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!
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
More foreign tourists than ever before in history visited Japan last month
Starbucks reopens at Shibuya Scramble Crossing with new look and design concept
Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?
The oldest tunnel in Japan is believed to be haunted, and strange things happen when we go there
Arrest proves a common Japanese saying about apologies and police
Disney princesses get official manga makeovers for Manga Princess Cafe opening in Tokyo
Hayao Miyazaki reveals the kind of otaku he hates the most
Amazing exhibition of Japan’s legendary “cursed katana” is going on right now【Photos】
Solid Sakura: Gorgeous photos show cherry blossom season’s grand finale at Japanese castleMcDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goodsDisney princesses get official manga makeovers for Manga Princess Cafe opening in Tokyo
We try out “Chan Ramen”, an underground type of ramen popular in the ramen communityStarbucks reopens at Shibuya Scramble Crossing with new look and design concept
Beautiful new Final Fantasy T-shirt collection on the way from Uniqlo【Photos】
Foreign English teachers in Japan pick their favorite Japanese-language phrases【Survey】Is the new Shinkansen Train Desk ticket worth it?More foreign tourists than ever before in history visited Japan last month
There’s a park inside Japan where you can also see Japan inside the park
Japanese convenience store packs a whole bento into an onigiri rice ballMcDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Studio Ghibli releases Kiki’s Delivery Service chocolate cake pouches in Japan
Japan’s bone-breaking and record-breaking roller coaster is permanently shutting down
New definition of “Japanese whiskey” goes into effect to prevent fakes from fooling overseas buyers
Foreign passenger shoves conductor on one of the last full runs for Japan’s Thunderbird train
Our Japanese reporter visits Costco in the U.S., finds super American and very Japanese things
Kyoto bans tourists from geisha alleys in Gion, with fines for those who don’t follow rules
Studio Ghibli unveils Mother’s Day gift set that captures the love in My Neighbour Totoro
Domino’s Japan now sells…pizza ears?
New Japanese KitKat flavour stars Sanrio characters, including Hello Kitty
Sales of Japan’s most convenient train ticket/shopping payment cards suspended indefinitely
Sold-out Studio Ghibli desktop humidifiers are back so Totoro can help you through the dry season
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Tokyo’s most famous Starbucks is closed
One Piece characters’ nationalities revealed, but fans have mixed opinions
We asked a Uniqlo employee what four things we should buy and their suggestions didn’t disappoint
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli’s new desktop Howl’s Moving Castle will take your stationery on an adventure
Arrest proves a common Japanese saying about apologies and police
Disney princesses get official manga makeovers for Manga Princess Cafe opening in Tokyo
Hayao Miyazaki reveals the kind of otaku he hates the most
Amazing exhibition of Japan’s legendary “cursed katana” is going on right now【Photos】
Solid Sakura: Gorgeous photos show cherry blossom season’s grand finale at Japanese castle
Amazing photos of off-the-beaten-path Japanese castles to add to your travel wish list【Photos】
Cappuccino Ramen becomes super popular in Japan, but is it worth the hype?
Stores in Japan ask customers to prove they’re real Pokémon fans when buying cards to stop scalpers
Randomly running into a great sushi lunch like this is one of the best things about eating in Tokyo
Japan Self-Defense Force’s official magazine causes a stir for featuring gravure idols
Anime/manga One-Punch Man to be turned into a Hollywood live-action movie
Our reporter takes her 71-year-old mother to a visual kei concert for the first time
Drink a beer at Tokyo Station for 12 cents a day
Get a bird on your arm: The classic cuckoo clock will soon be available as a wristwatch