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.











We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still delivers
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
New Studio Ghibli collection includes a US$2,450 wooden Totoro 【Video】
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Are all Starbucks coffee sizes the same? Testing the viral video claim in Japan
Studio Ghibli retailer now sells Japanese anime curry with all the special utensils
McDonald’s releases new “Yakki” burger based on a popular Japanese meal
Cup Noodle releases new Tomica “car” collection
Toilet teaching – Japanese programmer explains key concept with clever bathroom snapshot
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Sumo Sanrio! Hello Kitty and pals team up with Japan Sumo Association for new merch【Pics】
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
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
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
Are all Starbucks coffee sizes the same? Testing the viral video claim in Japan
Studio Ghibli retailer now sells Japanese anime curry with all the special utensils
McDonald’s releases new “Yakki” burger based on a popular Japanese meal
Cup Noodle releases new Tomica “car” collection
Toilet teaching – Japanese programmer explains key concept with clever bathroom snapshot
Japanese police are not messing around, with Patlabor robot mecha out on display 【Video】
The ancient Japanese textile craft made with jagged fingernails
New Japanese bowl-shaped donburi rice cooker cooks rice and toppings at the same time
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Take a toothbrush with you to Butakin for this daring mixed noodles with chives dish
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026