For those of us who don’t want a little thing like sleep getting in the way of our gaming.
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Even though tap water in Tokyo is perfectly safe to drink, and in most cases indistinguishable from bottled water, the metropolitan government is concerned about the bad rap it gets from citizens who will not give it a try. In October, the Bureau of Waterworks, charged with providing clean and tasty water for Japan’s largest metropolitan area, wrapped up a 25-year-long project to connect the majority of Tokyo residents to great-tasting and specially treated water from the Tone River system.
According to an NHK article, the government agency wants to get the word out that their water is just as good as any store-bought bottled water and has asked 700 private citizens all over Tokyo to become “water monitors” and test their home’s tap water for minerals and judge its quality.
When I saw some early images of the new Windows 8 desktop, I wasn’t crazy about the change in appearance. It looked fine for a tablet device or smartphone but those new windows/buttons seemed too clunky and primitive for my liking.
But then again, maybe I just don’t like change and after using it, it’d grow on me. However, this new layout combined with some ambiguous promotion has led many in Japan to believe that it suddenly transforms your regular old computer monitor into a touch screen.



Japanese government ID card and app to be required for certain Pokémon card purchases next month
Studio Ghibli releases new Totoro coin purses…but who’s the blue character?
Cup Noodle unveils first-ever cold-water instant ramen in Japan
Tokyo’s Giga Mart lets visitors “steal” from a convenience store… if cameras don’t catch you
Starbucks Japan adds shaved ice desserts to the menu at select locations
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Onidon opens in Tokyo with unique fusion tempura rice balls you won’t find anywhere else
Studio Ghibli brings anime characters to the table with new Totoro placemat that’s like a movie cell
Japanese recipe for Tempura Twinkies takes America’s favourite snack to a whole new level
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
Japanese airport rebrands itself as “Sushi Airport” to attract foreign tourists
Three new starter Pokémon Jets to fly in Japan, first begins carrying passengers this month
New Mt. Fuji overnight bus takes travelers from downtown Tokyo straight to the most popular hiking trail
Tokyo revises accommodation tax amidst tourism boom, Airbnb rentals now included
Yoshinoya and Dragon Quest slaying scalpers with shift to made-to-order collaboration merch
Tochigi man shares his family’s process for creating 16 years worth of rice paddy art
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japanese ninja certification exam attracts 131 candidates from Japan and abroad
Salomon releases Japan-exclusive Mt. Fuji hiking gear that doubles as an amazing souvenir
Studio Ghibli store Donguri Republic announces opening of first-ever store in America
Japan triples departure tax, foreign tourists and locals now must pay more to leave country
Japan launches first overnight Shinkansen bullet train between Tokyo and Osaka this summer
Japanese sweets shop sells an ohagi so exquisite it sells out by noon
Sanrio Character Poll announces winners, Hello Kitty absent from top 10 in many countries
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
Starbucks Japan releases new sakura goods and drinkware for cherry blossom season 2026
Japan’s newest Shinkansen has no seats…or passengers [Video]
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Japan reportedly adding Japanese language skill requirement to most common foreigner work visa
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
Uniqlo looks back to the very start of Pokémon with new black-and-white pixel art T-shirts[Pics]
Onidon opens in Tokyo with unique fusion tempura rice balls you won’t find anywhere else
Studio Ghibli brings anime characters to the table with new Totoro placemat that’s like a movie cell
Japanese recipe for Tempura Twinkies takes America’s favourite snack to a whole new level
7-Eleven Japan reimagines the fruit sando with new chocolate bread version
Japan reacts to Donald Trump’s “Islamic Republic of Japan” remark
Man arrested in Tokyo after allegedly luring foreign tourists into shady Kabukicho establishments
Family Mart opens new “Famima” flagship store in Tokyo that’s like a tourist attraction
Krispy Kreme Japan’s free doughnut deal could sway you from a convenience store breakfast
Studio Ghibli calendar figures are back, look amazing whether you check the date or not[Photos]
Enoshima’s magical night lantern festival is back this summer with spectacular views
Solid gold Hedorah kaiju from the Godzilla series is now available to pre-order
Shake Shack has five regional shakes hiding on the menu in Japan, and here’s how to find them