About a year ago, Microsoft learned the power of moe mascots when their Windows 8 platform sold in record numbers in Japan. This was largely credited with the addition of the Madobe Sisters, Yuu and Ai.
Now they’re hoping lightning will strike twice and jolt some new life into their web browser Internet Explorer. As more and more people have flocked to browsers like Chrome and Firefox over the years, IE looked as though it was heading the way of Netscape thanks to sluggish speeds and compatibility problems.
However, IE’s newest mascot, Inori Aizawa promises and end to these design flaws along with some lasers and high speed robot battles.
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
Things get heavy with the Gold Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Pizza Hut Japan’s hot lucky bags are perfect for a New Year’s pizza party
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
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 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
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
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
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
Things get heavy with the Gold Lucky Bag from Village Vanguard
Here’s what our bachelor writers ate over the New Year’s holiday in Japan
New Japanese menstrual product seeks to help women spot unidentified iron deficiencies
Nearly one in ten young adults living in Japan isn’t ethnically Japanese, statistics show
Brand-new theme park in Japan charges foreign tourists 25 percent more than locals for tickets
Here are four ways McDonald’s Japan could combat scalpers after its Pokémon Happy Meal fiasco
Japan’s top 10 open-air hot spring baths with cherry blossom views【Survey】
Japanese women sound off on the line separating a male friend and a boyfriend
Tokyo’s super-secret-location sushi restaurant has a stand-up sister shop that’s open to all
What’s the real reason for the ‘floating’ 3-D signs at Haneda Airport?
You can now buy a Japanese train station clock in Japan
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Short animation “Snowstorm Traveller” whips up a figurative storm of applause