Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Hirakawa Zoo
Ahh, the internet. It used to be that if you wanted snorgle-worthy pictures of baby animals, you had to go out and take them yourself, risking skinned knees, mozzie bites, and the occasional head cold to do so. Now, we can sit back in the comfort of our own beanbag chairs and have the cute come to us.
The latest digital goldmine to be discovered? The Twitter feed of the Hirakawa Zoo in Kyushu, where a pair of baby Asian small-clawed otters have been bringing the cute in a big way.
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Japanese politician threatens to send bears to people, wants Loony Tunes-style anti-bear bombs
Makers of Dassai to brew sake in space and sell 100 milliliters for 100 million yen
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the animeJapanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glassesThis downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
One 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 LineMysterious 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
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Japanese politician threatens to send bears to people, wants Loony Tunes-style anti-bear bombs
Makers of Dassai to brew sake in space and sell 100 milliliters for 100 million yen
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
A carlator is shaking things up on our way to one of Japan’s last revolving restaurants
How to get all-you-can eat doughnuts at Mister Donut for just 12 bucks!
A Fujoshi’s heaven on earth exists in Ikebukuro’s Boy’s Love Academy cafe
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Chikan molester runs away from Japanese schoolgirls at train station in Japan【Video】
Japan Travel: Explore a hidden cave on a tiny monorail roller coaster thrill ride in Nara
Interactive online map of Kyoto lets you toggle between modern day and the 9th century
Take a toothbrush with you to Butakin for this daring mixed noodles with chives dish