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.











Even at twice regular Daiso price, this handy item is still great for summer travel in Japan
Ghibli’s No Face continues to demonstrate his generous character growth by dispensing soy sauce
Tokyo’s Pokémon Cafe reopens this month with brand-new sweets and Pikachu show
Osaka is hosting a “hentai” event, but it’s probably not what you think
Japanese convenience store shows us how to dress for the rainy season
A Japanese toast sandwich remix: The toasted rice rice ball[SoraKitchen]
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Japanese high school closes its cafeteria, replaces it with a 7-Eleven convenience store
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
New official Ghibli anime food cookbook will teach you how to make Ponyo’s ramen and more
Kyoto public junior high school becomes first in Japan with a hoodie school uniform
What’s up with the Ghibli Park photo and video ban?
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Krispy Kreme releases a new Doughwich… at only one store in Japan
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Kanji ice cream becomes a sell-out hit in Japan
Japan now has gyoza doughnuts, and they taste like no other doughnut we’ve tried before
Japanese convenience store Lawson launches new “mini supermarket” chain, L Minimart
Japan’s real-world Pokémon hot spring’s first photos are here![Photos]
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
We deeply regret going into this tunnel on our walk in the mountains of Japan
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
A Japanese toast sandwich remix: The toasted rice rice ball[SoraKitchen]
Uniqlo reveals third round of massive 100-year-anniversary manga T-shirts for Jump’s Shueisha
Japanese high school closes its cafeteria, replaces it with a 7-Eleven convenience store
Lawson opens a new mini supermarket, and the lucky bags can essentially stock your kitchen
Starbucks Japan unveils new Frappuccino showcasing “mottainai” culture
With hot sweaty Shibuya summer on the way, free sodium tablets to be given out in downtown Tokyo
American college student missing in Kyoto, last seen by family one week ago
Japan Post’s mail carriers are getting some cool upgrades, but packages might be a little late
What’s it like to join Tokyo’s walking-and-talking-with-strangers club for a day?
Body of missing foreign tourist in Japan found floating off coast of town he was last seen in
Video of man spraying liquid on conveyor belt sushi leads to arrest in Japan
Studio Ghibli adds new range of neckties to its anime merchandise store in Japan
Starbucks Japan has a mesh bag so cute it’s a sell-out hit
Starbucks Japan releases first-ever muscat-flavoured chilled cup drink