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.
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Today
Hatsune Miku collaborates with Hokusai’s art in new Vocaloid ukiyo-e illustration series [Pics]
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Mass murder plot stopped by friend of Akihabara mass murderer
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Weekly
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
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Solid gold Hedorah kaiju from the Godzilla series is now available to pre-order- Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
Monthly
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country- Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon- Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
Yearly
- Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo- Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]- Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】- Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
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Mass murder plot stopped by friend of Akihabara mass murderer
Evangelion beautifully reimagined as iconic classical Japanese folding screen art series [Photos]
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Studio Ghibli releases huge new wooden clip collection featuring 25 anime movies
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s semi-secret affogato is a perfect mix of fun and fancy [Taste test]
Defacing the Japanese flag is now a crime, says government, punishable by up to two years in jail
Can instant TKG from Don Quijote really recreate Japan’s beloved raw-egg-on-rice dish?
Tokyo and Osaka make it into this year’s EIU ranking of the world’s Top Ten Most Liveable Cities
After job-quitting service, leave-of-absence-request proxy service sees rising demand in Japan
Tokyo Disneyland and Disney Sea raising ticket prices, free Fast Pass ending next month
Shinkansen trial of moderately air conditioned cars draws mixed reactions from travellers
Kyushu yakisoba Sofuren’s new food truck ventures into the Kanto region for the first time
7-Eleven Japan releases new sandwich that technically contains fruit but isn’t a fruit sandwich
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