inspiring
Hirotada Otatake was born with no arms or legs, but it didn’t keep him from trying to do good things in this world.
Musician Norm Nakamura’s movie-like story is a real-life example of how far you can go if you really chase your dreams.
Will this flame of hope light the way for those still recovering from the Tohoku earthquake?
With a little re-branding and a helping “leg” from technology, this wheelchair is ready for the 21st century.
Athletes who compete in amateur sports have one of the most difficult tasks. To compete on the world level, these athletes have to train their butts off and since they aren’t paid to compete, have to hold down a job as well. What they are able to accomplish when facing severely stacked odds is pretty spectacular.
With the conclusion of the 2014 Asia Games, Japan has once again had the chance to cheer on their storied athletes. It’s important to see these sportsmen in high level competitions because they inspire an entire generation of young athletes to continue to do what they love. A commercial airing during the television broadcasts for the Asia Games is also showing the incredible hearts of these great athletes. Find out who is giving back and what their special message is after the jump.











Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Real Buddhist monk plays Super Mario Bros., recites prayers every time he kills an enemy【Video】
This overlooked neighborhood east of Tokyo is awesome in many ways, left us with just one regret
Anti-NHK activist recommends “magic words” that will drive away fee collectors instantly
Akihabara pop-up shop sells goods made by Japanese prison inmates
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
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
Starbucks Japan reveals new sakura drinkware collection, inspired by evening cherry blossoms
Real Buddhist monk plays Super Mario Bros., recites prayers every time he kills an enemy【Video】
This overlooked neighborhood east of Tokyo is awesome in many ways, left us with just one regret
Anti-NHK activist recommends “magic words” that will drive away fee collectors instantly
Akihabara pop-up shop sells goods made by Japanese prison inmates
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Is Kyoto’s raindrop cake as good as the original from Yamanashi?
Our reporter takes her 71-year-old mother to a visual kei concert for the first time
Starbucks Japan unveils New Year’s drinkware range for 2021
We visit Japan’s new Sriracha vending machines to get our spicy red-sauce fix【Pics】
Lawson changes its iconic egg sandwich, makes it bigger but smaller at the same time
Chikan molester runs away from Japanese schoolgirls at train station in Japan【Video】
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan