Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
LOL (Page 8)
A recent appearance by a new mascot in Tokyo’s Shibuya ward saw young women flocking to take commemorative pictures. When our reporter encountered the mascot, officially named “Mr. T Stain,” women were following it around with squeals of delight, making the surrounding men extremely jealous. But why is Mr. T Stain, who could be in the running for weirdest mascot, so popular with the ladies? It has something to do with a toothpaste commercial featuring a very eccentric pop star.
As with any major business venture, presentation is very important when working in the music industry. Cool covers on brand new CD albums can inspire one to make a purchase without ever having heard the band. Granted, the Internet makes it easy to find a few demos before handing over your cash, but a well-designed jacket still makes a big difference. A great, eye-catching cover can make even the most mediocre album famous for its genre by drawing in attention from fans.
Then again, ugly covers can be just as eye-catching and somewhat endearing in their own way. Here we have a collection of hideous, old CD and record jackets that were probably purchased out of pity alone. Get ready to laugh at this collection of music covers that really missed the mark. From a list initially provided by a French entertainment site, we now bring you 27 of the ugliest album covers from the former Yugoslavia. Read More
Poor Ronald McDonald (known as “Donald” in Japan). He got all dressed up in his floppy red shoes and white makeup, put on his biggest smile, and marched down to a McDonald’s restaurant for a meet and greet, only to find that not a single child showed up to see him. And now, the people of the Internet are laughing at his tired, worn out expression.
A man visiting a zoo in Luohe City, Henan Province in China was surprised to hear what he described as “barking” coming from the enclosure marked “African lion.” But that’s silly, lions don’t bark, they roar…
We know what you’re thinking! But before you click away from our site in disgust, just know that this otter is NOT dead! He’s very much alive and doing something completely adorable.
Looking for a fresh pair of undies for your smartphone? We thought so! Bandai has just announced a new line up of their hugely popular SmartPants brand smartphone underwear. This time, SmartPants2 come in eight new designs, a pixelized home button sticker, and a exceptionally weird promotional video.
My entire life I’ve grown up thinking that bunnies are adorable. Who can resist those cotton ball tails and wiggling noses? They’re basically moving balls of fluff! However, after seeing a recent photo compilation of yawning bunnies on Japanese website, Karapaia, I feel so misinformed. Bunnies aren’t always cute, in fact, they can be downright terrifying. Take a look, if you dare, at 20 photos of yawning bunnies. They’ll change the way you look at rabbits forever.
Perhaps irked by the fact that we humans are tweeting almost as much as they are, perhaps just victims of the information age like the rest of us, birds have taken to keyboards to share their thoughts through micro-blogging site Twitter. No word yet as to whether they’re just telling us what they had for lunch or the topics they’re trending…
A bird lover in Latvia has set up a twitter account just for his local birds, and let’s them do the typing, with the account having already attracted more than 2,000 followers. Read More
Kyoto samurai house wants to share its history of seppuku, torture and gold coins with visitors
Time to vote for your favourite in Japan’s Sanrio Character Curry Election
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
This hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
Tsukiji Fish Market Vendor Releases Tuna For Home Assembly
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovationTokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed areaTokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era startStamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovationSanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Uniqlo Ukiyo-e Blue T-shirts: A cool-hued reinterpretation of some of Japan’s greatest paintings
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap seriesThis hot springs town in Japan sets fire across a mountain every winter in a beautiful tradition
Japanese woman sues man for 1.5 million yen for violating her “right to chastity”
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas goods and a rhinestone tumbler that costs 19,500 yen
Real-world Nausicaa Ghibli anime glider completes its final flight in Japan【Video】
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Tokyo’s Asakusa neighborhood?
The 10 best day trips from downtown Tokyo【Survey】
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourismTokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answerJapan’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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Stay in a Tokyo hotel with a train driver’s seat in the room
Tsukiji Fish Market Vendor Releases Tuna For Home Assembly
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Record number of foreign children in Japan need help understanding Japanese in school
Ryokan etiquette: What not to do when staying at a traditional Japanese inn
Daiso opens massive new 25,392-square foot Tokyo flagship store with its two sub-brands included
Pokémon Christmas village event taking place nightly in Yokohama
Starbucks teams up with the oldest of Japan’s Six Ancient Kilns to create a Bizen ware coffee mug
The top five places to survive the zombie apocalypse in Japan
National dekotora association mints NFTs for charity and to support the art of decorating trucks