Speech bubbles and pops of bright colour add a new comic twist to movies like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away.
Marvel Comics
In the world of fiction, some characters have detailed, complex families and backgrounds made known to us, while others have rather vague and obscure origins, which isn’t totally a bad thing because that gives viewers plenty of room to imagine and fantasize.
Ever imagined Superman as a dad? Or, what if, after being rescued for the gazillionth time, Princess Peach actually marries Mario? Check out these beautiful families of various fictional heroes and heroines after the jump!
Even as the number of gamers worldwide continues to grow, video games remain a regular scapegoat for poor social skills, low grades, and neck beard-level hygiene. This holds true even in Japan, where parents and educators commonly voice their fear that without a strict curfew or school rules requiring pupils to head home straight after class, they might give in to temptation and –gasp!- stop off to play a few games at the arcade.
Game fans in Japan are finally getting some good press, though. For starters, studies show that playing Nintendo’s perennial hit Super Mario 64 can improve both your memory and sense of direction. And if your pursuits are more monetary than mental, mastery of fighting games can even earn you a nice-sized chunk of cold hard cash, like it did for the Japanese competitors who dominated the recently held Id Global Tournament in Korea.
Walt Disney Japan has just announced that they’ll be making good use of their rights to Marvel Comics’ creations by producing their own TV anime of “the earth’s mightiest heroes,” the Avengers. The series is scheduled for nationwide release on Nihon Terebi starting in spring of 2014 under the title, “Disk Wars: Avengers”.
This is exciting news for fans of the franchise, but comic book buffs might want to reign in their expectations. This animated series has a distinctly Japanese flair, like nothing we ever felt from the original comics. See what changes are in store for our superheroes in this all-new Asian take on an American classic.



Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Naturally brown-haired Osaka student sues government for forcing her to dye her hair black
Tokyo police found our lost wallet, but the story of how they did made us feel empty
The deluxe disappointment and basic brilliance of Japan’s oldest standing soba noodle chain
Ice cream with Japanese dashi kelp stock shocks us enough to try it【Taste test】
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
Stay in a hotel in Japan where you can see a UFO
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is adding a giant Godzilla statue to its international terminal
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
Top Japanese baby names for 2025 feature flowers, colors, and a first-time-ever favorite for girls
New Kyoto experience package lets you film epic samurai battles with your friends
Starbucks Japan releases new Christmas drink that can be topped with whipped cream
This Japanese restaurant chain’s triple-decker sushi bowls are a crazy feast for the eyes/stomach
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
JR Hokkaido train driver in trouble for reading book about trains on stopped train
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Studio Ghibli releases new anime tea and mugs in Japan
Japanese hotel chain’s new service: A bed and pajamas for otaku travelers’ plushies
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
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
One of Japan’s most beautiful hot spring towns announces new limits on number of day trippers
Japanese department store rooftop is a secret oasis where you can escape the crowds in Tokyo
Stay in a hotel in Japan where you can see a UFO
Tokyo hotel lets you make your stay a Sanrio one with special My Melody and Kuromi rooms【Pics】
Real takoyaki is almost impossible to find in Tokyo, but this place has it, our hardliner says
Tokyo’s Haneda Airport is adding a giant Godzilla statue to its international terminal
Unique inclined elevator in Japan leads to a town that inspired Studio Ghibli’s Spirited Away
Studio Ghibli’s Howl’s Moving Castle tapestry unveiled in Japan for first time
The mystery of the phantom “sake pass card” at Japanese alcohol vending machines
Real life Pokémon gym set to open in Japan next month
McDonald’s Japan reveals Street Fighter-themed Street Burgers and crossover videos【Video】
There’s a real-world Pokémon Sandshrew Park in Japan, and it’s adorable!【Photos】
Japan Develops Single Passenger Silent Mini Electric Helicopters, Travels at 100km/h (62mph)