We all know that life can be cruel, but few things in this world are crueller than landmines that can indiscriminately maim or kill innocent civilians, young or old, decades after they’ve been planted. If ever you needed proof of human foolishness, you only have to think about the countless hidden landmines still buried in different parts of the world, perhaps long forgotten by the people who planted them, but still as capable as ever of maiming or killing unsuspecting victims.
Sadly, mines continue even today to be very much a real threat. In Afghanistan, it is reported that roughly one million people live within 500 meters (about 1/3 mile) of areas suspected of containing land mines and that more than 40 people each month lose their lives to these concealed but deadly contraptions. The tragic, needless loss of life is truly horrifying to think about. But now, there’s a new device that may make a huge difference in improving the situation. It’s called the Mine Kafun, and don’t let its somewhat futuristic yet simple appearance deceive you — this gadget could be a very effective and inexpensive weapon in mankind’s efforts to rid the world of landmines. Read More

Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
Three new starter Pokémon Jets to fly in Japan, first begins carrying passengers this month
Japanese airport rebrands itself as “Sushi Airport” to attract foreign tourists
Solid gold Hedorah kaiju from the Godzilla series is now available to pre-order
Studio Ghibli theme park’s new dessert is a drinkable version of Hayao Miyazaki’s pilot daydream
McDonald’s Japan reveals new Pokémon collaboration range, covering McNuggets and lucky bags
Family Mart changes its Famichiki packaging for the first time in nine years
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
A visit to Sri Lanka’s knockoff knockoff Uniqlo (no, we didn’t stutter) to see its rare “Pikachus”
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
New Mt. Fuji overnight bus takes travelers from downtown Tokyo straight to the most popular hiking trail
Don’t judge this Kiki’s Delivery Service book by its cover, because it’s not actually a book!
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
New Japanese overnight train coming to connect Tokyo with Tohoku in sleep-travel style
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Japanese airport rebrands itself as “Sushi Airport” to attract foreign tourists
Solid gold Hedorah kaiju from the Godzilla series is now available to pre-order
Studio Ghibli theme park’s new dessert is a drinkable version of Hayao Miyazaki’s pilot daydream
McDonald’s Japan reveals new Pokémon collaboration range, covering McNuggets and lucky bags
Family Mart changes its Famichiki packaging for the first time in nine years
Giant Mewtwo statue disappears from real-life Pokémon Center in Japan, may be headed to America
Hollywood live-action Naruto movie announces global search for its Naruto, Sasuke, and Sakura
Foreign tourists staying in one part of Japan can now get nightly government hotel discounts
3-second salt company jingle becomes #1 karaoke song in Japan across all genres
Starbucks Japan puts a bow on peach season with new limited-edition Peach Creamy Tea Latte
Climbing season officially opens for Japan’s Mt. Hiyoriyama, the shortest mountain in the country
Yoshinoya and Dragon Quest slaying scalpers with shift to made-to-order collaboration merch
Kurokawa Onsen celebrates 40 years of its beloved bathing pass with redesign, summer festivities
Godiva Japan is now offering two Chocolixirs for the price of one, and here’s how to get them