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.
Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
Opening of new Gundam anime superstore in America postponed indefinitely
Studio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]
McDonald’s Japan officially changes its mascot’s name…to Ronald McDonald
Japan’s first-ever conveyor-belt Sushi Bus announces Tokyo tour start date, reservations now open
Kyoto announces two-tier admission price plan for Nijo Castle, non-residents would pay twice as much
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japanese Shinto ceremonial sand-digging in London celebrates start of British Library expansion
Foreign sports team competing in Japan finds critical uniform item at convenience store
Starbucks Japan keeps the Pumpkin Spice Latte alive this autumnStudio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese person
Lady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goods
Japan’s new travel route literally through the mountains links two other beautiful alpine courses
Japan now has facial-recognition ticket gates, but why aren’t people using them?Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japan’s Cell Phone Memory Restart event reunites users with old photos and past selves
Foreign tourists get free Shinkansen tickets in Japan, and here’s how to claim themJapan’s first-ever conveyor-belt Sushi Bus announces Tokyo tour start date, reservations now openStarbucks Japan unveils new Pokémon collaboration with Pikachu Latte and exclusive goodsFamily Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in JapanStudio Ghibli’s Calcifer is ready to light up your home as a magical-looking candle lamp [Photos]Japan announces new permanent residency guidelines, foreigners must earn more than average Japanese personLady Gaga and Family Mart team up for a Japanese convenience store work video [Video]
New Gundam Base superstores coming soon in the U.S., with one opening this month
Kyoto temple bans visitors from wearing kimono
Studio Ghibli releases new plush mascot character collection with a focus on friendship
Studio Ghibli releases new onigiri rice ball-shaped lunch bag for Kiki’s Delivery Service fans
Do Japan’s new single-minded convenience store bento show depressing poverty or satisfying focus?
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】
Kyoto announces two-tier admission price plan for Nijo Castle, non-residents would pay twice as much
Family Mart releases 47 convenience store socks and stickers, one for every prefecture in Japan
Japanese Shinto ceremonial sand-digging in London celebrates start of British Library expansion
Foreign sports team competing in Japan finds critical uniform item at convenience store
Starbucks Japan keeps the Pumpkin Spice Latte alive this autumn
Starbucks Japan unveils new Pumpkin Soupuccino for autumn
Foreign tourists get free Shinkansen tickets in Japan, and here’s how to claim them
Toys R Us is leaving Japan after 35 years in the country
Starbucks Japan releases new Pikachu Honey Cream Latte into the wild for new Pokémon collaboration
“We’d heard Japan’s sentences are light” say foreign travelers arrested for Tokyo robberies
Casio collaborates with a Kyoto foil master for a luxurious one million yen G-SHOCK
Sample lots of little Japanese dishes at this hidden all-you-can-eat lunch buffet in Shinjuku
7-Eleven Japan goes viral for new Salted Caramel Nut Latte hack
To stir, or not to stir – A Japanese rice cooker debate
