It’s been recently announced that AKB Group, the idol conglomerate responsible for AKB48, NMB48, SKE48, HKT48, NGT48, JKT48, and SNH48, will be adding another serial number to the roster in the form of MNL48, which is planned to operate out of Manila in the Philippines.
This new group will be formed through a project by the publicly funded Cool Japan initiative which, contrary to what Gackt may think, appears to be doing something tangible with all their funding after all. In fact, this is especially tangible as yet another source of revenue for Yasushi Akimoto, the head of AKB Group who also just happens to be the chairman of the Cool Japan Council.

7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
For a limited time you can dial up and talk to Doraemon on the phone
Authentic ninja power pellet snacks on sale again in Tokyo thanks to the coronavirus【Taste test】
Capsule hotel in Tokyo offers spa stay, with sauna and infrared foot bath to wash stresses away
Foreign shoppers in Akihabara tip us off to an awesome souvenir idea: DIY Paper Theater kit【Pics】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
My Neighbour Totoro rice cookers and pots bring Studio Ghibli anime flair to your kitchen
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
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Large amount of supposed human organs left in Osaka marketplace
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Japanese train company is letting fans buy its actual ticket gates for their homes
Tokyo considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in Japan
Tokyo event lets you travel back in time, for free, to celebrate 100 years since Showa era start
Sanrio theme park in Japan announces plans to expand into a Sanrio resort
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Japan’s deadliest food claims more victims, but why do people keep eating it for New Year’s?
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】
The top 10 annoying foreign tourist behaviors on trains, as chosen by Japanese people【Survey】
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
Authentic ninja power pellet snacks on sale again in Tokyo thanks to the coronavirus【Taste test】
Capsule hotel in Tokyo offers spa stay, with sauna and infrared foot bath to wash stresses away
Foreign shoppers in Akihabara tip us off to an awesome souvenir idea: DIY Paper Theater kit【Pics】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
My Neighbour Totoro rice cookers and pots bring Studio Ghibli anime flair to your kitchen
Japanese Cabinet to officially announce new romanization spelling recommendation next week
Village Vanguard possibly tops its own record for most useless junk in a lucky bag this year
Japanese woman mistaken for bear
Official Spirited Away cookbook teaches how to make food from the Ghibli anime classic
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
More Than a Capsule Stay: Why Solo Travelers Choose “global cabin Yokohama Chinatown”