Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
mountain lion
Installed on the recently released OS X Mountain Lion is a breathtaking image of an aquamarine pond with trees growing out of it. We previously gave you the impressions of the photographer Kent Shiraishi, but now we went straight to the real Blue Pond in Biei, Hokkaido to see if it lives up to the photo.
One of the MacBook Pro desktop backgrounds featured on Apple’s website shows an astoundingly exquisite azure pond with bare trees coming out of the water, covered in snow. It will be one of the backgrounds included with OS X Mountain Lion, to be released this July. We’ve found out a bit about the photographer responsible for this particular work… Read More
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
Hello Kitty Choco Egg figures are an adorable trip through three periods of Japanese pop culture【Pics】
Mr. Sato accosts award-winning actor Hideaki Ito【Interview】
Japanese convenience store Family Mart adding crane games to thousands of branches
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Evangelion original anime studio Gainax is now completely dissolved, Eva’s creator mourns ruined friendships
We take a ride on Seibu Railway’s futuristic luxury liner: the Limited Express Laview
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
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
Starbucks teams up with 166-year-old Kyoto doll maker for Year of the Horse decorations【Photos】
Japan may add Japanese language proficiency, lifestyle classes to permanent foreign resident requirements
Starbucks Japan releases new zodiac chilled cup drink for 2026
Lacquerware supplier to emperor of Japan and Pokémon team up for new tableware
Tokyo’s Tsukiji sushi neighborhood asks tour groups to stay away for the rest of the month
Is this the most relaxing Starbucks in Japan?
Starbucks on a Shinkansen bullet train platform: 6 tips for using the automated store in Japan
Street Fighter Hadouken Churros to be launched and eaten in Tokyo, Okami pudding on offer too
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 homes7-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 TokyoStarbucks 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 areaTokyo’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 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 answerJapan’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 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
Yoshinoya adds first-ever chain-wide ramen with new beef and pork-broth noodle hot pot meals
Evangelion original anime studio Gainax is now completely dissolved, Eva’s creator mourns ruined friendships
We take a ride on Seibu Railway’s futuristic luxury liner: the Limited Express Laview
7-Eleven Japan has a hack for creating insanely delicious potato chip rice meals
Is it rude to sing along at concerts in Japan? We ask a pro musician for his take
Studio Ghibli showcases traditional craftsmanship with new wallet range
More people in Japan quit sending New Year’s cards and many have started to regret it
Tokyo’s first gourmet choco banana specialty shop is worth stopping in Harajuku for
Studio Ghibli earrings bring classy fun to your look courtesy of Totoro, Calcifer, and more 【Pics】
7-Eleven Japan starts new temporary luggage storage service in over 300 branches
All 151 original Pokémon now available as Tokyo Pokémon Cafe latte art, and you choose your own
Sanrio and Sonic the Hedgehog characters become fast friends with new plushie collection
We try all-you-can-eat raw eggs for 730 yen, turns out to be way better than it sounds