Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Left 4 Dead
As we announced earlier this month, Japan will get its own version of Left 4 Dead at four selected arcades beginning this weekend. However, the Square Enix and Valve collaboration will look a little different once Japanese gamers deposit their 100 yen coins into the machine. Although Left 4 Dead’s zombie apocalypse is still set in the United States, the undead exterminating main characters take the far less intimidating form of a schoolgirl, university student, bartender, and tour guide.
Gore-splattered heads up, zombie fans! Left 4 Dead Seizonshatachi, or “survivors”, arcade magnate Taito’s riff on Valve and Turtle Rock Studios’ hugely popular first-person zombie shooter, is not only ready to tear through the population of Japan but is about to be trialled at four selected arcades beginning May 23.
Details and videos after the jump.
Tokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Hundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
Ichiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Studio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Let’s hike a Japanese mountain (that isn’t Mt. Fuji) – Mt. Tsukuba[Photos]
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s 2026 popularity poll results are in and the champion flavor is crowned
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now sells canned water, but does funky packaging mean funky flavor?[Taste test]
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nailsTokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summerIchiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and SakuraStarbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Mt. Fuji hot spring inn gets even more beautiful after dark with Firefly FestivalHundreds of rose bushes in bloom at Tokyo’s off-the-beaten-path, next-to-the-tracks flower street
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwichesStudio Ghibli’s president is leaving the company. Will it change how they make anime?
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
The average age of Japan’s hikikomori shut-ins is getting older, survey shows
Japan enters Golden Week vacation period, survey shows one in three plan to ride it out at home
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feetTokyo’s life-size Gundam anime mecha statue will be removed this summer
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of JapanIchiraku Ramen-inspired ramen sets from Naruto anime pay homage to Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Japan’s new Pokémon jackets give you the look and powers of the Kanto starter trio
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in Japan
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 says
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visaJapan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Baskin-Robbins Japan’s 2026 popularity poll results are in and the champion flavor is crowned
The top 12 incomprehensible school rules, as chosen by high school students
161-year-old Kyoto confectionary maker releases new edible Pokémon lineup
7-Eleven Japan now sells canned water, but does funky packaging mean funky flavor?[Taste test]
Starbucks Japan releases two new “chunky” drinks… and matching gel designs for our nails
Choc mint ice cream season hits Japan with a spectacular drinkable ice cream from Tully’s
Is the two-hour wait for Tokyo’s Yokota Gaijin Burger worth it?【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan adds a new Frappuccino and Milk to the menu, but are they worth the calories?
This Tokyo Station sweets sensation sells out daily, but we finally got our hands on it
Shochu maker on remote Japanese island plays music as its spirits age, flavor varies by genre
7-Eleven Japan is releasing Greedy chocolate chip and whipped cream sandwiches
Don’t miss the Tokyo Tower City Light Fantasia ~Summer Landscape 2026~ event during your travels
7-Eleven Japan now has ramen machines…but only at 41 stores
Saltiest ramen in Japan? Ikebukuro White goes viral for crazy salt levels