It’s time for more misadventures in the land of cinematic localization as the movie Virgin Mountain gets promoted in Japan.
Iceland
Whenever we see something that’s cute, huge and blows our minds, we generally look to Japan as the source behind the creation. While they’ve proved they can be design innovators in oversized sushi, and the creation of fluffy giant cats, there’s one area where Japan has a lot to learn from other countries, and its something that exists around the country in abundance: power lines.
Often seen towering over rice fields, propped up on the side of mountains and jutting out beyond the high rises, wouldn’t it be significantly more amazing if the ordinary-looking transmission tower had the occasional smiley face or pair of gigantic arms like a colossal Titan? We take a look at some amazing electricity pylon designs from around the world, in the hope that one day, Japan will turn its keen design eye in their direction.
RPGs like Square Enix’s Final Fantasy take us to faraway worlds with extraordinarily picturesque locations; places that couldn’t possibly exist on this planet. Mother Earth would have to be a scenery designer to create locales as visually stunning as RPGs do.
But Earth is a much stranger place than we can imagine, and some of the craziest “must be photoshopped” places turn out to be just the simple strangeness of our planet. Luckily for us, if you ever wanted to visit a place that would fit perfectly into a Final Fantasy world, Earth has you covered. Watch yourself when you stand up, because your jaws are about to be all over the floor.



Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Solaniwa Onsen: Kansai’s largest hot spring theme park is also one of its most beautiful
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Pikachu Outbreak 2018 photos! Pikachus parade through Yokohama, bust out dance moves at night
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service notebook and ceramic cake case to stores in Japan
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese movie theater chain’s popcorn earns highest Grand Prix quality certification
Japan’s most famous Mt. Fuji view park cancels cherry blossom festival because of overtourism
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
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
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
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Here comes a new katsudon: ice cream katsudon?!?
Pikachu Outbreak 2018 photos! Pikachus parade through Yokohama, bust out dance moves at night
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service notebook and ceramic cake case to stores in Japan
A spotlight on Japanese singles figure skating: Jumping into the 2026 Olympics【Pt. II】
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Japan’s original oyakodon restaurant reopens after three years in a newly renovated building
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
Jimmy Choo and Sailor Moon collaboration brings us gorgeous high-fashion Sailor Scout shoes
AI learns how to colorize photos, makes old Japan pictures look like they were taken today【Pics】
Nothing to see here — just a giant cat selling puddings in Japan
Convenience store onigiri rice balls become even more expensive…but are they worth it?
McDonald’s Japan partners with anime English teacher, but did they commit a cultural error?[Video]
How to write “sakura” in Japanese (and why it’s written that way)