Hello Kitty dons yet another hat by becoming a member of one of Japan’s most popular idol groups.
idol groups
Instinctively chasing down idols may be acceptable in fans’ eyes, but not so in everyone else’s.
Scathing comments from Japanese and Korean netizens spark heated debate between the two pop cultures.
Handsome miner dummies take the mannequin challenge to new heights with a catchy new music video that’s winning over fans around the country.
If there was an award for most male-on-male kisses in a mainstream music video, this idol group would take home first prize.
Hugely popular idol group AKB48 was founded on the premise of “idols you can meet” and over the years they’ve stuck to it, hosting numerous handshake and meet-and-greet events on top of their live shows and performances at their own special theatre. Sadly, that open, accommodating fan policy was jeopardised last year when two members of the group were viciously attacked at a handshake event by a crazed “fan” wielding a hand saw.
Luckily, the girls weren’t too seriously injured, but the incident shook the entertainment industry and led to increased security measures being implemented at celebrity events, and it was reported yesterday that the individual responsible for the attack has been sentenced to six years in prison.
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Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
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Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
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7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
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Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
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Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Yearly
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
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】
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
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