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.





Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
What’s up with the “mosquito buzz” noise at Shibuya Station?
Japan’s prime minister exchanges Dragon Ball kamehamehas with president of France[Video]
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Right now, this amazing Japanese park is bathed in beautiful blue from 4.5 million flowers【Video】
We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Picturesque Tokyo park plays host to millions of flowers and soap bubbles this spring
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
Right now, this amazing Japanese park is bathed in beautiful blue from 4.5 million flowers【Video】
We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
You can now visit a recreation of Evangelion’s Tokyo-3 and live there in miniature form in【Pics】
Site of the worst bear attack in Japanese history is a chilling place to visit
McDonald’s Japan now has Hello Kitty and Pompompurin drinks on the menu
Mr. Sato tries to get ladies by transforming into a creepy version of L’Arc-en-Ciel’s Hyde
The mystery of the phantom “sake pass card” at Japanese alcohol vending machines
Sanrio’s best-loved butthole defies physics in adorable sumo collaboration[Photos]
Akira’s Katsuhiro Otomo to design giant mural featuring cyborg fish for Tohoku’s Sendai Airport