Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Karl Lagerfeld
A new perfume has been created inspired by this quote of Karl Lagerfeld, a heavy hitter in the fashion world working with the likes of Chanel and Fendi among others.
“The smell of a freshly printed book is the best smell in the world.”
Well, hmmm, I never really thought about it before, but I can distinctly recall the smell of a fresh book after reading his words – so he could be onto something. But does it really make you smell like a book? And would people actually go for it?
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right now
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
A trip to hell on Japan’s ‘vomit ship’: Is it as bad as everyone says it is?
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Cherry blossom sake rice beer arriving in Japan well ahead of cherry blossom season, but how?
Sakura Skytree photos take Tokyo’s breath away, give kick-start to cherry blossom season【Photos】
This super-compact raincoat from one of Japan’s 100-yen stores can literally fit in your pocket
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weaponJapan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are freeNew Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Morning-after pill finally available in Japan without a prescription, must be taken at pharmacy
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminatingJapan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
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 TokyoStarbucks 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
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
A trip to hell on Japan’s ‘vomit ship’: Is it as bad as everyone says it is?
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
Cherry blossom sake rice beer arriving in Japan well ahead of cherry blossom season, but how?
Sakura Skytree photos take Tokyo’s breath away, give kick-start to cherry blossom season【Photos】
This super-compact raincoat from one of Japan’s 100-yen stores can literally fit in your pocket
Is the all-you-can-eat KFC buffet in Tokyo really as good as they say it is?
Ghost in the Sheel goes traditional with Japanese porcelain Tachikoma robots, only 50 to be made
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Japan has abolished advance deportation notifications to foreigners’ lawyers
Japanese island with a population less than 10 is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Survey shows more Japanese married men, single Japanese women cheating on their romantic partners
Trouble making friends? Sticker collecting works surprisingly well
Tokyo’s busiest train stations have a new, free, English-compatible navigation app