Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Mayan calendar
Is everyone ready for the end of the world in a few weeks? In preparation for Armageddon I’ve decided not to pay any of my bills. And that new toothbrush will have to wait until after 21 December, when the Mayan Long Count calendar expires.
I thought I had everything covered until reading reports from Chinese media about Lu Zhenghai from Xinjiang. The engineer is currently finishing off his own “Noah’s Ark” with an estimated price tag of two million yuan (US$320k).
Japanese convenience store gives away free ice cream with creative ad at Shinjuku Station
Tifa’s Final Fantasy VII bar is going to pop up in real-world Tokyo
New Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Studio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Tsujihan sushi bowl restaurant goes viral with foreign tourists, but is it worth the hype?
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Immerse yourself in TeamLab Yoro Valley’s outdoor nighttime art exhibition in Chiba’s wilderness
Wild gacha capsule toy machine is one of the most unusual finds in Japan
We visit the new all-you-can-eat KFC buffet restaurant in Tokyo
11 things Japanese women want men to know about their breasts
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Brand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now openNew Kyoto Converse sneakers celebrate Japan with traditional kimono fabrics for your feet
Move aside, convenience store egg sando – there’s a better version of the iconic sandwich in JapanStudio Ghibli launches huge new anime movie T-shirt collection with special design details
Pokémon hot spring footbath opening in Japan this spring
Studio Ghibli croquettes not to eat, but to keep your stuff in, going on sale in Japan[Photos]
Secret staff cafeteria in Tokyo is a hidden gem you won’t find in travel guides
Tinder just opened a convenience store in Japan, aimed at adults only
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Pokémon and Ikea Japan cross over into each other’s worlds with collaboration events
Wisteria season starts early with blooming of Japan’s Great Wisteria in its beautiful gardenJapan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
Japan now has a special desk for people who work at home with a pet cat[Photos]
Japan’s best conveyor belt sushi restaurant of seven years ago has now, finally, come to TokyoBrand-new Pokémon manhole covers coming to help the recovery of a disaster-stricken part of Japan
Famous Tokyo cherry blossom spot installs view-blocking screens to fight overcrowding[Video]Japan’s awesomely beautiful Alpen Route snow corridor is now open
Uniqlo announces new T-shirts for One Piece, Naruto and more for manga publisher’s 100th birthday
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
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
Japan’s popular bead bonsai kit is as beautiful as it is gruelling to make
Immerse yourself in TeamLab Yoro Valley’s outdoor nighttime art exhibition in Chiba’s wilderness
Wild gacha capsule toy machine is one of the most unusual finds in Japan
We visit the new all-you-can-eat KFC buffet restaurant in Tokyo
11 things Japanese women want men to know about their breasts
Japan’s 5.3 million beautiful Hitachi Nemophila flowers are now in full bloom[Photos]
McDonald’s announces end of French fry rationing in Japan
7-Eleven Japan releases Uji matcha smoothies… but only at select locations
KFC India releases box of chicken that lets you charge your smartphone while you eat 【Video】
Final Fantasy invites you to adventure in Fukushima with Fukushima Fantasy Chocobo fun[Video]
New Nintendo Lego kit is a beautiful piece of moving pixel art of Mario and Yoshi【Photos】
Akira’s Katsuhiro Otomo to design giant mural featuring cyborg fish for Tohoku’s Sendai Airport
Man bites woman at cherry blossom park in Japan, dies shortly after