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!
7-Eleven Japan releases fukubukuro lucky bags filled with convenience store surprises
Celebrating Good Couple’s Day in Japan…by getting our significant others to dress us
Beautiful Totoro bag returns, still requires jumping through an extra hoop to get, still worth it
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Taking the Kyoto overnight bus for the first time
Mario Kart Happy Meal toys arrive at McDonald’s Japan, and SoraNews24 has the whole set!【Photos】
Mickey Mouse in now a transforming robot created by the designer of Gundam【Photos】
Want some great ramen in Akihabara? Then head to this…karaoke joint?!?
A visit to T-CAT, Tokyo’s often forgotten City Air Terminal【Photos】
New Japanese banknotes selling online for up to 40 times original value
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Ghibli’s Princess Mononoke teams up with Foxfire for outdoor apparel collaboration【Photos】
Berserk T-shirts coming to Uniqlo for launch of new Manga Curation line【Photos】
Kyoto Whopper divides customers at Burger King JapanMario Kart Happy Meal toys arrive at McDonald’s Japan, and SoraNews24 has the whole set!【Photos】
Japanese burger chain no longer serves onion rings, but offers intriguing replacement【Taste test】Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fansTaking the Kyoto overnight bus for the first time
Yakuza vending machines coming to real-world Tokyo neighborhood that inspired Like a Dragon games
Starbucks Japan unveils second Holiday Frappuccino for 2024
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Tokyo Disneyland loses top-attendance crown for Japanese theme parks for second year in a rowGhibli’s Princess Mononoke teams up with Foxfire for outdoor apparel collaboration【Photos】
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
Pringles releases a limited-edition sweet flavour in Japan
Sanrio and magical girl anime PreCure join forces for new merch line【Photos】
Japanese job-quitting service contacted by other job-quitting service because employee wants to quit
After cancelling Halloween, Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood cancels New Year’s Eve tooBerserk T-shirts coming to Uniqlo for launch of new Manga Curation line【Photos】
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
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Mario Kart Happy Meal toys arrive at McDonald’s Japan, and SoraNews24 has the whole set!【Photos】
Mickey Mouse in now a transforming robot created by the designer of Gundam【Photos】
Want some great ramen in Akihabara? Then head to this…karaoke joint?!?
A visit to T-CAT, Tokyo’s often forgotten City Air Terminal【Photos】
New Japanese banknotes selling online for up to 40 times original value
Tokyo Station’s perfect breakfast spot might just be this izakaya Japanese-style pub
Line of foreign tourists leads us to Akihabara’s meatiest fatty ramen【Taste test】
Awesome Zelda cosplayer gets help from Smash Bros. creator Sakurai to solve costume problem【Vid】
Hello Kitty isn’t a cat!? We called Sanrio to find out!
A visit to Tokyo’s fanciest coffeehouse for a 16,200 yen (US$143) bottle of coffee【Pics】
Starbucks Japan reveals new holiday goods for the 2024 festive season
Can our writers pick out the pricier strawberry shortcake against one over four times cheaper?
Tokyo’s famous Lost in Translation hotel is closed