Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
health hazards
Air pollution in China is a serious problem, especially in urban areas in the east like Shanghai. Over the past week, the city has been dealing with a particularity nasty bout of smog that has far exceeded safe levels according to its own Air Quality Index. The smog has been heavy since around the beginning of the month, with one of the worst days on December 6 that saw pollution levels over ten times that of the air in neighboring countries.
Sailor Moon and J-pop mega-star Ayumi Hamasaki team up for collaboration, pre-defeat scalpers
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
Japanese train station vending machine has the best souvenirs for rail otaku
Kura Sushi has a new parade-delivered whole cake dessert, but what’s it like to eat?【Video】
Police called out to investigate suspicious Santa in Wakayama
Japanese city paints well-known prostitution street bright yellow, adds fish art【Video】
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Japan’s new imitation Oreos are here, but how do they compare to the made-in-China real deal?
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the pastOne of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet rangeStation of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Mysterious 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 schools
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 ShinjukuJapanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
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 wholeJapanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
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
Police called out to investigate suspicious Santa in Wakayama
Japanese city paints well-known prostitution street bright yellow, adds fish art【Video】
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Japan’s new imitation Oreos are here, but how do they compare to the made-in-China real deal?
The best Christmas Market in Japan? Yokohama event is top choice for travellers
The top 5 ice creams you should try at Family Mart convenience stores in Japan this summer
A star is born: Twitter users have a field day with Assemblyman Nonomura’s teary defense
Japanese-style accommodation at the new Premium Dormy Inn hotel in Asakusa will blow your mind
Experience the “Color of Water” from a 250-year-old Japanese confection maker!
Totoro and Kiki star in new Ghibli stationery collection
Celebrating legal marriage days in Japan with budget-friendly photoshoots