Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
Monsters of Shamisen
When it comes to Japanese music, one of the most iconic sounds is that of the tsugaru-jamisen. We’ve written about musicians playing the folk instrument before, but today we have a group with a traditional, but decidedly unique, approach: the three-man group Monsters of Shamisen.
From heavy metal to traditional Japanese music and throat singing, there’s sure to be something here for everyone!
We zapped up some tasty hot sandwiches in the microwave with 3COINS’ new gadget from Japan
Hello Kitty isn’t a cat!? We called Sanrio to find out!
Why is Starbucks Japan’s Christmas stollen so good?
Hen na Hotel Haneda: What it’s really like to stay at Tokyo’s “Weird Hotel” with dinosaur robots
Totoro, Catbus sleeping bags are perfect place to stay cozy all winter…if you fit inside【Pics】
12 must-have life-size anime figures to complete any otaku’s collection
Giant digital sumo wrestler now stopping trains at Tokyo station【Video】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Tokyo’s Kabuki-za Theater curry has a photo that looks deceptive but it’s a star performer
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
Brand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Japanese government considering tripling departure taxes to combat overtourism
Starbucks Japan unveils the new Soupuccino
Tokyo Station’s ultra-rare cakes look, and taste, like a cup of coffee
One of the busiest stations in Tokyo is changing the name on its signs, but not necessarily to make it easier for people to find their way around.
Entry to Tokyo’s Pokémon theme park zone has physical fitness requirement, will cost a lot
Never forget that Mister Donut’s super-simple ramen is actually very hard to beat
Bear attack shelters going on sale in Japan as country experiences record-high number of incidents
Studio Ghibli unveils new fluffy purses from films like My Neighbour Totoro and Spirited Away
Japan’s permanent Pokémon theme park zone announces grand opening date, ticket sale start
Studio Ghibli releases new “komorebi” plush toys to brighten your days
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collectionBrand-new Pokémon park opens in Japan with larger-than-life-size Lapras【Photos】
Tokyo bento boxed lunch shop charges different prices depending on how heavy your laptop is
Japan has vending machines that put protective film on your phone for you — Here’s how to use them
Studio Ghibli anime stoles are here to keep you warm with a range of famous characters
Totoro fountain figurine recreates the sights and sounds of one of anime’s most memorable scenes
Starbucks Japan unveils new Christmas Frappuccino and holiday drinks for 2025
Ghibli Museum clock is now yours to take home with you
Step into Japanese culture with Converse’s new Japan-exclusive shoes featuring gods, sushi style
Survey asks foreign tourists what bothered them in Japan, more than half gave same answer
Possessing Harry Potter’s Sword of Godric Gryffindor is now illegal in Japan
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
Uniqlo announces first-ever collaboration with horror manga master Junji Ito【Photos】
12 must-have life-size anime figures to complete any otaku’s collection
Giant digital sumo wrestler now stopping trains at Tokyo station【Video】
Princesses, fruits, and blacksmiths: Study reveals the 30 most unusual family names in Japan
Tokyo’s Kabuki-za Theater curry has a photo that looks deceptive but it’s a star performer
J-pop mega star Ado reveals she’s been living in the U.S., may not understand language acquisition
New Pokémon Line app message stamps raise money for children in Japan’s disaster-struck regions
Japanese hot sandwich maker dessert heaven: Making a jumbo obanyaki the easy way【Recipe】
Senbero US$10 Japanese home drinking…with stuff from Ikea?【Japan’s Best Home Senbero】
This Japanese restaurant chain’s triple-decker sushi bowls are a crazy feast for the eyes/stomach
Starbucks Japan celebrates Christmas with multipurpose gingerbread cookies
7-Eleven selling half-off fried food for Black Friday alongside regular-priced black food