Bringing you yesterday's news from Japan and Asia, today.
MP3
Remember making all those mixed-tapes after the Walkman burst onto the scene at the beginning of the 80s (for those of you who grew up with all things digital, ask your dad)? Do you have any of them left? Perhaps there are a few stuffed away at the bottom of the sock drawer? If you still have all or part of that collection, Sanwa Direct can help. Their new 400-MEDI002 cassette to MP3 converter makes changing those old analog compilations to digital format cheap and easy.
If you’re of the sporty persuasion and wish that you could take your tunes to the pool without having a funny-looking contraption strapped to your goggles or having your earphones fall out every other stroke, Sony’s newest addition to the Walkman series will definitely be of interest.
Scheduled for a February 16 release in Japan, the new NWD-W270 series features a compact, lightweight design and boasts 4GB of onboard storage space. Plenty of delicious images and details after the break.
How to watch Studio Ghibli’s new anime in Japan, with a special after-dark outdoor screening for Halloween
Megadeth guitarist becomes voice of reason regarding tourists dancing at shrine in Japan
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japan’s Suica Penguin character is “graduating”, and you can choose its successor
We tried Japan’s Wobbly Beer Glass that forces you to drink water, and it humbled us
Tokyo’s Rikugien Garden announces nighttime foliage illumination event ahead of autumn
Legendary Pokémon statues installed in downtown Tokyo, will be there through the fall
Anime magical girls grow to gigantic size with new Madoka Magica plushies [Photos]
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s remake can be played with an actual ocarina [Video]
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Lego PlayStation recreates Sony’s original console, makes unusual choice for games to salute
Japan’s first fall color forecast for 2026 is here!
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals
Starbucks Japan reveals new Tsukimi Moon-Viewing drinkware and gifts for autumn 2026Japan’s Suica Penguin character is “graduating”, and you can choose its successorFamily Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
A real-world Pokémon Poké Ball hotel is opening in Japan at a still-secret location [Video]
New Pokémon anniversary song is 22 minutes long, features all 1,025 Pokémon species [Video]
New Japanese convenience store rice balls taste like instant noodles [Taste test]
12-year-old British girl who went missing in Tokyo found safe after visiting anime sites around Yokohama
7-year-old boy left behind on Mt. Fuji by his own dad
Japan’s final Penguin Suica train cards have already shipped, and when they’re gone, they’re gone
Sushi Bus: Japan’s first conveyor-belt bus lets you eat sushi while sightseeing around Tokyo
Studio Ghibli unveils new anime calendars and diary planners for 2027
Study finds hundreds of people in Indonesia legally named after Naruto, Inuyasha, other anime stars
Japan approves foreign resident visa renewal fee increases of up to 967 percent, starts soon
Japan tripled its departure tax to fund tourism but is using the money on cherry blossoms and bears
Solo travel in Japan: Hidden beer garden in Tokyo is a haven for single visitorsKyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Japan announces sudden 400-percent increase in visa fees for foreigners entering the country
Japan’s human washing machines will go on sale to general public, demos to be held in Tokyo
Studio Ghibli has a new anime out, and there’s only one place in the world where you can see it
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]
Tokyo subway installing new ticket gates that don’t accept payment through Suica or other IC cards
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
Put sesame oil in your coffee? Japanese maker says it’s the best way to start your day【Taste test】
Tokyo’s Rikugien Garden announces nighttime foliage illumination event ahead of autumn
Legendary Pokémon statues installed in downtown Tokyo, will be there through the fall
Anime magical girls grow to gigantic size with new Madoka Magica plushies [Photos]
The Legend of Zelda: Ocarina of Time’s remake can be played with an actual ocarina [Video]
Mister Donut releases new sweet potato doughnuts in Japan, and we’ve ranked them from best to worst
Japan’s 20-year Ig Nobel winning streak continues thanks to people blowing their noses
Starbucks Japan unveils new Chilled Cup drinks for autumn
New Japanese ice cream is Ballin, in more ways than one
Tokyo ward looking to change lodging laws, ban more than half of its Airbnb-style rentals
New Transforming Business Card case brings anime mecha to Japanese work meetings
Converse Japan releases green tea cup sneakers so you can wear your love for sushi on your feet
Uniqlo’s sister brand will be waiting with Pokémon sweaters and parkas this fall [Pics]
Join Naked in the Niwa garden: Kyoto Station’s newest spot to craft traditional art
Japan’s revolving sushi restaurant king Sushiro coming to U.S. this fall with high prices, no tipping
