Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Maiya Maneza
During the London Olympics, two young ladies from the Kazakhstani team Zulfiya Chinshanlo (19) and Maiya Maneza (26) each earned gold medals in their respective weight classes as well as setting a World and Olympic Record respectively.
However, their celebrations were short lived as China’s state-run Xinhua News Agency declared that they are in fact secret Chinese nationals, Zhao Changing (19) and Yao Ling (26) who were sent on a clandestine mission to Kazakhstan to spread the sport.
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Has China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning shortened queues at this Ichiran ramen restaurant in Tokyo?
Real-world Koraidon and Miraidon Pokémon are ready for their close-ups【Photos】
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
We check out the new apartment building construction site area that opened in KidZania Tokyo
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap series
Starbucks Japan unveils new S’mores Frappuccino and latte for Christmas 2025
Cappuccino Ramen becomes super popular in Japan, but is it worth the hype?
Mikado Coffee is a 76-year-old coffee chain with a major celebrity connection
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Japan considering raising international traveler departure tax even more than previously reported
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowds in Shibuya’s Don Quijote?China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning seems to be affecting Osaka’s Namba and Dotonbori neighborhoods
Is China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning affecting tourist crowd sizes in Nara?
Japanese town suing resident for being a jerkStamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
Japan’s EF English Proficiency Index rank drops for 11th straight year, hits lowest ever
Chinese government’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning has heartwarming non-effect on Yokohama Chinatown
Japanese police attempting to clamp down on “zombie cigarettes”
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】
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
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】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourismNintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
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
Studio Ghibli mixes with sporty street styles of New Era to put No Face on your head in cap series
Starbucks Japan unveils new S’mores Frappuccino and latte for Christmas 2025
Cappuccino Ramen becomes super popular in Japan, but is it worth the hype?
Mikado Coffee is a 76-year-old coffee chain with a major celebrity connection
Japanese company selling bear-proof automatic doors
What’s inside the McDonald’s Japan fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
Sakura shoes! Converse’s new Japan-exclusive model is made with actual cherry blossoms
Japan’s first hotel with a human washing machine is now ready for you to come and bathe in it
Rice cooker oden: Quick, cheap, and delicious
Family Mart releases a fukubukuro lucky bag packed with cool Convenience Wear
Eight Ways You Really, Really Shouldn’t Use a Japanese Toilet
Viral 3D ice creams land in Japan… but are they worth the hype?
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost