Several bumps in the road, a few glasses of beer, and a black omurice later, we couldn’t be more satisfied with our new discoveries.
Map
Once you see her you’ll never unsee her… which sucks if you need to find your way around the Tsukuba Space Center.
After originally omitting Japan from the world map, a PyeongChang Olympic website fixes the mistake only to have it erased again weeks later.
Fans of Free! and its High Speed! feature film adaptation can now visit all the places their favorite swimming boys would have frequented.
If you’re a history buff, or time traveler, this could come in handy.
Depending on what part of the world you live in, one of these maps will look right at home while the other might seem kind of off. However, given the overall dominance of the Euro-centric map, the other one is more likely to give an uncomfortable feeling to a greater number of people.
While both are currently in use in different countries, is it possible that one map is more valid than another?
Think you can identify all the prefectures of Japan? Yeah, neither can we. But that’s okay because now with the help of this impressively accurate cookie cutter set, you can study and eat a map of Japan at the same time. Mmmm, knowledge.
North Korea is often referred to as “The Hermit Kingdom” in the west — and one map demonstrates why.
The website MarineTraffic displays live data of cargo ships over 299 gross tonnage, and while South Korean ports of Incheon, Busan, and Ulsan are bustling with activity, shipboard cargo movement in the North barely registers, despite the country having eight major seaports.
Even for those living in Tokyo, its plate-of-spaghetti-like tangle of train lines can be overwhelming to navigate. Worse for visitors, it’s hard not to get lost, but you also don’t want to walk around gawking at a map like some touristy chump. So, for basically anyone in Tokyo, we humbly present the Subway Map Necktie.
At 12:30 p.m. on Sunday, August 4, Northeastern Japan started to shake. On the Japanese shindo scale, the quake measured between 3 and 4 (overhead lights sway and objects rattle, but some people who are on the move may not notice it) in most areas, a ‘low-5’ at its strongest. Thankfully, there are thought to have been no casualties as the tremor was relatively short-lived, and with the quake of March 2011 and weeks of resulting aftershocks having been far stronger, the people of Tohoku are now fairly hardened when it comes to smaller rumbles.
Curiously though, no sooner had the earthquake passed than a few jokesters began sharing the above image from the Japan Meteorological Agency, along with messages of “LOL” and ‘Why do I suddenly feel like I want to go to Northeastern Japan?”
MOST POPULAR
Now
How to make a lucky sushi roll with KFC fried chicken skin【SoraKitchen】
420 million yen in cash-filled suitcases stolen on Tokyo streets, incidents at Haneda and Hong Kong follow
New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japanese women sound off on their minimum height requirements for a husband【Survey】
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese teacher shares surprising reason why the kanji for crow has one less line than bird
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Denny’s new Japanese parfait looks totally different depending on what angle you look at it from
Japan’s Fake Black Stockings offer sheer looks and winter-cold protection
Weekly
Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon- Yokai are descending upon Tokyo this spring in the latest immersive art experience
Japan has a new bar just for people thinking about quitting their jobs, and the drinks are free- New Studio Ghibli stamps leave an impression on your stationery…and your heart
Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
If you haven’t tried an antenna shop in Japan, you’re missing out
Japan cherry blossom forecast update moves up sakura dates for many parts of the country
Studio Ghibli releases Spirited Away bags in Japan, based on a mysterious festival
Japanese young women reveal their top dealbreakers in a man【Survey】
Studio Ghibli turns My Neighbour Totoro characters into bag charms for everyday adventures
Monthly
Starbucks Japan releases new drinkware and goods for Valentine’s Day
Japan releases first official sakura cherry blossom forecast for 2026
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026- Archfiend Hello Kitty appears as Sanrio launches new team-up with Yu-Gi-Oh【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
China’s don’t-go-to-Japan warning looks to be affecting tourist crowds on Miyajima
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys from Princess Mononoke and Spirited Away
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating- Japan’s Naruto theme park now offering real-world version of Minato’s kunai ninja weapon
Yearly
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
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
RECOMMENDED STORIES
Kyoto planning surprise late-night inspections of Airbnb-style rentals to fight overtourism
Japanese teacher shares surprising reason why the kanji for crow has one less line than bird
Japanese man gets drunk and falls asleep on Tokyo streets, then gets robbed by foreign national
Denny’s new Japanese parfait looks totally different depending on what angle you look at it from
Japan’s Fake Black Stockings offer sheer looks and winter-cold protection
Rage against the smoothie machine with this 7-Eleven drink hack【Taste test】
Beautiful summertime goshuin seal stamps are back to grace your temple-visiting record book
Japan has abolished advance deportation notifications to foreigners’ lawyers
Road trip! All-you-can-eat tempura for just 700 yen in Kumamoto Prefecture
Japan’s suicides fall to lowest recorded number ever, but one demographic hits all-time high
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
-
