Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
GMO
Submissions for AKB48’s Kokoro no Placard Video Awards are open, and the first company to submit their entry is GMO Internet Group, who reveals a startling high number of pretty ladies working for them. Just look at those fresh smiling faces! Will we be seeing a GMO idol group sometime in the future?
On August 31, Greenpeace uncovered a study backed by the US Department of Agriculture (USDA) involving feeding genetically modified (GM) rice to children in Hunan province, China.
Chinese officials in Hunan immediately denied that the study had taken place but a few days later, a representative from Tufts University in the United States confirmed that they had indeed tested a new strain of GM rice on Chinese children in rural areas of Hunan.
Whoops! Looks like someone’s a tattletale.
Japanese job-quitting service contacted by other job-quitting service because employee wants to quit
After cancelling Halloween, Tokyo’s Shibuya neighborhood cancels New Year’s Eve too
Beautiful Japanese garden green tea crepes waiting in Tokyo’s historical Asakusa neighborhood
Hardcore Pokémon fans in Japan are spending a TON of money on Pokémon Trading Card Game Pocket
Toy or extreme sport? Shop in Hokkaido changes our image of kendama
Grill your own treats at Miyagi’s Japanese tea and dessert store
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
Japan’s “all-you-can-quit” job-quitting service not what it seems, is also sneakily hard to quit
10 awesome ice creams available from convenience stores in Japan
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Ghibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
Pringles releases a limited-edition sweet flavour in Japan
Sanrio and magical girl anime PreCure join forces for new merch line【Photos】
Tokyo restaurant isn’t kidding about the name of its overflowing rare wagyu-ju【Photos】
New Ghibli papercraft kit gives you a little Princess Mononoke forest on your desk【Photos】
Starbucks releases new Wicked tumblers in Japan
Off-the-beaten-tourist-track observatory tower in Tokyo has great views of the city…for free!
Japanese mountain community’s first baby in 52 years celebrates first birthday
Japan’s Pokémon donuts are evolving as Diglett grows into Dugtrio churro!
Starbucks Japan releases a new chilled cup exclusively at Family Mart convenience stores
Nintendo’s controller capsule toys are so cool, even the machine you buy them from is awesome【Pics】
Tokyo Disneyland loses top-attendance crown for Japanese theme parks for second year in a row
Adult Jam Bread causes a stir at store in TokyoGhibli Park debuts first winter illumination display with Howl’s Moving Castle theme
What’s the deal with akebi, the perfectly purple, alien-like fruit that’s in season now in Japan?Pringles releases a limited-edition sweet flavour in JapanSanrio and magical girl anime PreCure join forces for new merch line【Photos】
Totoro sequel anime Mei and the Baby Catbus will screen at Ghibli Park this winter
Kyoto becomes City of Yokai, with Night Parade of One Hundred Demons festival this autumn
Totoro, Calcifer, other Ghibli stars returning as humidifiers ahead of Japan’s dry winter days【Pics】
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengers
[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
Ghibli founders Toshio Suzuki and Hayao Miyazaki contribute to Japanese whisky Totoro label design
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in JapanDoraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Grill your own treats at Miyagi’s Japanese tea and dessert store
Haunted hospital near Mt Fuji re-opens after renovation at Fuji-Q Highland, and it’s terrifying
Japan’s “all-you-can-quit” job-quitting service not what it seems, is also sneakily hard to quit
10 awesome ice creams available from convenience stores in Japan
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
McDonald’s adds new watermelon frappe and fruity macaron to its menu in Japan
New heater-less pet kotatsu is a safe way to keep your furry friends warm this winter
Sailor Moon Sanrio partnership adds pairings for Sailor Starlights in new crossover merch line【Pics】
Magical train ride through Japan’s autumn leaves is like travelling to a different world【Video】
Step back in time with Japanese-themed rooms at rare vintage love hotel in Osaka【Video】
Sony’s new Xperia Z3 compact tablet boasts PlayStation 4 remote play, controller mount