Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
cultural events
‘Omotenashi’, the spirit of Japanese hospitality, became something of a buzzword at home and abroad when Christel Takigawa used the phrase in her speech to the International Olympic Committee in 2013.
And it’s in this spirit that Tokyo’s Narita airport plans to extend an especially warm welcome to international visitors this year, as it renews its Omotenashi Program of special offers and cultural events for transferring passengers.
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
Tokyo restaurant isn’t kidding about the name of its overflowing rare wagyu-ju【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases a new chilled cup exclusively at Family Mart convenience stores
Starbucks releases new Wicked tumblers in Japan
These Tamagotchi will take care of you, because they’re cool multi-balm cases【Photos】
Chill out with an ice-blue drink and noodles from Mount Fuji at this Tokyo junkissa
Japan’s adorable new Nikukyu notebooks have the squeezable feel of cat and dog paw pads【Photos】
What’s the most popular way to prepare Japan’s beloved breakfast dish, Tamago Kake Gohan?
Sip with Snorlax – Clever drinkware design creates Pokémon in your glass with every pour【Pics】
Japanese mountain community’s first baby in 52 years celebrates first birthday
Pringles releases a limited-edition sweet flavour in JapanSip with Snorlax – Clever drinkware design creates Pokémon in your glass with every pour【Pics】
Japanese communities giving their skylines a spring clean and saying goodbye to power lines
Secret hot spring onsen in Japan is a hidden gem waiting to be discovered by tourists
Dark and edgy Jujustu Kaisen teams up with bright and cheery Sanrio for new merch line【Pics】
Overwhelmed by modern social media? Japanese company is bringing back pagers with an emoji-twist
Totoro stamp collection lets you add adorable Ghibli touches to cards and letters【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases exclusive new holiday goods at Reserve Roastery Tokyo
Japanese samurai randoseru backpack lets you carry the bushido spirit with you wherever you go
Discovered: An even better way to open Japanese convenience store rice balls【Video】
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
Totoro sequel anime Mei and the Baby Catbus will screen at Ghibli Park this winter
Tokyo Disneyland loses top-attendance crown for Japanese theme parks for second year in a row
Starbucks Japan unveils Halloween Frappuccino for 2024, and it’s like drinking a magic spell
Studio Ghibli releases new Howl’s Moving Castle goods that capture the magic from the anime movie
Adult Jam Bread causes a stir at store in Tokyo
What’s the deal with akebi, the perfectly purple, alien-like fruit that’s in season now in Japan?
Tsukemen ramen restaurant becomes a hit with foreign tourists in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases new insect whistle necklace from Nausicaä of the Valley of the Wind
Kyoto becomes City of Yokai, with Night Parade of One Hundred Demons festival this autumn
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Chill out with an ice-blue drink and noodles from Mount Fuji at this Tokyo junkissa
Japan’s adorable new Nikukyu notebooks have the squeezable feel of cat and dog paw pads【Photos】
What’s the most popular way to prepare Japan’s beloved breakfast dish, Tamago Kake Gohan?
Sip with Snorlax – Clever drinkware design creates Pokémon in your glass with every pour【Pics】
Japanese mountain community’s first baby in 52 years celebrates first birthday
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
A trip to see the breathtaking mountain beauty of Nagano’s Kamikochi【Part 2】
American teenage tourist arrested on suspicion of arson in Tokyo during family trip
Japan Weak Men’s Center suddenly cancels men-only train event
Japanese ramen restaurant serves noodles with a heartwarming side of history
Japanese Prime Minister once criticized deploying military to fight Godzilla
Tokyo Space-out tournament draws nearly 100 competitors, finds who’s the best at doing nothing【Video】
Hello Kitty isn’t a cat!? We called Sanrio to find out!
What exactly is the treat known as a “kougnané” that’s sold outside Tokyo’s Yurakucho Station?