Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Kickstarter (Page 2)
It’s only September, but 2013 has already been quite the year for Studio Ghibli news. What with the critical success of Kaze Tachinu, jaw-dropping theatre adaptations, incoming movie Kaguya Hime no Monogatari and the last week’s announcement of Hayao Miyazaki’s retirement, we can’t remember a year like it. And now, just when we thought we couldn’t possibly squeeze in any more Ghibli goodness, we’ve received word that a new live-action fan film inspired by Princess Mononoke is in the works!
Remember back in April when we brought you news of the explosively popular anime, Little Witch Academia? The short movie received such an overwhelming abundance of positive feedback from the online community that its creators Studio TRIGGER have decided to create a sequel to their highly acclaimed magical girl anime. And, in order to procure the funds for some extended running time, the team has turned to the American crowd-funding site Kickstarter.
The project began accepting pledges on Monday, July 8, and amazingly surpassed their desired US$150,000 mark after just one day!
We all know that life can be cruel, but few things in this world are crueller than landmines that can indiscriminately maim or kill innocent civilians, young or old, decades after they’ve been planted. If ever you needed proof of human foolishness, you only have to think about the countless hidden landmines still buried in different parts of the world, perhaps long forgotten by the people who planted them, but still as capable as ever of maiming or killing unsuspecting victims.
Sadly, mines continue even today to be very much a real threat. In Afghanistan, it is reported that roughly one million people live within 500 meters (about 1/3 mile) of areas suspected of containing land mines and that more than 40 people each month lose their lives to these concealed but deadly contraptions. The tragic, needless loss of life is truly horrifying to think about. But now, there’s a new device that may make a huge difference in improving the situation. It’s called the Mine Kafun, and don’t let its somewhat futuristic yet simple appearance deceive you — this gadget could be a very effective and inexpensive weapon in mankind’s efforts to rid the world of landmines. Read More
Man arrested in Japan after leaving car in coin parking lot for six years, racking up three-million-yen bill
Blowfish-shaped fugu bento appears to celebrate Japan’s Blowfish Day [Taste test]
Cup Noodle maker Nissin teams up with thick-broth ramen chain for instant ramen rice[Taste test]
Take a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
New Family Mart cinema opens inside Japanese airport
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
All Tokyo public high schools abolish rules forcing students to dye non-black hair, underwear color regs
Japan law lets you claim reward for finding lost property, man may have scammed it over 60 times
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Three beautiful places to see Japan’s plum blossoms after starting your day in downtown Tokyo
Downloads of 39-year-old Guns N’ Roses song increase 12,166 percent thanks to Gundam
Cherry blossom forecasts map shows Japan’s OTHER sakura season is starting right nowTake a trip to Japan’s Dododo Land, the most irritating place on Earth
Huge Evangelion Unit-01 head appearing in lights in Japan to celebrate anime’s 30th anniversary
Family Mart releases huge range of cute sweets for Cat Day in Japan
Japan’s first all-matcha ramen restaurant is now open in Kyoto【Photos】
7-Eleven Japan sells freshly baked pizzas…but are they any good?
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on MiyajimaIs China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting the lines at a popular Tokyo gyukatsu restaurant?
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
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 weaponNew Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
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
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free
All Tokyo public high schools abolish rules forcing students to dye non-black hair, underwear color regs
Japan law lets you claim reward for finding lost property, man may have scammed it over 60 times
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Kagoshima conveyor belt sushi chain Mekkemon rises above the rest with its special secret weapon
Studio Ghibli adds new Kiki’s Delivery Service notebook and ceramic cake case to stores in Japan
Swapping seats on Japan’s bullet trains is not allowed, Shinkansen operator says
Tokyo Station staff share their top 10 favorite ekiben
The 5 best Iwate foods and drinks to buy at the prefecture’s antenna shop in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan releases the new Soupuccino, but is it everything it’s cracked up to be?
Dragon’s Maze: Japan’s built-by-hand giant labyrinth that gets bigger and harder every year
Ghibli Park announces new ticket system, adds flexibility and low-priced options