Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
GPI
It seems like Japan is winning at everything these days, first with being selected to host the 2020 Olympic Games, then with Tokyo being chosen as the safest city in the world (and Osaka a close third!). Now, Japan has been ranked by the Global Peace Index (GPI) as having one of the top 15 least violent armed forces in the world. Did your country make the list too? Check after the jump to find out!
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Japanese 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 rangeMysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Major 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 ShinjukuStudio 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
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
This Nara workshop has been making deer crackers for more than 100 years and offers tours【Photos】
Survey shows that guys like girls who eat a lot, so long as it’s salad
The best Christmas Market in Japan? Yokohama event is top choice for travellers
Starbucks Japan reveals new holiday goods for the 2024 festive season
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
Android app allegedly allows users to find and hire muscle to beat up whomever they want
Yakuza vending machines coming to real-world Tokyo neighborhood that inspired Like a Dragon games
Nakano Broadway sells a fukubukuro lucky bag for foreigners, but is it a good deal or a scam?
Anime voice actress Megumi Hayashibara’s Lina Inverse will hold virtual VTuber concert