Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Kaze Tachinu
The Box Office Mojo website reports that Hayao Miyazaki‘s final film, The Wind Rises opened in limited release this weekend in 21 theaters with an estimated US$306,000. Those box office receipts gave the film a per-screen average of US$14,571, the second highest among all films in the United States this weekend (after Elaine Stritch: Shoot Me‘s US$15,000 average on two screens).
A man from Japan’s Gunma Prefecture is facing legal action on the grounds of copyright infringement after uploading Studio Ghibli’s 2013 animated film Kaze Tachinu (The Wind Rises in the West) to a public website in July and November last year, the Yomiuri Online reports. When questioned, the accused individual remarked that he uploaded the film “to be popular”, proving once again that crime, especially the dumb kind, does not pay.
Studio Ghibli announced on September 1 that Hayao Miyazaki is retiring. The director will hold a press conference on Friday to further explain the reasons for his retirement.
While the official release date of Ghibli’s new feature anime film, The Wind Rises (Kaze Tachinu), is still a few short days away, numerous preview screenings have already taken place across Japan. We too, went to a screening earlier this month and offered you our impressions after seeing the movie, and now, with all the reviews from luckier members off the public trickling in, it seems that not everyone is happy with Ghibli’s new creation, especially the younger audience.
“The wind is rising! … We must attempt to live! (Le vent se lève ! … Il faut tenter de vivre!” — Paul Valéry, Le Cimetière marin
Fans of Japanese anime will know by now that the release of a new Studio Ghibli movie is surrounded by a fair amount of hype. Their newest film, The Wind Rises (Kaze Tachinu), scheduled for release in Japan on July 20, is certainly no exception, especially since it’s the first Ghibli movie in five years to be directed by the studio’s co-founder, Hayao Miyazaki. Now that preview screenings of the movie have started, we were anxious to get our hands on a ticket. Fortunately, that’s exactly what we were able to do, so we thought we’d share our experience with you.
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japanese hair salons going bankrupt in record numbers
Foreign tourist needs ambulance to pick him up at Mt. Fuji after hiking closed trail
Is Mister Donut’s all-you-can-eat Donut Buffet still worth it?
Seaweed bread is one of the most unusual baked goods in all of Japan
Shogun Cultural Experiences merges a walking tour, sweets, and the music of traditional Japan
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Looney Tunes is now an adorable anime series with Looney Tunes Gokko[Videos]
Uniqlo’s high-end sunglasses are a fashion minefield for anyone who isn’t Mr. Sato
Hayao Miyazaki’s Whisper of the Heart concept art revealed in new Ghibli illustration book
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at homeThe average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Dorayaki from 89-year-old Japanese confectionery shop is one of the best sweets hidden in Tokyo
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Sega opening 65th anniversary store in downtotn Tokyo with deep-cut game merch
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Viral tweet suggests Japanese convenience store ripping off customers with donuts, so we investigate
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful garden
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to TokyoJapan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at homeThe average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now openJapan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
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
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 saysJapan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Shogun Cultural Experiences merges a walking tour, sweets, and the music of traditional Japan
Beard Papa goes beyond just matcha with its new premium green tea cream puffs
Looney Tunes is now an adorable anime series with Looney Tunes Gokko[Videos]
Uniqlo’s high-end sunglasses are a fashion minefield for anyone who isn’t Mr. Sato
Hayao Miyazaki’s Whisper of the Heart concept art revealed in new Ghibli illustration book
Samurai Coffee: Try Edo period coffee once enjoyed by Japanese warriors
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
Art Fire Festival lights up the night at a unique venue in the mountains of Japan
Eating cheap sushi in a narrow building in Tokyo is an adventure for bold diners
Studio Ghibli releases crystal glass paperweights featuring Totoro and the Catbus
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
49-year-old Japanese shut-in spends weeks living with corpse of mother who died at home
Retro-style Evangelion T-shirts coming to Uniqlo sister brand GU[Photos]
Studio Ghibli releases new anime keychains that are like miniature figurines