Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Mechs
As with most weeks in Japan, robots seem to be dominating the news, but this one’s much cuter and waaaay more alarming.
Sakakibara Kikai (or Sakakibara Machines), a well established manufacturing company in Gunma Prefecture, has released a video of their KID’S WALKER CYCLOPS out for a test drive. (No buildings were destroyed by errant missiles in the filming of this video.) Read More
Station of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese train station vending machine has the best souvenirs for rail otaku
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Japanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Police called out to investigate suspicious Santa in Wakayama
Tour our Japanese-language reporter’s apartment, a wonderland of 100-yen trinkets
It’s naked time: An American’s first onsen experience 【Video】
Kura Sushi has a new parade-delivered whole cake dessert, but what’s it like to eat?【Video】This downtown Tokyo cafe is like a time machine that takes you back 50 years into the past
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glassesStation of despair: What to do if you get stuck at the end of Tokyo’s Chuo Rapid Line
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frostJapanese government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Starbucks Japan is calling it quits with paper straws
Japan’s most popular castle raising ticket prices by up to 200 percent for non-local tourists
Furikake rice seasoning sales are soaring, which is bad news for Japan as a wholeJapanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
Studio Ghibli heroine cardigans give you warmth and strength to face everyday challenges
Eight unforgettable hot springs, as recommended by Japan’s “Professor Bath”
McDonald’s new Happy Meals offer up cute and practical Sanrio lifestyle goods
Foreign tourists on Shinkansen bullet train break suitcase etiquette, angering local passengersPossessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
[Deleted] Article written for April Fool’s Day 2018
Japanese government to make first change to romanization spelling rules since the 1950s
Foreigner’s request for help in Tokyo makes us sad for the state of society
Japanese convenience store Family Mart announces abolishment of eat-in spaces
Life-size vibrating Legend of Zelda Master Sword for sale from Nintendo【Photos】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Studio Ghibli releases free-download board game — Here’s how to play it without reading Japanese
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Police called out to investigate suspicious Santa in Wakayama
Tour our Japanese-language reporter’s apartment, a wonderland of 100-yen trinkets
It’s naked time: An American’s first onsen experience 【Video】
Kura Sushi has a new parade-delivered whole cake dessert, but what’s it like to eat?【Video】
New Pokémon Gaming Headset for Nintendo Switch will turn you into Pikachu
Japanese arcade has special UFO catcher/crane games that guarantee you’ll win【Photos】
Private open-air bath is the crowning gem at this Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo
Biting Pokémon faces and butts is all part of the game in this new Mister Donut collection
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
“Unlimited Hand” controller aims to bring hand movement and physical feedback to your VR games
Japan’s top 10 food travel destination prefectures【Survey】
