Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Monokuma
Though Ted may be the most-well-known naughty teddy bear in the world, he is by no means the only one. We imagine that Monokuma, of the murder-mystery game/manga/anime Dangan Ronpa, may be a close Japanese second with its cackling and murderous tendencies. For fans of both of the animated characters, it might seem like a perfect match to have these black-humored bears on the screen together.
Alas, there’s probably no one mad enough to approve that combination, right?
We found possibly the quietest Japanese-style hotel in Tokyo’s bustling Shinjuku district
This is possibly the coziest train in all Japan thanks to onboard hot spring footbaths【Pics】
Starbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Studio Ghibli releases Kodama forest spirits from Princess Mononoke to light up your home
Are high-end convenience store rice balls really packed with more ingredients?
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese
Former schoolgirl sues Tokyo high school that made her drop out for breaking no-dating rule
Travel tip: Fukuoka has a great luggage delivery service that’s cheaper than a coin locker
We take a ride on Seibu Railway’s futuristic luxury liner: the Limited Express Laview
Maximum matcha! Tokyo sweet shop sells the strongest green tea chocolates physically possibleStarbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
7-Eleven Japan’s ramen-cooking robot whipped us up a bowl of noodles【Taste test】
Cyberpunk anime meets traditional culture in Ghost in the Shell gold leaf Japanese changing screens
Disillusionment at Tsukiji’s tourist-target prices led us to a great ramen restaurant in Tokyo
7 great places to see Mt. Fuji from without having to climb it
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Japan’s otoshidama tradition of giving kids money at New Year’s gets a social welfare upgrade
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branchesDisillusionment 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 considering law requiring more trash cans following litter increase in heavily touristed area
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Nintendo’s Kirby now delivering orders at Kura Sushi restaurants, but not in JapanStarbucks Japan ready to get Year of the Horse started with adorable drinkware and plushies【Pics】
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
Stamina-destroying “Paralysis Noodles” are Tokyo’s newest over-the-top ramen innovation
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
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 JapanStudio 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
11 different ways to say “father” in Japanese
Former schoolgirl sues Tokyo high school that made her drop out for breaking no-dating rule
Travel tip: Fukuoka has a great luggage delivery service that’s cheaper than a coin locker
We take a ride on Seibu Railway’s futuristic luxury liner: the Limited Express Laview
Maximum matcha! Tokyo sweet shop sells the strongest green tea chocolates physically possible
Happy New Year from SoraNews24!
Beautiful Studio Ghibli photo frames let you put yourself in the worlds of Totoro and Kiki【Pics】
Nestlé Japan is giving away Kit Kats that aren’t a special flavor, but solid gold!
A guide to visiting Sagamiko Illumination, one of the three biggest light-ups in Kanto
Nagoya’s dark-red miso has continued to capture tastebuds for generations
Chinese Air Force chasing UFO believed to have been caught on Google Maps
How Many Little Bears Can You Get Snuggly With? Many, With These 3D Teddy Bear Pants!