Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
cosplay (Page 41)
If the cosplay typically seen at anime conventions is a little too extreme for you, take a look at these toned down cosplay alternates. The clothing and style of beloved anime and cartoon characters from all over the world have been transformed into fashionable clothing for everyday wear. Who knew Lisa Simpson’s orange paper bag dress could look sexy and that taking a fashion cue from Papa Smurf would result in a decent getup?
August 1 was a big day for Japan as it marked the release of Dragon Quest X, the latest installment in the iconic series and the first to force players to play online. While the release of a new Dragon Quest game is usually something akin to a national holiday here, many people were wondering if mandatory online play wasn’t too tall of an order for a series traditionally known for sticking to its tried and true formula.
To get an idea of just how excited the country really is over Dragon Quest X, we sent resident reporter Mr. Sato to a video game shop in Shibuya the day before release to stand in line until the store opened the game went on sale the next day at 7:00 am.
Of course, anyone can wait in line for a day, but it takes a true Dragon Quest fan like Mr. Sato to wait in line for a day dressed as the series’ most beloved monster, slime.
It’s a hard road to become a successful pop idol group these days, especially in Japan where the AKB48 divisions have a stranglehold on the market. What’s left of it generally goes to the Korean invasion. When the pop scene reaches a peak like it is at now, it becomes nearly impossible to distinguish one act from the other.
Every day when you flip on the TV or thumb through a magazine there are gaggles upon gaggles of young girls and guys with almost identical clothes, hairstyles, songs, and dances all vying for your attention.
Applying the Tony Montana formula of success to idol groups; you got to get the attention first. Then when you get the attention, you get the fans. Then when you get the fans, you get the money. The girls in Alice Juban (Alice Number 10) are doing just that in a way that would make Scarface proud – with chainsaws and hockey masks.
Comiket 81, hadn’t disappointed for a moment in its quality and variety of cosplayers. Walking through the market I was treated to the best in amateur costumes. Although I may have dubbed Garo as The Most Kick-Ass Cosplay of Comic Market 81! this time around, I feel there is another costume worthy enough to honor. It was a Dragon Ball costume – literally, a costume of the actual Dragon Balls that the series is named after.
Comiket 81, the world’s largest self-published comic book fair, was held 29 December, 2011 at Big Sight in Tokyo. Like Comikets before it, the cosplayers came out this year in full force. Yet, among the standard cosplay fair was one who stood out in the crowd like no other.
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Fewer ramen restaurants declare bankruptcy in Japan for first time in several years
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
Pokémon Lego kits are finally on their way!【Photos】
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Researchers in Japan give mouse glowing sperm
Sapporo man attempts to rob store with lighter, goes as you’d expect
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goalStarbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branchesOur 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in TokyoStarbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the monthRamen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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
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】
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
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Researchers in Japan give mouse glowing sperm
Sapporo man attempts to rob store with lighter, goes as you’d expect
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Our anime dreams come true as we operate a robot suit from Appleseed
Survey asks Japanese women if they could marry a man who’s rich but ugly
Man who stole two packs of ground beef tracked by police for about 1,000 kilometers across Japan
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Aichi man arrested for shoplifing, throwing own feces at security to escape
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Man arrested for robbing Tokyo convenience store with nose hair trimmer
I can’t believe it’s not fish eggs? Taste-testing Japan’s imitation “almost ikura”【Photos】