We take a look at a Japanese website that lets you transform your photos into 8-bit, Gameboy-style works of art!
image
This “disappearing picture” is a neat optical illusion we’ve never seen before. If you stare at it long enough, it disappears! Now to me, that sounds suspiciously like the time during my first year of middle school when the teacher sent gullible little me to ask the teacher next door for a “long stand”. (Incidentally, did you know the l’s are silent? The correct pronunciation is goo-ible.)
But I digress. This disappearing picture trick is pretty cool, and it really does work! All you need is your eyes and a little patience.
You’ve probably heard stories about the horrors of Japanese juku, otherwise known as cram schools, where children go after an already grueling day at regular school to receive even more academic instruction in specific subject areas. Most students attend these costly schools in the hopes of gaining even a few extra points on their high school or university entrance examinations, whether it’s by their own volition or because they’re being forced to go by their parents. So unless you’re someone who genuinely enjoys the process of studying, you can see why just the thought of juku conjures up dread in so many Japanese students.
Determined to dispel the image of cram schools as torture chambers for weary students who would much rather be watching TV or playing video games in the evening, one such juku has decided to take a completely different approach in the way that it attracts students to its classes. And after seeing the following pictures, you might just be convinced to go back to class yourself!



Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We followed Tokyo’s mystery walking map and ended up creating our own bar-hopping adventure
Village Vanguard’s Blue Lucky Bag may have the most impressive piece of junk ever created
We try an unusual buffet of dishes made from wild game at a roadside stop in Chiba
Man arrested for violating Japan’s anti-dueling law in downtown Tokyo
Fewer ramen restaurants declare bankruptcy in Japan for first time in several years
The official cosplay booth models of Tokyo Game Show 2024【Photos】
Japanese Twitter community shocked to learn that train timetables are made with Microsoft Excel
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Japanese women showing rebounding interest in giving Valentine’s Day chocolate【Survey】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Fewer ramen restaurants declare bankruptcy in Japan for first time in several years
The official cosplay booth models of Tokyo Game Show 2024【Photos】
Japanese Twitter community shocked to learn that train timetables are made with Microsoft Excel
Hokkaido has an Ice Festival that’s less famous than the Snow one, but beautiful in its own way
New adults go wild at Seijinshiki Coming-of-Age ceremony in Kitakyushu, Japan 【Photos】
Sega announces Game Gear Micro, an extra-tiny retro system with a startingly high price
New Weathering With You art book comes with free anime backgrounds for video conference calls
Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Kanna Hashimoto wins Guinness World Record for getting tissues really fast
Pizza Hut’s new Oreo pizza is like nothing we’ve ever eaten before
Site of the worst bear attack in Japanese history is a chilling place to visit
What to buy at Daiso’s new Standard Products store in Tokyo