Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
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It seems Japanese companies can’t keep themselves out of trouble this week. First, an ANA commercial starring a Japanese man wearing a long nose and blonde wig had some groups offended, prompting the company to issue an official apology. Now, an advertisement from Kirin, one of the largest producers of alcohol in Japan, has parents crying foul over the use of a friendly green frog that could appeal to children.
Pokémon Company announces first-ever permanent Pokémon store to open outside Asia
One of Tokyo’s most beautiful soft serve ice creams is also one of its trickiest to find [Photos]
New Studio Ghibli anime gets extended run at the only cinema in Japan where it’s being shown
Japan’s newest tempura is…potato salad tempura?!? [Taste test]
Family Mart enters the soft serve game with giga-sized cones of milk or matcha goodness
Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi named Composer-in-Residence of Los Angeles Philharmonic
Tokusatsu hero “Moonlight Mask’s” pocket change donations help traffic accidents victims in Japan
Super Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto to receive Order of Culture from Japanese emperor
Japanese scientists developing cute, autonomously swarming robo dogs for anti-bear patrols [Video]
Trial of terminally ill cancer patient who found 22 million yen on the street and kept it endsPokémon Company announces first-ever permanent Pokémon store to open outside AsiaNew Studio Ghibli anime gets extended run at the only cinema in Japan where it’s being shown
Studio Ghibli creates illustrated Kyoto sightseeing map, available at any 7-Eleven Japan store
Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look signFamily Mart enters the soft serve game with giga-sized cones of milk or matcha goodness
Tokyo bakery has a crazy expensive 10,000-yen bread loaf set, and we’ve tried it [Taste test]
New Studio Ghibli stamps – Too cute to wait until New Year’s to use, so they’re available right now
Eight low-key great places to spend the day (or half a day) in Japan this fall
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japanese sushi etiquette: You may have been ordering sushi wrong this whole time
Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese personPokémon Company announces first-ever permanent Pokémon store to open outside Asia
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
What’s it like to stay in a Japanese container hotel?
Tokyo train station will play Godzilla theme song as new departure melody
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?New Studio Ghibli anime gets extended run at the only cinema in Japan where it’s being shown
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Ghibli composer Joe Hisaishi named Composer-in-Residence of Los Angeles Philharmonic
Tokusatsu hero “Moonlight Mask’s” pocket change donations help traffic accidents victims in Japan
Super Mario creator Shigeru Miyamoto to receive Order of Culture from Japanese emperor
Japanese scientists developing cute, autonomously swarming robo dogs for anti-bear patrols [Video]
Trial of terminally ill cancer patient who found 22 million yen on the street and kept it ends
Japanese sushi etiquette: You may have been ordering sushi wrong this whole time
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
America is getting its first-ever One Piece store, and the opening date has been revealed!
Tokyo bakery has a crazy expensive 10,000-yen bread loaf set, and we’ve tried it [Taste test]
Zombies serve cocktails and Pochita turns into parfait at Universal Studios Japan this Halloween
Osaka’s famous Glico Running Man will be removed and replaced with a new-look sign
There are goats spending every day in downtown Tokyo, but why? [Photos]
Japan’s Pokémon donuts are back at Mister Donut, with Slowpoke making dount debut! [Pics]
Police in Japan likely to gain authority to hack phones to check messaging apps