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.











Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Super-salty pizza sends six kids to the hospital in Japan, linguistics blamed
Foreign tourists in Japan will get free Shinkansen tickets to promote regional tourism
Starbucks Japan unveils new sakura Frappuccino for cherry blossom season 2026
Elderly Japan man arrested for stealing toilet, using it in his home for three months
Room 404: What happened when we stayed in an unlucky hotel room in Japan
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Randy’s Donuts opens first-ever branch in Japan, brings L.A.’s donuts to Tokyo【Photos】
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Satisfy your sweet tooth with cheesecake and more all-you-can-eat sweets at Cheese Garden
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Foreigners accounting for over 80 percent of off-course skiers needing rescue in Japan’s Hokkaido
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
A look back on 40 years of Japanese schools banning stuff
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
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
Room 404: What happened when we stayed in an unlucky hotel room in Japan
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Randy’s Donuts opens first-ever branch in Japan, brings L.A.’s donuts to Tokyo【Photos】
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Satisfy your sweet tooth with cheesecake and more all-you-can-eat sweets at Cheese Garden
Tokyo’s Shinjuku Station’s west side: Quite possibly best spot in Japan for Pokémon GO
Japan’s cat testicle calendar is here for nyantama fans to go nuts with
McDonald’s Japan hack: What happens when you put an apple pie inside a Big Mac?
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
Awesome website allows you to make your own Dragon Ball character, battle other fighters
Our search for the coldest place in Tokyo to escape Japan’s heat wave takes us below the earth【Pics】
20 things to buy at the Pokémon Center Mega Tokyo store
Cheapest breakfast in Japan? Hidden find at Japanese supermarket costs less than US$1
Lawson convenience stores selling drinkable mapo tofu, spicy meat and tofu