It’s time for more misadventures in the land of cinematic localization as the movie Virgin Mountain gets promoted in Japan.
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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.



Many foreign tourists not picking up, paying for their orders at 100-year-old Tokyo sweets shop
We suspected this Japanese cable car was an overpriced tourist trip, but we underestimated it
Live-action Legend of Zelda movie releases first on-set, in-costume images【Photos】
Here’s what to expect if it’s your first time seeing kabuki at Tokyo’s Kabuki-za Theater
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Ministop becomes Megastop in our minds by increasing certain food volumes by up to 50 percent
Studio Ghibli adds My Neighbour Totoro stamps to its anime merchandise store in Japan
National Geographic names Yamagata Prefecture on its “Best of the World 2026” travel destinations
90 minutes of all-you-can-drink alcohol for 550 yen at revolving sushi restaurant Koma Sushi
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
Ministop becomes Megastop in our minds by increasing certain food volumes by up to 50 percent
Studio Ghibli adds My Neighbour Totoro stamps to its anime merchandise store in Japan
National Geographic names Yamagata Prefecture on its “Best of the World 2026” travel destinations
90 minutes of all-you-can-drink alcohol for 550 yen at revolving sushi restaurant Koma Sushi
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Should this Japanese game developer be annoyed with “similar” release by other studio?
Let’s take a tour of the best sushi in Tokyo’s Tsukiji Fish Market with Mr. Sato! (Part 1)
Japanese-style strawberry sandwiches win mainstream fans in U.K., but aren’t quite like the originals
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
Tourists in Kyoto cause chaos at railway crossing near Fushimi Inari Taisha
Hinamatsuri Pikachu kimono couple plushie on the way to celebrate Japan’s Doll Festival【Photos】
Pokémon doughnuts appear at Mister Donut, with all-new Pikachu and Foongus
We visit the full-scale Evangelion statue in Kyoto and particularly delight in the food tie-ins