About a year ago, Microsoft learned the power of moe mascots when their Windows 8 platform sold in record numbers in Japan. This was largely credited with the addition of the Madobe Sisters, Yuu and Ai.
Now they’re hoping lightning will strike twice and jolt some new life into their web browser Internet Explorer. As more and more people have flocked to browsers like Chrome and Firefox over the years, IE looked as though it was heading the way of Netscape thanks to sluggish speeds and compatibility problems.
However, IE’s newest mascot, Inori Aizawa promises and end to these design flaws along with some lasers and high speed robot battles.
Lawson convenience store at popular tourist site is one of the most unusual in Japan
Japanese trains in Sapporo might be better than those in Tokyo, thanks to one special feature
Studio Ghibli celebrates the magic of movie theaters with short video, Hayao Miyazaki illustration
There’s a new world’s largest anime robot statue, and it’s not in Japan【Photos】
Awesome phone booth aquarium removed from Japanese city due to copyright infringement
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Chinese Disney fans worry that an upcoming Pixar short film will be banned from theaters
New Travelling Bento pouches turn your luggage into a Japanese lunch box
Six-year-old Japanese farm boy goes viral for doling out comments on dating like an old grandpa
Japanese company allows workers to take vacation to grieve if favorite idol singer gets married
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Mt. Fuji decorated with a 500,000-flower pink carpet is Japan’s ultimate spring view
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Starbucks Japan closing only Shinkansen platform branch for popularity-triggered renovations
You can assemble a well-balanced team of Pokémon, them eat them, thanks to Japanese cake chain
30 Pikachus want to share a Tokyo hotel room with you that has separate Grass, Water, Fire spaces
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after
7-Eleven Japan’s new baked-in-store sweet treat is only available in three parts of the country
Peanuts and Coke becomes a viral hit in Japan, but is it a trend worth joining?
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
Train station platform ramen store closes its doors on half a century of history in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases new My Fruit³ Frappuccino at only 34 stores around the country
Krispy Kreme releases Super Mario doughnuts in Japan for a limited time
Japanese onsen egg maker from 100-yen store Daiso needs to be on your shopping list
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
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
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
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】
No more using real katana for tourism activities, Japan’s National Police Agency says
Naruto and Converse team up for new line of shinobi sneakers[Photos]
Chinese Disney fans worry that an upcoming Pixar short film will be banned from theaters
New Travelling Bento pouches turn your luggage into a Japanese lunch box
Six-year-old Japanese farm boy goes viral for doling out comments on dating like an old grandpa
Japanese company allows workers to take vacation to grieve if favorite idol singer gets married
Are Japanese convenience store sandwiches scamming us with their fillings?
A Japanese take on inviting friends over for dinner (and making them pay!)
Drink vending machines disappearing in Japan as number drops to lowest in 30 years
Downtown Tokyo’s meaty monster Kaibutsu ramen will challenge your stomach, thrill your taste buds
Hidden oasis on a Japanese department store rooftop is home to Monet’s Pond in Tokyo
Learn Japanese through ridiculous manga: Two Piece 【Episode #1】
McDonald’s and Gundam team up for customized anime mecha and fried chicken sandwiches[Video]
One of Tokyo’s most useful subway lines for travelers is about to get more convenient
Japanese convenience store packs a whole bento into an onigiri rice ball