Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Gifu (Page 3)
While many people immediately think of samurai when Japan is mentioned, you might not expect to find many swordcrafters still working in the modern-day. And certainly not out in public for everyone to see!
However, the start of every year sees a gathering of swordcrafters in Gifu Prefecture where they ceremonially pound a piece of steel in a centuries old traditional ceremony. It looks cool and must be great exercise to work off all the osechi calories too!
The ayu, or sweetfish, is a summer delicacy in Japan. Usually coated in salt and grilled over a charcoal fire, the fish is known for its refreshingly sweet taste and is consumed widely by Japanese people every year.
While a typical specimen is similar to a small trout in appearance, an ayu with translucent scales was discovered at a fishery in Gifu prefecture late last month.
We think the issue here isn’t why this happened, but how on earth were they able to spot the little guy…
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Foreign tourist needs ambulance to pick him up at Mt. Fuji after hiking closed trail
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Seaweed bread is one of the most unusual baked goods in all of Japan
Looney Tunes is now an adorable anime series with Looney Tunes Gokko[Videos]
Shogun Cultural Experiences merges a walking tour, sweets, and the music of traditional JapanThe 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 new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the CatbusJapanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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 garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to TokyoThe 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
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 openJapan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
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 saysJapan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s rice warehouse stockpile rate hits record high as consumers, restaurants reject high prices
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Seaweed bread is one of the most unusual baked goods in all of Japan
Looney Tunes is now an adorable anime series with Looney Tunes Gokko[Videos]
Shogun Cultural Experiences merges a walking tour, sweets, and the music of traditional Japan
Uniqlo’s high-end sunglasses are a fashion minefield for anyone who isn’t Mr. Sato
Art Fire Festival lights up the night at a unique venue in the mountains of Japan
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Hayao Miyazaki’s Whisper of the Heart concept art revealed in new Ghibli illustration book
Eating cheap sushi in a narrow building in Tokyo is an adventure for bold diners
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Holy Fungus Mud Volleyball is Japan’s most filthily beautifying bacteria event of the summer!
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]