Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
energy efficient
On November 1, Lawson is opening a new store in chilly Akita Prefecture. Nothing particularly surprising about this–it seems like a new conbini opens nearly every day in Japan. However, this store will have some rather unique features.
In addition to solar panels, improved insulation, and LED light bulbs, this branch will also be testing out some new environmentally friendly features: Saving winter snow for summer air conditioning and using sunlight to heat the store!
Ramen restaurant etiquette reminder follows altercation with angry couple: One person, one bowl
Starbucks Japan reveals new winter holiday goods to wrap up 2024
One Piece teams up with the Los Angeles Lakers for pirate anime/pro basketball crossover
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Tokyo’s Super Mario Christmas decoration displays are super cool【Photos】
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Government bear attack warning poster in Japan may be too cute for its own good
Sailor Moon and J-pop mega-star Ayumi Hamasaki team up for collaboration, pre-defeat scalpers
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Miniature keychain versions of Japan’s Death Spray are coming to capsule toy machines soonThis downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glassesStudio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet rangeMajor Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Japanese train station vending machine has the best souvenirs for rail otaku
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a wholeJapanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glassesThis downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengersPossessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
[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
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Government bear attack warning poster in Japan may be too cute for its own good
Sailor Moon and J-pop mega-star Ayumi Hamasaki team up for collaboration, pre-defeat scalpers
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Miniature keychain versions of Japan’s Death Spray are coming to capsule toy machines soon
Police called out to investigate suspicious Santa in Wakayama
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Cat-ear eye drops take Japan’s obsession with felines to a whole new level
Parakeet found riding Shinkansen by itself, gets taken into police custody【Video】
We try new ‘adrift at sea’ experience and end up floating alone on the Yamaguchi coast
JAL system makes air travel easier and lets you keep laptops, liquids in bag for security check
DJ Police called in to help prevent bear attacks in northern Japan
【Lucky Bag Roundup 2017】PPAP inspires a pineapple fukubukuro from Loft
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell