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.





Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Japanese high school closes its cafeteria, replaces it with a 7-Eleven convenience store
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
American college student missing in Kyoto, last seen by family one week ago
Studio Ghibli adds new range of neckties to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?
Starbucks Japan has a problem with its sell-out breakfast that might annoy solo diners
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
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
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
American college student missing in Kyoto, last seen by family one week ago
Studio Ghibli adds new range of neckties to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Japan Post’s mail carriers are getting some cool upgrades, but packages might be a little late
Body of missing foreign tourist in Japan found floating off coast of town he was last seen in
Japanese convenience store challenge is only for those with extreme tastes
Cup Noodle hamster wheel is the new adorable pet toy animal lovers in Japan want[Video]
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever muscat-flavoured chilled cup drink
Starbucks Japan has a mesh bag so cute it’s a sell-out hit
A Japanese toast sandwich remix: The toasted rice rice ball[SoraKitchen]
Video of man spraying liquid on conveyor belt sushi leads to arrest in Japan