Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Dokdo
South Korean netizens are apparently up in arms over their president’s choice of shoes that she wore when throwing the opening pitch of the third game of the Korean Series baseball tournament in Seoul on October 27. Her fashion crime? President Park Guen Hye had the “audacity” to show up wearing a Japanese brand of sneakers!
Released earlier this month, the latest iteration of Apple’s operating system for mobile devices, iOS 7, boasts a sleek, vivid interface that is certainly quite a departure from previous iPhone software. Although the majority of Apple’s customers will likely be more than satisfied with both the OS’s stylistic and functional changes, some Korean citizens have taken issue with iOS 7’s Maps application, which refers to the islets located between Japan and Korea – over which there has been much debate – by the Japanese name of Takeshima.
All around the world, young and middle-aged adults have fond childhood memories of giant robot cartoons. I can remember watching Autobots brawl with Decepticons over their endless hunt for energon cubes. Meanwhile, South Koreans were enjoying Robot Taekwon V.
Robot Taekwon V was such a hit that even today the Korean government uses its robot protagonist’s likeness to promote the nation’s claim to ownership of the Liancourt Rocks (Dokdo in Korea, Takeshima in Japan), a disputed island that has recently renewed some tensions between Korea and Japan. However, a recent plan to erect a statue of Taekwon V has been met with strong resistance from South Korean net users who feel that instead of being intimidating, the statue would cause Japanese citizens to laugh.
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Lawson convenience store teaches us how to make okonomiyaki with no knife or bowl 【SoraKitchen】
Gacha machine backpack is Japan’s hottest new fashion statement
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japanese Cabinet to officially announce new romanization spelling recommendation next week
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplaceJapan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branchesStarbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed areaTokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answerJapan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Lawson convenience store teaches us how to make okonomiyaki with no knife or bowl 【SoraKitchen】
Gacha machine backpack is Japan’s hottest new fashion statement
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japanese Cabinet to officially announce new romanization spelling recommendation next week
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Giant new nine-floor arcade opens in Tokyo, wants to welcome new and old games fans alike
The etiquette rules for visiting Shinto shrines in Japan
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Drunk cycling can result in an instantly suspended driver’s license in Japan
Let’s find the Japanese full-face visor best suited for your grandmother or handmaiden
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo