Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Good Design Awards
Every year since 1957, Japan’s Good Design Awards have honored products which are designed in such a way to have a positive impact on people’s lives. The award system, which is now operated by the Japan Institute of Design Promotion, has recently released their list of 2015’s Good Design Best 100 award winners.
With such innovative ideas as LED jump ropes and basketball courts, these awards are truly the best place to catch a glimpse of athletics equipment of the future!
Tokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
This Japanese vending machine doesn’t sell drinks, but you can buy drinks through it
Godiva now makes tofu in Japan, and sakura chocolate tofu too![Taste test]
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
How much is Amazon Japan’s lowest-rated currency calculator worth in yen?
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
Muji’s Sofa Made From Air review: Is Japan’s most sought-after portable couch worth the hype?
Hitachi invents “happiness meter” which monitors your every move (and then tells your boss)
Fanta Socata!? Now available exclusively from Japanese vending machines
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in TokyoJapanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping listStarbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Cherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Studio Ghibli adds new Mother’s Day gift sets to its anime collection in Japan
Virtual idol Hatsune Miku redesigned with look that adds new elements and brings back old ones
The next time you’re feeling stressed out, you could relax on a Pokémon Psyduck chair from Japan
Komachi Shokudo: Japanese mum’s-style cooking for breakfast, lunch and dinner in TokyoTokyo government organizes food truck event to clear out delinquent/homeless teen gathering area
When will the cherry blossoms reach full bloom in Japan this year?[Forecast]
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura cherry blossom collection for hanami season 2026Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli releases Catbus pullback keychain that runs like the anime character
The 10 most annoying things foreign tourists do on Japanese trains, according to locals
Nine great places to see spring flowers in Japan, as chosen by travelers (with almost no sakura)Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever Hinamatsuri Girls’ Day FrappuccinoStarbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the countryCherry blossoms begin blooming in Japan with record-early starts for sakura season
Japan’s cherry blossom season predicted to start earlier than we’d thought, especially in Tokyo
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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
How much is Amazon Japan’s lowest-rated currency calculator worth in yen?
Is Daiso’s microwave Japanese rolled omelet maker worth your time and money? [Taste test]
Muji’s Sofa Made From Air review: Is Japan’s most sought-after portable couch worth the hype?
Hitachi invents “happiness meter” which monitors your every move (and then tells your boss)
Fanta Socata!? Now available exclusively from Japanese vending machines
Kyoto sightseeing tour: The most amazing old bathhouses in the city
Studio Ghibli unleashes Turnip Head on the world
Life-size Thomas the Tank Engine begins running on Japanese railroad
Death Spray from Japan causes buzz online for powerful ability to cut ties with bad energy
Japanese convenience store sandwiches get extra protection from new business backpack
Passing the JLPT N1 — Here’s how I did it, so you can too!
Puppet Sunsun taking over Lawson convenience stores all over Japan