characters
Japanese net users reminisce over novelty pregnant Licca-chan doll with unlockable belly
The good, the bad, and the ugly of a vending machine sushi meal in Tokyo【Taste test】
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Tokyo’s best museum for foreign travelers finally reopens after being closed for four years
Pokémon lacquerware series expands for Year of the Horse with new handcrafted design[Video]
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Tokyo subway and almost all Tokyo train lines now accepting credit card tap payments
Totoro and Calcifer become little light-up lanterns for Ghibli-style excursions or at-home decor
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026
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
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Universal Studios’ Sailor Moon theme park attraction is finally coming to America
Tokyo turns its phone booths into free Wi-Fi hotspots, and here’s how to use them
What does a kanji with 12 “kuchi” radicals mean? A look at weird, forgotten Japanese characters
Japanese net users reminisce over novelty pregnant Licca-chan doll with unlockable belly
The good, the bad, and the ugly of a vending machine sushi meal in Tokyo【Taste test】
Fading Tokyo – Searching for signs of the Showa era as local neighborhoods evolve[Photos]
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Tokyo’s beautiful new license plates are based on one of Japan’s most famous woodblock paintings
Licca-chan dolls released in North America for first time in nearly 60 years
U.K. Pavilion at Japan World Expo responds to complaints about shabby afternoon tea quality【Videos】
Anime and video game backgrounds now free to download for video conference calls