In many ways, Miss International Queen is just like any other pageant: finalists parade in evening gowns, swimsuits and national dress, and the winner will perform twelve months of promotional and charity duties. There’s one major difference, though: all the contestants are transgender women, and the top prize includes cosmetic surgery for the winner – if she wants it.
As the world’s largest transgender pageant hits the stage in Thailand (where else!) for its 10th anniversary year, we take a look at this unique contest.
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 government will check and judge new baby name pronunciations, presents guidelines
Cup Noodle sells new squid fork with its instant ramen
Totoro towels gently glow in the dark to set the Ghibli nighttime mood in your home【Photos】
Evangelion and McDonald’s Japan launch first-ever collaboration with transforming figures【Video】
Makers of Dassai to brew sake in space and sell 100 milliliters for 100 million yen
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
The Ultimate Battle for Ham Sandwich Supremacy – we rank Japan’s convenience store sandwiches
Japanese company develops classy heavy metal band frames for glasses
One of Japan’s rarest sweets is a sell-out hit that looks and tastes like frost
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
Major Japanese city is abolishing extracurricular activities at all of its middle schools
Over 800 Studio Ghibli anime world paintings compiled in beautiful new hardcover art book【Pics】
Spirited Away and Princess Mononoke plushies show a softer side of formidable Ghibli characters
Shakey’s is back! All-you-can-eat pizza chain returns to downtown Tokyo’s Shinjuku
Studio Ghibli tea blends contain ingredients inspired by My Neighbour Totoro
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
Studio Ghibli releases new range of cardigans for anime fans
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 whole
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 passengers
[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】
Makers of Dassai to brew sake in space and sell 100 milliliters for 100 million yen
Starbucks teams up with 165-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Snake decorations【Photos】
Mysterious light-up rainy night-sound Totoro figure doesn’t actually show a scene from the anime
The Ultimate Battle for Ham Sandwich Supremacy – we rank Japan’s convenience store sandwiches
Doraemon found buried at sea as scene from 1993 anime becomes real life【Photos】
World’s first real ramen in a can now available at Japanese vending machines
Celebrating legal marriage days in Japan with budget-friendly photoshoots
Japanese elementary school installs standing sleeping pod for students to nap in【Video】
How to get all-you-can eat doughnuts at Mister Donut for just 12 bucks!
New heater-less pet kotatsu is a safe way to keep your furry friends warm this winter
Starbucks Japan releases a new Frappuccino that looks and tastes like a floral bouquet
American tourists give us their opinion on the new Icee slushie drinks in Japan