Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
fire truck
Fire truck manufacturer Yoshitani Machinery Co. recently approached mechanical designer Kunio Okawara and asked him to draw the next generation of fire engine. Of course, when you ask an artistic talent behind the Mobile Suit Gundam franchise and other giant robots to make a fire truck, you’re in for a treat.
Behold, The Next Yoshitani Rescue Vehicle!
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
Japan has abolished advance deportation notifications to foreigners’ lawyers
This gigantic judo dojo-sized hotel room will make you feel like royalty, but it’s disappearing soon
Huge lock on Japanese public toilet door is true display of kind customer service
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japanese gamer furniture company creates cabinets just for collectible trading card gamers【Pics】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminatingJapan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
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 TokyoStarbucks 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
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】
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
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Nephew receives SD card after his uncle passes away, finds treasure trove of gems from the past
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Japanese gamer furniture company creates cabinets just for collectible trading card gamers【Pics】
Majority of Japanese women in survey regret marrying their husband, but that’s only half the story
Cup Noodle releases extremely modified versions of their original flavors【Taste test】
Senkoji: The Japanese temple that’s more like a theme park to heaven and hell
【Monday Kickstart】Adorable kitten cosplays as Japanese swordsman from popular game Touken Ranbu
Taiwanese Cosplayers Appear in their Droves, Show All-Out Passion for Hatsune Miku
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Trouble making friends? Sticker collecting works surprisingly well
Want big breasts? We try the Japanese optical illusion shirt that gives anyone a large bust