Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
itavans
Itasha, literally “painful cars,” are vehicles tricked out with all kinds of crazy body work and paint jobs so that they look like something out of an anime and are supposed to “hurt” just to look at. There’s a vibrant subculture of itasha owners and fans in Japan and they meet up every now and then to show off their wheels and talk shop. Take a look at our photo gallery and see if you don’t get a little depressed over your own car’s lack of fins.
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Return of Totoro sequel short anime announced for Ghibli Park
Japanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Top 30 tourist sites in Japan: the most popular sightseeing spots for overseas visitors
7 hilarious/inexplicable Japan moments in South Park
Japanese gravure idol strips down, plays drums to anime hits【Videos】
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
Have you ever noticed how much Totoro looks like New Year’s mochi? This plushie’s designers did, and the result is adorable!
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the monthStarbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
More Shinkansen trains being added to Japan’s “golden route” to meet traveler demandJapanese avoiding domestic travel as foreign tourists increase, possibly creating vicious cycle
Japanese woman mistaken for bearReturn of Totoro sequel short anime announced for Ghibli Park
Starbucks Japan quietly slips fans another Christmas present with Joyful Medley Strawberry Milk Tea
Japanese man who didn’t know how banks work defrauded out of 21 million yen
Gundam and Reebok team up for new GQuuuuuuX Pumps【Photos】
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answerJapan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Japanese gravure idol strips down, plays drums to anime hits【Videos】
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
Have you ever noticed how much Totoro looks like New Year’s mochi? This plushie’s designers did, and the result is adorable!
How to speak Japanese like a gyaru【2024 edition】
Japan’s cooling body wipe sheets want to help you beat the heat, but which work and which don’t?
Pokémon appear at Pronto cafes in Japan for a limited time, but there’s one thing missing from the menu
TikTok releases its Year in Music 2025 – Japan’s Top 10 Songs ranking
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
Japanese convenience store Family Mart adding crane games to thousands of branches
Itadakimasu! A brief history of the evolution of Japanese school lunches
We try the tomato, milk and lemon drink that Japan dared to produce