Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Engagement ring
It seems that the road to perfecting a selfie doesn’t stop at getting a perfect angle or perfect face. There is a rising trend among brides-to-be to cosmetically enhance their hands for that perfect “I said YES! And btw, check out my sparkly diamond ring!” photo update.
Isn’t it every gamer’s dream to find a prospective spouse who will sit down with them for hours as you both fight your way through perilous dungeons and difficult puzzles? We all long for that special someone who will be there at your side through the toughest battles and yet still lets you win every once in a while (‘Cause that means she’s a keeper, let me tell you). For those of you lucky enough to have found your campaign companion in the long escort mission of life, this newly announced line of promise rings might be right up your alley (Just be sure to talk to all the characters to complete the side quests)!
Before my husband proposed to me, he was faced with the seemingly impossible task of confirming my ring size without me noticing. Since I didn’t own any rings at the time, he was forced to come up with something craftier than simply stealing my jewelry box.
His solution was to ask his sister to have me try on a bunch of her rings. Never showing any interest in jewelry to begin with, it seemed odd that my husband’s sister would storm into my room and demand me to put on her rings. What’s more, she blatantly stared at my fingers, scrutinizing how well each ring fit as I tried them on.
Since I’m not an idiot, I knew a proposal was brewing.
This situation isn’t unique for men who finally decide to pop the question. But fellas, you’re in luck, there’s now a solution to your pre-proposal anxieties: Ring’s Note, an online notebook that records women’s ring sizes.
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
There’s a samurai-era village for you to walk through at this awesome overlooked museum in Japan
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
A Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Final Fantasy and Shinkansen announce collaboration with in-train audio play, SD art and merch
Tokyo’s Ueno Station has an unmanned noodle restaurant on its platform, and its no-joke good
Family Mart opens first clothing store in Tokyo
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tablewareStarbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
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 marketplace
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgradeA Japanese dating app matched our bachelorette with a Buddhist monk, and she learned some things
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 branchesDisillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
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
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Final Fantasy and Shinkansen announce collaboration with in-train audio play, SD art and merch
Tokyo’s Ueno Station has an unmanned noodle restaurant on its platform, and its no-joke good
Family Mart opens first clothing store in Tokyo
Can a dirty butthole make you filthy rich in Japan? We’re starting a New Year’s lottery experiment
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Masahiko Ozumi Paris in Osaka makes the comfiest desserts around
Why you shouldn’t call this food “Hiroshimayaki” if you’re talking to people from Hiroshima
All-you-can-drink deal for US$4 in Shinjuku is one of the best finds in Tokyo
More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demand
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Pokémon manhole covers are taking over streets in Japan!
Japan’s Choco Eggs now come with Super Mario figures from two decades of Nintendo history