Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Is Japan Cool?
Kohei Matsuno is no ordinary barista. What started as his way of sprucing up an ordinary cup of complimentary coffee for patrons at his part-time job has blossomed into a form of creative expression that has people around the world smiling. Known as “Mattsun” by his Internet followers, Mr. Matsuno brings life and whimsy to an otherwise ordinary cup of joe. Come with us now for a sneak peek at the work that goes into some of Japan’s most beautiful latte art.
Romi Mizukami, a fashion designer for popular Japanese clothing brand BEAMS, is without a doubt one of Japan’s biggest Hello Kitty fans, or rather “Kittylers.” Her home is a veritable shrine to the little kitty that could, with blacks, whites, and reds as far as the eye can see, and for the past few years she has slowly incorporated the uniquely kawaii Hello Kitty style into not just her design work but her very own wardrobe.
Come on in and meet the real-life Kitty-chan!
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese train station vending machine has the best souvenirs for rail otaku
Kura Sushi has a new parade-delivered whole cake dessert, but what’s it like to eat?【Video】
Police called out to investigate suspicious Santa in Wakayama
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Mr. Sato visits the Retro Space Saka Hall, full of syringes, Mediocrity, and bittersweet memories
A carlator is shaking things up on our way to one of Japan’s last revolving restaurants
The three ways to say “love” in Japanese, and when to use themThis downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glassesStation of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelinesMysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a wholeJapanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengersPossessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Mr. Sato visits the Retro Space Saka Hall, full of syringes, Mediocrity, and bittersweet memories
A carlator is shaking things up on our way to one of Japan’s last revolving restaurants
The three ways to say “love” in Japanese, and when to use them
What’s a furisode kimono without sleeves? An incredibly elegant wedding dress【Photos】
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s ice cream popularity poll leaves out fan favourite — but why?!
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese
At Kichi Kichi in Kyoto the rice omelets are both dinner and a show【Video】
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan