”Night of Fire?” More like crash of morons.
Mercedes
Global superstars Perfume build upon their impressive resume of advertising tie-ups with the latest commercial for Mercedes-Benz’s new A-Class.
A lot of ’80s-era kids probably entertained the fantasy of meeting their biggest childhood heroes in the flesh at one point or another. And no, we’re not talking about Michael Jordan or other sports stars of the time. We’re talking about someone far less, uh… athletic: Mario.
Of course, had kids met the real-life Mario and/or Luigi depicted in this goofy and sort of frightening Mario x Mercedes collaboration commercial, they probably would have run for their lives and sworn off Nintendo games forever. But, beneath all the ugly prosthetics and hulking physiques of these game heroes come to life, there may have been, at least according to Japanese netizens, some far more approachable real-life athletes.
Nintendo’s business is in dire straights, and has been for three consecutive years. Perhaps that’s why the company let Mercedes-Benz sponsor three new cars into its cartoonish racing game for the Wii U, in the form of a free downloadable content (DLC) package set to release at the end of the month.



Giant hotel rooms in Osaka reflect the new non-niche face of travel in Japan.
Our 52-year-old pole dancing reporter shares his tips for achieving your New Year’s exercise goal
Princess Mononoke magnets return just in time to treat yourself to awesome anime decorations
Starbucks Japan releases new Frappuccino and latte for Valentine’s Day
The new Ranma 1/2 anime is here! So is it worth watching?【SoraReview】
Experience the “Color of Water” from a 250-year-old Japanese confection maker!
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
5 of the best ice creams to try in Japan right now【Taste Test】
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
10 times to avoid traveling in Japan in 2026
Japanese beef bowl chain Sukiya’s 2026 Smile Box lucky bag basically pays for itself
Ramen restaurant’s English menu prices are nearly double its Japanese ones, denies discriminating
Top Japanese cosplayer Enako returns to Comiket after 6 years, creates mayhem with admirers
Umamusume anime girl plushie recalled for having parts she absolutely should not have【Pics】
We ate sushi made from Japan’s most expensive tuna ever【Taste test】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
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
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
Human washing machine pods coming to Japanese hotels【Photos】
Experience the “Color of Water” from a 250-year-old Japanese confection maker!
Say hello to Japan’s new stationmaster cat!【Video】
What’s inside Starbucks Japan’s fukubukuro lucky bag for 2026?
5 of the best ice creams to try in Japan right now【Taste Test】
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Bamboo trees vandalized near Kyoto’s Fushimi Inari shrine, foreign graffiti prevalent
Harajuku’s new permanent Tamagotchi shop is filled with cuteness and a surprising lack of poop
Here’s why it’s worth lining up for this street food donut from a Taiwanese night market
What makes a good boss in Japan? Workers sound off in survey
The Jujutsu Kaisen hanko collection is here to stamp away your curses…and paperwork
Crazy-athletic Japanese convenience store clerk may be employee of year, or Super Mario【Video】
What’s it like to pole dance on a rooftop in Tokyo?