Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Fundoshi Day
On this day last year, we announced that 14 February was from then to be known as Fundoshi Day. With that grand statement made we waited a whole year for all you readers to go out and by some fundoshi, old-fashioned loincloths to help us again put the “fun” in Fundoshi Day (fun-do-shi = 2-10-4 in Japanese) this year.
And let me guess, you aren’t wearing your fundoshi, are you? Sigh… Alright, we’re patient people, so let us explain again why the fundoshi is the superior choice in underwear.
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Japan’s top 10 food travel destination prefectures【Survey】
Japan now has fish-shaped soy sauce bottle hand cream
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
We test Daiso’s new storage container to see if it keeps rice fluffy even after freezingJapanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frostStudio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the animeMajor Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schoolsThis downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a whole
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengersPossessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
[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
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Japan’s top 10 food travel destination prefectures【Survey】
Japan now has fish-shaped soy sauce bottle hand cream
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
We test Daiso’s new storage container to see if it keeps rice fluffy even after freezing
Anime Isn’t Like Reality: Peeing in a skirt edition
Beautiful Starbucks in Kyoto blends into its traditional landscape in more ways than one
[Quiz] How Well Do You Know Your Japanese Hand Gestures?
Totoro, Calcifer, other Ghibli stars returning as humidifiers ahead of Japan’s dry winter days【Pics】
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Pairing Japanese whisky with Famichiki at Kyoto’s new convenience store bar
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
How to get all-you-can eat doughnuts at Mister Donut for just 12 bucks!
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet