Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
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As western stars who’ve been in the entertainment industry since we were nippers could tell you, reinvention is the cornerstone of a long and successful career. Just like Madonna and David Bowie, Japan’s mega-popular musical powerhouse Gackt loves a good makeover, and his newest incarnation has gotten Japanese netizens all riled up and excited. Why? Because he looks like a total badass!
For hardcore fans of a certain band or TV show, part of the fun is amassing a collection of tie-in products designed to meet your exact needs and interests. Nowhere does this ring true more than in Japan, where geeking out over a variety of goods relating to your most beloved anime or music group is basically all part and parcel of fandom.
But sometimes the companies who produce these products tends to go a little too far, attempting to dupe devoted fans out of their hard-earned cash in exchange for, well, a heap of junk. Read on to view seven of the worst offenders!
Singer, musician and occasional actor/author/jack of all trades Gackt has had a long and successful career on the Japanese music scene, and also enjoys considerable popularity abroad. During an overseas trip recently, he encountered an unsettling example of what he claims to be blatant racial discrimination in a Parisian hotel. But just what happened?
Majority of Japanese mayors say foreign residents are essential but most see good and bad effects
Four Shinto shrines to pray for love at in Japan to start the New Year
That time Seiji called JASRAC to ask why he didn’t get paid royalties for his song being on TV
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Here are five incredible places to add to your itinerary on a visit to Shimane’s Izumo City
Blackboard art contest produces entries that will take your breath away
Amazing ukiyo-e art exhibit gives you the chance to step inside a woodblock print and snap photos
Beautiful Starbucks in Kyoto blends into its traditional landscape in more ways than one
Cloth randoseru Japanese backpacks are here to lighten load on parents’ wallets and kids’ backs
The 6 best frozen foods at a Japanese grocery store
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Hayao Miyazaki says Happy New Year to Studio Ghibli fans with new art for Year of the Horse
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
Cup Noodle tries an authentic Jiro-style ramen, but something’s not quite right
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Japan’s oldest largetooth sawfish in captivity back on display in Mie Prefecture
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
The best Starbucks Japan Frappuccinos we want to drink again in 2026
We revisited Sweets Paradise after a decade to see if Japan’s dessert buffet still deliversStarbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
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】
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
Updated cherry blossom forecast shows extra-long sakura season for Japan this year
Blackboard art contest produces entries that will take your breath away
Amazing ukiyo-e art exhibit gives you the chance to step inside a woodblock print and snap photos
Beautiful Starbucks in Kyoto blends into its traditional landscape in more ways than one
Cloth randoseru Japanese backpacks are here to lighten load on parents’ wallets and kids’ backs
The 6 best frozen foods at a Japanese grocery store
7-Eleven opens “next generation” SIP convenience store in Japan
Cherry blossom beer. Taste test. Need we say more?
Dragon Quest Burgers and Slime drinks are coming to McDonald’s Japan【Video】
Harajuku’s new permanent Tamagotchi shop is filled with cuteness and a surprising lack of poop
More JSDF recruitment posters get a moe makeover in Ibaraki
Why is this cafe in Asakusa so popular with foreign tourists?