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.
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
McDonald’s Japan hack: Make a Chicken Tatsuta in five minutes anywhere in the world
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan releases new ramen sandwiches… that don’t taste like ramen
This train station bento boxed lunch shop has been in business for nearly 100 years
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
Police cracking down on outdoor seating in Tokyo’s liveliest street market neighborhood[Video]
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Squeezy Tanuki Testicle toys once again appear in Japanese gacha machinesThe average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey showsJapan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffsJapanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful gardenThe average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey showsJapan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Injuries on stairs in Tokyo highlight an overlooked design flaw
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japanese criminals are now using crabs to hunt for burglary targets
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly Festival
Police cracking down on outdoor seating in Tokyo’s liveliest street market neighborhood[Video]
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Squeezy Tanuki Testicle toys once again appear in Japanese gacha machines
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Does one of Japan’s favorite chocolate brands work with the Pringles chocolate hack?
Woman in Japan breaks into home of complete stranger just to slap him in the face
A letter from our reporter’s deceased mother arrives at just the right time
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
This historical Kyoto zen garden is hosting a guitar and beatbox concert
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
Japanese Pokémon card shop grabs scissors as part of its plan to keep scalpers away
Final Fantasy VII’s Tifa’s bar pops up in real-world Tokyo, and we stop by for drinks[Photos]